As I get older and have a house of my own, I’m discovering little house ‘perks’ that we didn’t have growing up. Like double sinks, a garage and, my favorite, the garbage disposal. It’s not that my upbringing was rough, but we always ended up in old houses where there was no way you were getting your own bathroom (much less your own sink), scraping the windshield in winter was a given, and you were definitely going to be hauling kitchen scraps out back.
Now I use the garbage disposal and dishwasher like they are going out of style. Which inevitably leads to a bit of kitchen funk every now and again. After trying the simple tricks of using citrus peels and white vinegar I had a light bulb moment – why not put them together?!
Making frozen citrus and vinegar garbage disposal ice cubes is the easiest thing ever. Especially if your family is going through Cuties like a blight this time of year.
It’s kind of embarrassing how giddy I got about this idea. I mean, it’s a garbage disposal. But I seriously have a phobia about sticking my hand in that machine – which, obviously, you shouldn’t do, unless your kids like to put spoons down it every once in a while and you’re forced to brave the depths. Shudder.
Supplies needed
—White vinegar (helpful tip: you can find vinegar in ketchup aisle at the grocery store. Not with cleaners or with other vinegars, like you might guess.)
—Citrus peels
—Muffin tin or ice cube tray
Step 1 | Put citrus peels in muffin tin
Put a few citrus peels into a muffin tin or ice cube tray.
Step 2 | Add vinegar & freeze
Fill with vinegar. Freeze until solid and transfer to lidded container.
If you’re having trouble getting the frozen pucks out, stick a butter knife into the edge in a couple of spots. Mine popped right out when I did that.
Step 3 | Use as needed
To use, put a cube down the disposal and run it. The ice actually helps to sharpen the disposal blade, and your funky kitchen smells will be replaced with a super yum citrus scent!
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Even though I use liquid fabric soap, I always put a generous sprinkle of Borax in the loads because I know it makes the laundry cleaner and more fresh. I have never thought to use it in other places in the house, but I am going to go do the disposal right now
Such a great article you had shared. I didn’t hear about that before. Just loved it! Keep posting like this type of articles :)
So loved it and it works, though one thing for me is that I made these like 4 days ago (froze them and once frozen i put mine into ziplock bags) but my freezer still smells very strongly of vinegar. Any ideas on ways to get ride of it? Its a bit overpowering and i’m a little worried about the other food. Thanks!
Now this is a kitchen idea that really caught my attention and one I want to try. In fact I’m going to try it this afternoon. I’ve always used vinegar to freshen up my garbage disposal and for a quick refresh in a rinse cycle, but never with the introduction of the orange essence. Thanks so much!
I always make my husband stick his hand down the disposal when we lose a spoon down there, I just can’t do it!!
You don’t think the ice is harsh on the blades or whatever? It won’t hurt it or break it because if the disposal gets broken, I’m in trouble. Husband can’t fix it. Must call his dad!!!
No Laura, I always use baking soda and ice cubes to freshen up my garbage disposal, the ice cubes sharpen the blades, and the baking soda freshens the disposal! Also, you can use lemons!
Garbage disposals don’t have blades. They’re plates that crush food rather than cut it. So there is nothing to sharpen.
Great idea! I don’t like sticking my hand down there either.
Totally! I seriously have a phobia about that….
I thought it is food. Would be super yummy if it is orange jelly. Just curious what is garbage disposal?
How do you keep the cubes from melting?
How genius is this? And I happen to have a bag of cuties on my counter too! Can’t wait to try this out, I am so terrified of even the thought of sticking my hand in that slimy yuckiness!
xo
Lia