Clean Your Disposal Day, observed annually on June 30, encourages everyone to give their often-overlooked garbage disposal some much-needed attention. This day is a perfect reminder to tackle grime, banish odors, and ensure this indispensable kitchen appliance continues to run smoothly. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh and prevent common disposal issues.
History of Clean Your Disposal Day
Have you ever wondered how we went from scraping food scraps into the trash to simply flipping a switch and watching them disappear down the drain? The garbage disposal is one of those kitchen essentials we take for granted, but its story is surprisingly fascinating.
The garbage disposal was invented in 1927 by John W. Hammes in Racine, Wisconsin. As an architect, Hammes had an eye for design and efficiency, but it was his desire to make kitchen cleanup easier for his wife that sparked his greatest invention. So he created the first food waste disposer — essentially a small, motorized grinder that could pulverize food scraps so they could wash safely down the kitchen sink.
But Hammes wasn’t in any rush to change the world overnight. He spent six years tinkering and perfecting his device, finally seeking a patent in 1933. The patent was granted in 1935, and by 1940, the first garbage disposal hit the market under his company name, InSinkErator. In that time, General Electric introduced their garbage disposal system. The Disposall was released in 1935, so there is some dispute about who really invented the garbage disposal.
Despite the usefulness of the invention, not everyone embraced it. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, many cities actually banned residents from putting food waste into their sewer systems. Municipal authorities were genuinely worried about overwhelming their aging infrastructure and contaminating water supplies. These concerns weren’t unfounded either. Even as late as the 1970s, New York City prohibited kitchen garbage disposals, fearing the impact on their aging sewer systems and the discharge of organic waste into nearby rivers.
That’s exactly why Clean Your Disposal Day matters. It’s about being a responsible owner of this remarkable invention that transformed how we handle kitchen waste.
Clean Your Disposal Day FAQs
How often do garbage disposals need to be emptied?
Regularly used garbage disposals need to be emptied once a week.
How to clean a disposal that smells?
To clean a smelly disposal, first, use ice and salt: grind a few cups of ice cubes and a cup of coarse salt with cold water to dislodge food. Next, deodorize with baking soda and vinegar; pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar, let it sit, then flush. Alternatively, scrub with citrus by grinding small pieces of lemon, lime, or orange under cold water to clean blades and neutralize odors. These methods will help eliminate unpleasant smells and leave your disposal fresh.
How often should you clean garbage disposal?
If you use your disposal daily, it’s recommended that you clean it once a week. Food scraps, fats and oil can build up in the system so it’s best to clean it regularly to keep it running smoothly.
Clean Your Disposal Day Activities
Clean with ice and salt
Add a few cups of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt or coarse salt down your disposal. Turn on the cold water and the disposal, allowing it to grind the ice and salt. This mixture helps to dislodge stubborn food particles and scour the grinding components.
Deodorize with baking soda and vinegar
Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This creates a fizzing reaction that can help break down grease and eliminate lingering smells.
Scrub with citrus
Cut up a lemon, lime, or orange into small pieces and drop them into the disposal. Turn on the cold water and the disposal. The citrus fruit will not only help to clean the blades and neutralize odors, but it will also leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
Other Useful Kitchen Inventions
Can opener
The can opener as we know it today, with two wheels, was invented by the Star Can Opener Company in 1925 — improving on a 1870 design by William Lyman.
Tupperware
These handy storage containers were invented by Earl Tupper in 1946.
Food processor
The original was invented by Pierre Verdon in Paris in 1927, but a newer and improved version was created by an American, Carl Sontheimer, in 1973 called the Cuisinart.
Saran wrap
Introduced in 1949 by the Dow Chemical Company from Michigan, U.S., it was actually an accidental discovery.
Paper towels
These were invented by the Scott Paper Company in 1907.
Why We Love Clean Your Disposal Day
Makes your kitchen smell fresh
After cleaning out your garbage disposal, your kitchen will be so much fresher. If you use something with a nice scent when cleaning, it will be even better
Keeps your disposal working well
Regular cleaning of your disposal helps it run better, The grinders are sharpened and any residual food scraps are cleared out.
A reminder of a vital kitchen invention
We often forget how revolutionary the garbage disposal was when it was invented. Before it, kitchens were much messier and food waste disposal was a bigger chore. Clean Your Disposal Day reminds us to appreciate this invention and keep it in good working order.
Clean Your Disposal Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 30 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 30 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | June 30 | Friday |
| 2029 | June 30 | Saturday |
