How to Sanitize a Garbage Disposal

Run the water when you dispose of food for at least 15 seconds. If it is grease, turn on the hot water, as this will break it down and let it dissolve quicker.

Pour a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and turn on the garbage disposal with the cold water. Run for at least 20 seconds.

Eat an orange or use a citrus fruit and save the peel. Deposit into the garbage disposal with a little bit of dish soap the next time you use it with the water running forcefully for a minimum of 30 seconds, or until you hear it clear.

Pour about 1/2 cup of vinegar down the garbage disposal and let it sit for awhile. Then run the garbage disposal with a generous amount of water for about 30 seconds. Vinegar is an effective grease cutter and an old-fashioned disinfectant.

Pour the box of baking soda you used to freshen the fridge or freezer down the garbage disposer to sanitize it and use one box of baking soda for two household tasks.

Pour concentrated liquid bleach down the disposal for a sink free of soap or chemical residue. Allow to sit for several minutes with the drain cap on. Remove the drain cap on, run the garbage disposal with cold water forcefully for about 30 seconds.

For tougher problems, you can purchase garbage disposal cleaners, deodorizers and even sanitizer tablets, however, most times small problems can be solved with the previous steps.