How and when to use Affresh® garbage disposal cleaner
Steven E / Monday December 23, 2024
Keeping your garbage disposal clean is key to avoiding bad smells and keeping it working like it should. Over time, grease and food buildup can cause odors and slow things down. That’s where Affresh garbage disposal cleaner comes in. It’s a quick and easy way to clean your disposal and keep everything fresh. Let’s go over how and when to use it to make maintaining your disposal easy.
Heads up: The tips here might not be spot-on for every appliance out there. We aim to give handy advice for all sorts of DIY fixes, but different models and setups can mean different steps, error messages, parts, etc. For the best info, it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.
Why use a garbage disposal cleaner?
Cleaning your garbage disposal with Affresh offers several great benefits that help keep your sink running smoothly. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your routine:
- Removes odors: Affresh breaks down food particles, grease, and grime that can cause unpleasant smells.
- Improves performance: Regular cleaning helps your disposal grind food more efficiently by reducing residue buildup.
- Prevents long-term issues: Keeping the disposal clean prevents clogs and buildup that could lead to costly repairs down the road.
- Safe for plumbing and septic systems: Affresh is designed to work with most plumbing setups, including septic systems, so you can use it worry-free.
- Quick and easy: Cleaning takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require disassembling your disposal.
When to use it
Knowing when to clean your garbage disposal with Affresh can help keep it working efficiently and smelling fresh. Here are some signs it’s time to use it:
- If your sink starts to smell funky, it’s a sign that food residue or grease is building up inside the disposal.
- Minor residue buildup can slow water flow, and a quick clean can help.
- If the inside of your disposal looks gross when you check it, it’s time for a deep clean.
How to use Affresh®
Using Affresh to clean your garbage disposal is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Turn on the hot water and let it flow into the sink for about 1–2 minutes. This warms up the pipes and helps loosen any buildup.
- Turn the hot water down to a slow trickle.
- Place one tablet into the disposal.
- Run the garbage disposal for 15–30 seconds to activate the cleaner. You’ll notice a foamy action as the tablet works to break down residue and grease.
- Turn off the disposal and let the water run for another 15–30 seconds to flush away any remaining residue.
Tips for best results:
- Use one tablet per cleaning session.
- Clean your disposal in the evening or after heavy use to give it a fresh start.
That’s all it takes! In just a couple of minutes, your disposal will be cleaner and fresher.
Additional tips for maintaining your garbage disposal
Using Affresh is a great way to clean your garbage disposal, but a little extra care can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly. Here are some tips to help maintain your disposal between cleanings:
- Run cold water while using the disposal: Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding food to help flush debris through the pipes.
- Avoid problem foods: Keep fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins, as well as starchy items like potato peels, out of the disposal. These can clog the system or wrap around the blades.
- Skip grease and oil: Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Clean the splash guard: The rubber splash guard can collect grime and food particles. Remove and clean it regularly with a brush and mild soap.
- Use natural cleaners between Affresh treatments: Sprinkle a little baking soda into the disposal and follow with vinegar for a natural, foaming clean. Rinse with hot water afterward.
- Grind ice cubes occasionally: Grinding a few ice cubes can help clean the blades and remove minor debris buildup.
Cleaners for other appliances
Affresh® garbage disposal cleaner is specifically formulated for cleaning garbage disposals and is not recommended for use in other appliances. Using it in appliances like washing machines or dishwashers could potentially cause damage or be ineffective, as each appliance requires cleaners tailored to their specific components and cleaning needs. it’s best to use cleaners specifically designed for each appliance type:
Washing machines: Washing machine cleaner tablets help remove odor-causing residues and grime that can build up in your washer.
Dishwashers: Dishwasher cleaner tablets are formulated to clean and remove limescale and mineral buildup inside your dishwasher.
Coffee makers: Coffee maker cleaner tablets are designed to descale and clean both multi-cup and single-serve coffee makers, ensuring better-tasting coffee.
Cooktops: The cooktop cleaning kit includes a cleaner, pads, and a scraper to effectively remove tough, cooked-on residues from glass and ceramic cooktops.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel brightener helps remove rust and discoloration, restoring the shine to your stainless steel surfaces.
Ice machine cleaner: Ice machine cleaner removes scale and mineral buildup in freestanding ice machines, ensuring cleaner, fresher ice.
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh
A clean garbage disposal makes a big difference in how your kitchen smells. By adding Affresh® Garbage Disposal Cleaner to your routine, you’ll keep things fresh and clean without much hassle.
Don’t forget, keeping up with maintenance doesn’t just get rid of bad smells, it also helps your disposal last longer by stopping buildup that can cause problems down the line.
For more tips on keeping your appliances in great shape and to find the right parts, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here with expert advice and top-notch parts.
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If you’ve got questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer support team. We’re always happy to help you keep your appliances running smoothly.
With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.


