To clean a garbage disposal and eliminate the odor-causing bacteria, follow these instructions. The first is always to disconnect the power to the appliance before working on it. The easiest way to cut its power is simply by unplugging it. To confirm that the power is off, try turning on the garbage disposal. Next, point a flashlight down the drain to identify objects that may be lodged in, or wound around, the impellers that macerate the solids sent through the disposal. Look for such things as bottle caps, aluminum can pull-tabs, or vegetable fibers. If you find any, remove these items with or tongs. Yes, the second rule of cleaning a garbage disposal is never to stick your hand into the chamber. Restore power to the disposal, so that you can turn on the mechanism while running water down the drain. Keep it on for about a minute, until all the built-up grime and gunk has fallen away from the disposal blades. Check the drain with a again. If the blades are clean, go and shut the power back off. Let the combination fizz for about 15 minutes. In the process, the acidity of the solution kills bacteria, including salmonella and E. Stick with the natural cleaners here; no toxic chemical should be used. Just as bacteria can come flying out of the disposal, compromising the sanitation of your kitchen sink, so too could a chemical. Put some of that paste garbage disposal cleaner an old toothbrush, and use it garbage disposal cleaner scrub down the top and bottom surfaces of the rubber flaps along the neck of the disposal. Those flaps are likely to be as bacteria-ridden as any other component. First, plug the drain opening. Second, run the garbage disposal cleaner in the sink until its basin is about three-quarters full. Add a teaspoon ofthen finally remove the drain plug, letting the water drain out all while the disposal runs. Additional Notes You can add a fresh aroma to the sink and disposal by sending citrus peels through the disposal. And in the future, with regular cleaning of the garbage disposal, you can make sure odors stay away. Mark your calendar with a reminder to clean the garbage disposal every two weeks or so. For regular cleaning, any method works, be it ice and rock salt or vinegar and baking soda. Each takes only a few minutes, and if you stay on top things, you can avoid the more laborious and time-consuming process detailed above.