You could say that the garbage disposal is one of the great inventions of the 20th century -- that is, after the internet, spaceshuttle and artificial intelligence of course. Because when you don't know what to do with that three-day old salad, the garbage disposal will take care of it. If you're feeling too lazy to scrape your plate before you wash it, don't worry, the disposal has got your back.
Of course, you don't want to put just anything down the drain, but the magical way this disposal system works (which this video explains) lets you get away with a lot.
But after a number of leftover dinners you had the disposal deal with, it can start to get a little gross. And, it needs to be cleaned. Of course you don't want to stick your hand in there and give it a scrub, that could be extremely dangerous. Luckily, there are a number of ways to clean the disposal without risking dismemberment.
You can clean the garbage disposal with citrus, throwing down a slice or two, but we happen to think vinegar ice cubes are the best way to go. Not only do they freshen the smell of your disposal and thoroughly clean out the hard-to-get-to crevices, but the ice actually sharpens the blade. Simply freeze vinegar in an ice tray as you would water, and throw on down the drain when in need and turn on the disposal. Just be careful not to confuse these vinegar ice cubes for regular ice!
Be sure not to put these items down your disposal.
