The Tidy Edit: Dishwasher & Disposal Refresh
Dishwasher Deep Clean + Garbage Disposal Refresh (Easy Routine)
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This summer, we enrolled both our boys (ages 4 and 2) in swim school. And let me tell you—our youngest is already cruising ahead while our oldest is still warming up. Part of me wishes we had started him earlier, but as every parent learns, timing and personality play their roles.
At one point, I even considered switching to private lessons through our HOA pool. But after weeks of back-and-forth with the community manager—and the realization that the schedule would change every single week—I waved the white flag. In this season of life, I need predictability. A consistent Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.? Perfect. A different time every week? Absolutely not.
And let’s be honest: while everyone says consistency is important for kids, it’s really us moms who need it most—because we’re the ones juggling all the moving parts.
Which brings me to this week’s Tidy Edit. After last week’s oven-cleaning marathon (my arms are still sore), I was so relieved to land on a task that’s more about maintenance than muscle. Instead of scrubbing for hours, we’re giving some love to two quiet kitchen MVPs: the dishwasher and the garbage disposal.
Both quietly handle the mess of everyday life, saving us time, effort, and a whole lot of sink space. But here’s the thing—they can only work their magic if we show them a little love in return. Regular checks and quick cleanings help them run more efficiently, smell fresher, and last longer.
I don’t deep clean these every quarter, but I do a quick maintenance routine once a month. Affresh tablets are my secret weapon—they’re inexpensive, easy, and keep everything sparkling with minimal effort.
Cleaning the Dishwasher: Operation Sparkle
Step 1: Empty it out
Start with a blank slate—make sure your dishwasher is completely empty.
Step 2: Filter check
Pull out the filter (your owner’s manual can help if you’re not sure where it is). Scrub it with warm water, dish soap, and a small brush. This alone makes a huge difference in how clean your dishes come out.
Step 3: Wipe it down
Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the interior walls, door, and soap dispenser. Don’t forget the rubber seals around the edges—those spots love to collect grime.
Step 4: Deep clean option A (vinegar + baking soda)
Spray the inside walls with vinegar.
Place a bowl with 1–2 cups of vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot cycle (no detergent).
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom, then run another hot cycle.
Step 4: Deep clean option B (Affresh tablets)
Pop one tablet into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot cycle. That’s it—let the tablet do the work.
Cleaning the Garbage Disposal: Bye-Bye, Stinky
Step 1: Clean the flaps
Lift the rubber flaps and scrub with dish soap and a toothbrush.
Step 2: Blade blitz
Freeze vinegar into ice cubes, toss a handful into the disposal, and run it with cold water. The slushy mix scrubs the blades while deodorizing.
Step 3: Deodorize
Pour baking soda into the disposal, let it sit 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. For an extra fresh finish, grind up a lemon peel (or use another Affresh disposal cleaner).
Step 4: Final flush
Run the disposal with cold water for about 30 seconds to clear everything out.
Why It Matters
These quick routines keep your kitchen running smoothly, extend the life of your appliances, and prevent those surprise “why does the sink smell weird?” moments. Best of all, it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
This week’s edit is less about elbow grease and more about consistency—the kind of maintenance that makes a big difference down the road.
Happy tidying!
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Dishwasher Deep Clean + Garbage Disposal Refresh (Easy Routine)