Cleaning Tips

A garbage disposal is a great way to dispose of food scraps efficiently, but keeping it clean isn’t always straightforward. If you don’t maintain it properly, it can develop unpleasant odors, attract fruit flies, or even contribute to plumbing issues.
Regular cleaning doesn’t just eliminate odor-causing bacteria—it can also help prevent dishwasher backups caused by disposal blockages. Plus, a fresh-smelling disposal makes your kitchen feel cleaner overall.

You don’t need harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing to maintain a clean garbage disposal. In fact, strong chemical cleaners can corrode pipes over time. Instead, try these simple, effective methods to keep your disposal clean, fresh and functioning properly.

Clean Your Disposal with Glisten^® Disposer Cleaner

When it comes to maintaining a clean and odor-free kitchen sink, Glisten^® Garbage Disposer Cleaner is the trusted solution. This powerful, biodegradable formula is designed to scrub away odor-causing buildup and food residues from your garbage disposal and drain—reaching areas that conventional cleaners or fresheners often miss.
Unlike tablets or simple deodorizers, Glisten^® Garbage Disposer Cleaner creates a foaming action that fills the entire disposal unit and drainpipes, thoroughly cleaning as it deodorizes. With regular use, it prevents grime, grease, and foul odors from taking over your kitchen sink.

How to use it:

1. Run hot water at a low stream.
2. Turn on the disposal and drop in one Glisten^® Disposer Care^® packet.
3. Allow the foam to rise as it scrubs the disposal and drain lines.
4. Turn off the disposal and rinse away any remaining foam after a few minutes.

It’s that simple. Glisten^® Garbage Disposer Cleaner doesn’t just mask odors—it eliminates them at the source, giving you a cleaner, fresher kitchen with every use. For best results, use weekly or as needed to keep your sink system in top shape.
To maintain a clean and odor-free kitchen, it’s also a good idea to clean your dishwasher regularly. Dishwasher cleaner tablets help remove grease, limescale, and food debris, ensuring your dishes come out spotless every time. Using tablets to clean your dishwasher prevents the buildup that can lead to unpleasant odors and reduced performance.

Why DIY Methods Fall Short—And What Actually Works

DIY cleaning methods like vinegar and baking soda or ice and salt are commonly recommended for garbage disposal maintenance. While these combinations may create a foaming reaction or a scrubbing effect, they typically only address surface-level grime or produce temporary improvements. They don’t have the strength or reach to remove deeply embedded food particles, grease buildup, or biofilm that accumulates over time in hidden areas like drainpipes, splash guards, and internal disposal components. Most notably, these homemade methods do not fully eliminate odors at the source—and they rarely leave behind a fresh, lasting scent.
When it comes to truly deep-cleaning and deodorizing your kitchen disposal and dishwasher systems, Glisten^® and Plink^® offer solutions that DIY methods simply can’t match.

Glisten^® Garbage Disposer Cleaner – A Deep Clean You Can Trust

Glisten^® Garbage Disposer Cleaner is the only EPA-registered garbage disposal cleaner and deodorizer. Its powerful foaming action reaches deep into the disposal and drainpipes, scrubbing away the hidden grease, food residues, and foul-smelling buildup that DIY solutions often leave behind. The formula is biodegradable, safe for septic systems, and incredibly easy to use—just drop in a packet, turn on the disposal with water, and let the foam do the heavy lifting.
Regular use not only eliminates odors but also helps maintain the performance and longevity of your disposal unit. No measuring, no mess, and no guessing—just professional-grade clean with every use.

Plink^® Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner – Instant Freshness, Lasting Impact

For day-to-day odor control, Plink^® Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner offers a quick, refreshing boost. These easy-to-use, pre-measured balls release a burst of citrus scent while helping to loosen light buildup. They’re perfect for in-between deep cleanings and work well as part of a broader maintenance routine.

Avoid Using Citrus Peels

While some people recommend using citrus peels to freshen a garbage disposal, this method is less effective than it seems. Citrus oils provide a pleasant scent, but a lot of that oil ends up on your hands and cutting board before making it into the disposal. Additionally, large or thick peels can clog the grinder by getting caught in it.
Instead, use Plink^® Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner , which harnesses the power of citrus oils without the mess or risk of disposal damage. It’s safe for drains and septic systems, ensuring a hassle-free way to keep your garbage disposal fresh.

Plink doesn’t just mask odors—it helps prevent them. And when paired with Glisten^® Disposer Care^® for deeper weekly cleaning, you can keep your sink system running smoothly and smelling fresh every day.

 

Don’t Forget the Dishwasher

Just like your sink disposal, your dishwasher benefits from regular maintenance. Glisten^® Dishwasher Cleaner tackles the grease, food residue, and odor-causing buildup that accumulate behind filters, in hoses, and around spray arms. For in-between deep cleans, Glisten^® Dishwasher Cleaner & Freshener offers dual action—cleansing and deodorizing to keep your machine fresh and efficient.

Bottom line: DIY hacks might seem convenient, but they only scratch the surface. For a cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic kitchen, trust the science-backed regimen of Glisten^® and Plink^®.

Keep Your Kitchen Fresh

Maintaining a clean garbage disposal is a simple task with the right approach. Whether you use Plink, a vinegar and baking soda mix, or an ice-and-salt scrub, regular cleaning prevents odors and keeps your disposal running smoothly.
For a truly fresh kitchen, extend your cleaning routine to your dishwasher. Dishwasher cleaner tablets, dishwasher cleaning tabs, and other specialized products help remove buildup and maintain optimal performance. Using tablets to clean your dishwasher ensures sparkling clean dishes while eliminating hidden grime and odors.