Drop a couple of ice cubes into your garbage disposal. Find out why. This is something most maintenance professionals won't reveal

Garbage disposals are powerful kitchen tools that grind up food waste and dispose of it easily, keeping your sink clean and free of clogs. But like any appliance, they require maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. You might already know some common care tips like running cold water while the disposal is in use and avoiding certain types of waste, such as fibrous vegetables and bones. However, there is a lesser-known, almost-secret technique used by some maintenance professionals to keep a disposal running smoothly: using ice cubes. This simple yet effective hack can greatly extend the life and performance of your garbage disposal.

1. Cleans Blades Effectively: Over time, food debris can cling to the shredder blades inside your garbage disposal. Dropping ice cubes into the unit while it's running causes them to bounce around the chamber, knocking off any residual food particles and sludge from the blades. Through this process, the blades are scrubbed and the overall efficiency of the disposal is maintained.

2. Sharpens Blades: Contrary to popular belief, a garbage disposal doesn't really have "blades" in the traditional sense. It has impellers that are not sharp in the way kitchen knives are. Ice cubes, however, help these impellers maintain their efficiency by knocking off any buildup and ensuring they are clean enough to grind food waste properly.

3. Removes Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells are often a sign that old food waste is lingering inside your disposal. Using ice cubes, especially when combined with a bit of citrus peel or vinegar, can not only clean but also help eliminate these unsavory odors, leaving your disposal smelling fresh.

4. Addresses Potential Clogs: Occasionally, some waste fragments do not exit the disposal unit entirely and can cause minor clogs that aren't noticeable until they become a bigger problem. Ice helps to knock these loose so they can be flushed down the drain.

5. Safe and Inexpensive: Ice is a safe cleaning agent. It doesn’t contain chemicals that might damage the pipes or the disposal system over time. It's also extremely cost-effective compared to specialized commercial cleaners.

Now that you know the benefits of using ice cubes for your garbage disposal, here's how to do it properly:

1. Fill the disposal with a couple of cups of ice cubes. You don't need to crush the ice; whole cubes are preferred.

2. If you're trying to remove odors, add a slice of lemon or a splash of vinegar to the ice.

3. Turn on the garbage disposal without running water. Let the ice grind up for a minute or so; you will hear a loud crunching noise as the ice is pulverized.

4. Once the crunching noise lessens, turn on the cold water and continue to run the disposal for another minute. This will help push all the loosened debris through the drain.

5. Repeat this process as needed whenever your disposal needs a thorough cleaning or smells unpleasant, typically once a month.

In conclusion, while dropping ice cubes into your garbage disposal might sound like a pro tip shrouded in mystery, it’s based on practical and efficient maintenance principles. Not only will it keep your disposal's blades clean and fresh, but it will also save you from potential plumbing headaches and subsequent costs. The next time you notice your disposal could use a little TLC, remember that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective – and in this case, just a couple of ice cubes away.