Simple Tool Keeps Garbage Disposal Clean • Everyday Cheapskate

Some days I just have to smack myself in the forehead. Why didn’t I think of that?!

Doesn’t it make sense that by now someone would have come up with a simple, inexpensive gadget to clean an icky, stinky garbage disposal? It make sense to me, and guess what? Someone has!

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FRESH AND CLEAN DISPOSER. Reading a recent post about cleaning a garbage disposer prompted me to tell you about a brush that is made just for this purpose. Mine is just like this Mr. Scrappy Disposer Brush (about $9), and I’ve had it for at least 10 years. This brush is designed to thoroughly clean all the way inside the disposer and also under the splash guard. I put baking soda, white vinegar, and water into the disposal then push the brush in while it’s bubbling to clean all around and up under the splash guard. It’s remarkable, easy to use, and keeps my sink and kitchen smelling fresh and clean. My brush is showing some wear now, so I just ordered a new one. Fran

SWEET TRADITION. I got this idea from a former coworker. Every Christmas she gave her granddaughter a special Christmas tree ornament, making sure it was one that had the year inscribed on it. She did this for more than 20 years so that when her granddaughter got married, she had a full set to start her own tradition. Sylvia

DRYER SHEET ALT-USE. An easy way to clean grill grates or oven racks is to line your bathtub with an old towel or bath mat (to protect its finish) plus five or six dryer sheets. Set the grill or oven racks on top, add 1/4 cup blue Dawn and fill the tub with hot water so that the grates/racks are covered. Let sit overnight. In the morning the gunk will have softened because of the anti-static agents in the dryer sheets and the degreasing power of blue Dawn. Use a sponge to wipe them clean, or a scrubber for extra tough situations. Barbara

OVEN GLASS CLEANER. Years ago an appliance repair technician came out to repair our oven. I asked him how he cleans the glass door on a self-cleaning gas oven. He recommended using a paint scraper (the kind that uses a single-edge razor blade in a metal holder). It works like a charm. It’s nice not to have to use strong chemicals. Sheila

WOBBLE FIXER. Another great use for pennies: Tape one or two (more as needed) to the top of a ceiling fan blade that is off balance. Bobbi

HOME CHEF RECYCLE. The Goin’ Postal shipping store in our community will gratefully recycle the packaging materials that come in a Home Chef box by using it to package their clients shipments. It’s possible that other shipping services will do the same thing. As for the ice packs, most schools will be grateful to take them. Dawn

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