An inexpensive and easy way to clean a garbage disposal.

We’ve poured all kinds of things down our kitchen garbage disposal to make it clean and sweet-smelling — orange and grapefruit peels, dried-out lemons, baking soda and vinegar.

But we never thought of throwing salt down there — until we read this tip.

Here’s how it works:

  • Fit a stopper into the sink, and fill with hot water and a squirt of dish detergent.
  • Turn on the disposal and let the soapy water drain, pushing gunk down the drain with it.
  • Throw 3 or 4 ice cubes and a handful of large-grain salt, such as Kosher, down the drain and run the disposal.
  • Flush with water, and you’ve got a clean disposal. Grind up a few lemons if you want a fresh, citrus smell.

Voila! A fresh-smelling drain!

Do you know what one of the worst things is you can put down your disposal?

Leave a comment below if you have garbage disposal tips or questions.