Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1

   Ice

   Fill the drain with ice. 

2. 2
   Step 2

   Rock salt

   Pour the rock salt down the drain and over the ice cubes. 

3. 3
   Step 3

   Run disposal

   Turn on the cold water and run the disposal until all the ice has been rinsed away. Leave the disposal and cold water running.

4. 4
   Step 4

   Lemons

   Carefully drop the lemon quarters in one at a time.

   Once the fruit is gone, turn off the disposal.

5. 5
   Step 5

   Let cold water run

   Let the cold water run for about 30 seconds before shutting it off.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Clean rubber flange

   The rubber flange — more commonly known as the splash guard — should also be cleaned monthly. After all, it’s constantly being bombarded with bits of food and cooking debris, so there’s no telling what’s stuck on the underside.
   
   You’ll need:

   • Dishwashing gloves
   • An old toothbrush
   • Dish soap
   • A bowl or small bucket

   1. Make a mixture of hot soapy water in your bowl or small bucket.
   2. Put your gloves on.
   3. Lift up one section of the splash guard at a time, and use the toothbrush and soapy water to scrub both the underside and top of the flaps.
   4. Make sure you rinse the brush regularly so that you’re not just spreading slime around.
   5. After you’ve cleaned the gunk off each section, rinse both sides of the splash guard well with hot water.