If you are anything like me, your sink (and whole kitchen) could probably use a deep cleaning to get out all the grease and grime from your grub from the Super Bowl--chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, bacon-wrapped lil’ smokies, and any other appetizers you decided to make. Your kitchen went to H-E-Double Hockey Sticks and back for you for the big day and it's time for you to show it some love back.

Today we are going to talk about cleaning and refreshing the garbage disposal--which is the most common place for stink in the kitchen. I have started making these awesome deodorizing and cleansing ice cubes to clean my garbage disposal and I’m never going back. They are super simple ice cubes made from lemon and vinegar that are easy and very effective. 

These cleaning ice cubes are a triple threat against the dirtiest disposal--the ice dislodges stuck-on-gunk from the grinding elements, the vinegar disinfects, and the lemon deodorizes and adds a fresh smell. 

All you need to make these ice cubes are three things: an ice cube tray, a lemon, and white vinegar. 

First, go ask three adorable little people to each pick the BEST lemon they can find from the lemon tree in the backyard.

Slice your lemon and add one or two pieces into each ice cube mold.

Then fill the molds the rest of the way with vinegar.

Store them in a ziptop freezer bag when they are completely frozen (this helps to keep your freezer from smelling like vinegar) and pop one or two into your sink every week for a deodorized, fresh cleaning garbage disposal.

But before you pop any of them into your sink, I thought this was a good tip--always check to make sure there isn’t something in the garbage disposal that shouldn’t be, like a measuring spoon or something. In order to do this, refrain from sticking your hand down there--it is best to use a pair of tongs just to be safe. 

DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THIS PART TOO!

Another place you can really easily clean that is often the source of the stink in your sink is the black rubber splash guard. A lot of times it is actually easily removable so you can see if yours lifts out easily. If not, just have a bowl of hot soapy water nearby and gently peel back one corner at a time to scrub under it and on top of it with a toothbrush really thoroughly. Do this once a week and that will eliminate a lot of gunk and stink from your kitchen.

Do you have any tips for keeping your garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh? Please share in the comments below.