Home Care Challenge: Dishwasher & Garbage Disposal, Take Two
Dishwasher & Garbage Disposal Refresh
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As I mentioned last week, we’re knee-deep in planning some home projects—one of which is a much-needed paint refresh in the bedrooms. After moving our boys into a shared room, the wear and tear behind the changing table really started to show. Let’s just say, the toys that kept them entertained during wiggly diaper changes also doubled as wall art tools.
If you have flat paint in your home, you know the struggle—it doesn't hold up well to sticky fingers, rogue toys, or the occasional juice splash. After years of spot cleaning and trying to blend in touch-ups, I’ve hit my limit.
Before taking on the task of painting three bedrooms (on top of working full-time and managing the house), I decided to get a few quotes. Just to see if outsourcing might be worth preserving a bit of my sanity.
Oh boy, have you ever had a service professional who was pleasant but condescending at the same time? Thankfully, I live by the “rule of three” when it comes to getting estimates, and this guy didn’t make the cut.
So, while I spiral over whether to go with greige, beige, or “greige but warmer,” let’s shift our focus to this week’s Home Care Challenge—which is a repeat from Week 6.
Why We're Repeating This Task
Since we already tackled the dishwasher and garbage disposal a few weeks ago, this round should be quicker and easier. That’s the beauty of consistent home care—the more often you do it, the less effort it takes each time.
This is one of those maintenance items that doesn’t always require a full deep clean. A little monthly upkeep goes a long way in keeping things running smoothly (and smelling fresh).
Clean the Dishwasher + Garbage Disposal
Dishwasher Cleaning Steps
Empty the Dishwasher. Start with a clean slate.
Clean the Filter. Remove and scrub with dish soap and a brush. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to take it out.
Wipe Down the Interior. Use a microfiber cloth on the walls, door, and soap dispensers. Don’t forget the rubber seals.
Run a Cleaning Cycle:
Option 1: Vinegar & Baking Soda
Spray vinegar on the interior, place a bowl with 1–2 cups of vinegar on the top rack, and run a hot cycle with no detergent. Then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another hot cycle.Option 2: Dishwasher Cleaner
Use something like Affresh—just follow the package instructions for a single cycle.
Garbage Disposal Cleaning Steps
Clean the Rubber Flaps. Scrub with dish soap and an old toothbrush.
Clean the Blades. Freeze vinegar into ice cubes, grind them in the disposal with some cold water to create a slush, then rinse.
Deodorize. Pour baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then follow with a lemon peel or an Affresh tablet.
Flush It Out. Run cold water for about 30 seconds while the disposal is on to clear out any remaining debris.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dishwasher and garbage disposal clean doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. A little consistency now helps avoid major scrubbing later—and keeps everything running the way it should.
Now if only picking a paint color was this straightforward...
Let me know:
Do you have a go-to appliance cleaner you love—or a trick for keeping flat paint walls looking decent with kids in the house? Drop it in the comments!
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Because once isn’t always enough—let’s keep those machines fresh and safe.