Turn off the Disposal: Make sure the garbage disposal is completely turned off before you begin cleaning.

Pour in Baking Soda: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain of your garbage disposal. This will help break down food particles and grease that cause odors.

Add Vinegar: Slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will create a fizzy reaction that loosens grime. Let the mixture sit and fizz for about 10 minutes.

Rinse with Hot Water: After the fizzing stops, rinse the garbage disposal by running hot water for about 1 minute to flush away any remaining debris.

Freshen with Lemon: Cut a lemon in half and drop it into the disposal. Turn on the disposal, run cold water, and let the citrus oils from the lemon freshen up your unit while also helping to scrub away stubborn residue.

Optional Step for Deep Cleaning: For extra scrubbing power, throw a few ice cubes and a tablespoon of salt into the disposal, then turn it on. The ice helps dislodge any trapped food, while the salt provides an abrasive action that removes grime.