A garbage disposal pulverizes food scraps at the flip of a switch, preventing clogged pipes and lingering odors in your kitchen. This nifty engineering feat can be a godsend, making dishwashing a bit easier since food residue that can’t be easily scraped into the trash or compost bin can be safely rinsed down the sink.Though garbage disposals are constantly rinsed with water and nearly clean themselves, stubborn (and odor-causing) grit and grime tend to stick around. Fortunately, cleaning a garbage disposal is relatively quick and easy: All you need is dish soap, hot water, and ice cubes. (Despite what your grandmother may have told you, cleaning your garbage disposal with a whole lemon or a significant amount of powder dishwasher detergent could cause a backup.)Here’s how to keep your machine fresh and ready for action.