How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal does a lot of dirty work. It can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and foul odors without regular cleaning. How so? Over time, food particles and grease buildup, leading to clogs and inefficiency. Keeping your disposal clean helps it run smoothly and extends its lifespan.

Learn more about how to clean a garbage disposal so you don’t have to deal with these issues.

Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal is Essential

Your garbage disposal is like a trash can without a bag. Sure, it self-cleans by grinding away food particles, but that’s not enough to eliminate built-up grime and stuck debris. Left unchecked, a dirty garbage disposal can lead to:

• Bacteria and mold buildup that smells unpleasant and makes your sink unsanitary
• Clogs that lead to slow draining and backups
• Dulled blades that make the disposal less efficient

These are just a few of the reasons why you should be cleaning your garbage disposal regularly.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

If you’re wondering how to clean inside your garbage disposal, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the steps you’ll need to properly clean and maintain your garbage disposal.

What Do I Need to Clean a Garbage Disposal?

First things first: supplies. You should have most of these lying around your kitchen:

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Ice cubes
• Rock salt
• Lemon or citrus peels
• An old toothbrush or scrub brush
• Tongs or pliers (for safely removing trapped debris)

Step-by-Step Garbage Disposal Cleaning Process

Once you’ve gathered everything you need to clean your garbage disposal, here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the power and remove the rubber splash guard. Always unplug the disposal or turn off the circuit breaker before cleaning to prevent accidents.
2. Remove any large debris. Use tongs or pliers to pull out any trapped food particles or objects inside the disposal.
3. Flush with hot water and soap. Run hot water and dish soap to help loosen grease and grime.
4. Use baking soda and vinegar. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water.
5. Scrub the rubber splash guard. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the underside of the rubber flaps where grime often builds up.
6. Freshen with ice, salt, and lemon. Toss in a handful of ice cubes and rock salt, then run the disposal to help clean the blades. Follow up with lemon peels for a fresh scent.

How to Clean an InSinkErator Garbage Disposal

Cleaning an InSinkErator isn’t any different from cleaning another model. You can follow the exact same steps.

For the best results, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see if there are any tips for your specific model. Be sure to use non-corrosive cleaning agents and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the unit.

Best Ways to Clean a Garbage Disposal

We’ve gone over the main way to clean a garbage disposal above, but here are a few alternative suggestions if you want to try some other effective options:

• Fill your sink halfway with water. Pour in ¼ cup of baking soda, then remove the stopper and turn on the disposal.
• Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen grime and clean away food debris.
• Try a disposal cleaner or degreaser if more natural concoctions haven’t been able to cut through the grime.

How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal

If your disposal smells bad, it can spread throughout the kitchen and make the whole room feel unclean. Here’s how you can clean a smelly garbage disposal:

• Grind lemon or citrus peels to neutralize odors.
• Pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain and let it sit before rinsing.
• Put ice cubes and salt through the disposal to remove built-up food residue.
• Use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down rotting food.

How to Clean a Clogged Garbage Disposal

A clogged garbage disposal can be frustrating, but don’t panic. Here are a few tips for unclogging your disposal — and remember, always cut the power to your disposal before reaching inside:

• Shine a flashlight into the disposal to spot any food particles or debris that could be obstructing the blades.
• Use tongs or pliers (not your hands) to safely remove any large pieces of food or items that could be causing the blockage.
• Press the reset button (typically on the bottom of the unit) to reset the motor. This can help if the disposal’s overload protector is triggered.
• Use a plunger to tackle stubborn clogs. Fill the sink with some water, then pump up and down several times to help loosen any stubborn debris inside the disposal.

If you still can’t get the disposal working, use an Allen wrench or a hex key to manually turn the disposal’s flywheel. Insert the wrench into the bottom of the disposal and rotate it back and forth to break free any clogs.

When to Call a Plumbing Professional

If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting tips and your disposal is still not functioning correctly, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Persistent clogs could be a more serious issue, such as a jammed motor or a larger plumbing problem beyond the disposal itself.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean

Knowing how to care for and clean your garbage disposal is key to extending its lifespan. Use these maintenance tips to prevent clogs, foul odors, and unnecessary repairs.

• Always run cold water while using the disposal. Using cold water helps to solidify any grease or oils, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up.
• Avoid putting grease, bones, or fibrous foods down the disposal. These can coat the interior, damage the blades and motor, and even create jams.
• Clean the disposal weekly. This helps to prevent the buildup of food scraps and odors.
• Sharpen blades with ice and salt. To keep blades in tip-top shape, toss a handful of ice cubes and rock salt into the disposal and run it. The ice helps scrape off the built-up residue, while the salt acts as an abrasive, sharpening the blades and preventing rust.

• Run the disposal regularly. Even if you don’t use your disposal every day, it’s a good idea to run it periodically to prevent rust and keep the moving parts from seizing up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Garbage Disposal

Can I Put Ice in My Garbage Disposal?

Yes! Ice helps clean the blades and remove food residue.

Does Lemon Clean a Garbage Disposal?

Lemon peels help freshen the disposal, but they should be used alongside other cleaning methods for a deeper clean.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Fresh and Functional

A clean garbage disposal keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and prevents plumbing issues. Try these cleaning tips today and enjoy a hassle-free kitchen.

If you’re dealing with persistent clogs or foul odors that you just can’t get rid of, consider calling a professional Roto-Rooter plumber for assistance. Our experts can perform more advanced troubleshooting and cleaning steps to get your garbage disposal as good as new. Schedule your appointment online now.