How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal might be the unsung hero of your kitchen, but it needs regular maintenance to stay fresh and manage food waste effectively. Learning how to clean a smelly garbage disposal is essential for maintaining a hygienic kitchen and preventing unpleasant odors. With the right approach and environmentally responsible cleaning methods, you can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

Safety First: Before You Start

Before cleaning your garbage disposal, disconnect the power to your disposal by unplugging it from the electrical outlet under the sink or by turning off the corresponding circuit breaker. Keep the disposal switched off throughout the entire cleaning process. Never put your hands inside the garbage disposal, even when it’s turned off. The blades can cause serious injuries.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, like bleach, that can damage the unit’s components. Instead, opt for natural, environmentally responsible cleaning solutions that are safer for both your family and the disposal system.

What You'll Need to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Gather these common household items to clean your garbage disposal:

• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Coarse salt
• Ice cubes
• Citrus peels (lemon, lime, or orange)
• Toothbrush
• Mild dish soap
• Tongs or pliers
• Flashlight

These natural supplies work together to clean, deodorize, and maintain your disposal without using harsh chemicals that are potentially harmful to the environment and your plumbing system.

Step-by-Step Garbage Disposal Cleaning Process

Cleaning a garbage disposal involves these five simple steps.

Step 1: Rinse and Remove Debris

Prepare the unit for deeper cleaning with an initial inspection and rinse. After turning off and unplugging the disposal, use a flashlight to inspect the inside for debris, food particles, or foreign objects. Without reaching your hand into the chamber, carefully remove anything you find using tongs or pliers.

Run cold water for about 30 seconds to flush out loose particles. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to chop up and flush away.

Step 2: Deep Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Cleaning a garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar is one of the most effective natural methods available. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by one cup of distilled white vinegar. The combination creates a fizzing reaction that helps break down grime and odor-causing bacteria in the garbage disposal, around the drain, and in the basin of a stainless steel sink.

Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal chamber. Flush the unit with hot water while running the disposal to wash away loosened debris.

Step 3: Scrub the Flaps

The rubber flaps at the top of your disposal collect food particles and grease, and they’re one of several spots you might forget to clean in the kitchen. Part of a clean garbage disposal means paying attention to every component, including the rubber flaps, to eliminate odors and prevent bacterial growth in hidden areas.

With an old toothbrush and a small amount of mild dish soap, gently scrub the underside of these flaps to remove buildup. Be gentle during this step — the rubber can tear with overly aggressive scrubbing.

Step 4: Grind Ice & Salt to Remove Residue

To clean a garbage disposal with ice, fill the unit with ice cubes and add a generous amount of coarse salt. The ice helps knock off stubborn debris from the blades and walls, while the salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away buildup. The grinding action creates a natural scrubbing effect that reaches areas you can’t access manually.

Turn on the garbage disposal and let it run until all the ice has passed through. Follow with a thorough cold water rinse to flush away the loosened particles.

Step 5: Deodorize with Citrus Peels

For a fresh scent, add citrus peels from lemons, limes, or oranges to your garbage disposal unit. Turn it on and grind the peels while running cold water through it. The oils from citrus peels help neutralize odors naturally and leave your appliance smelling clean.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Fresh

Maintaining a clean and odor-free garbage disposal requires consistent care and proper usage habits. Our friends at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing recommend several tips for garbage disposal maintenance. Combined with regular cleaning, these tips extend your unit's lifespan and prevent costly repairs.

Use Your Garbage Disposal Regularly

A dormant disposal is more prone to developing unpleasant odors and mechanical issues. Run the disposal frequently to prevent buildup, corrosion, and failure, even if you don’t have food scraps to process.

Dispose of Grease or Fat Properly

Never pour hot oil, grease, or other fats down any drain, including your garbage disposal. These substances harden and cause serious blockages in your pipes. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it solidify, and throw it in the trash.

Troubleshooting and When to Call a Professional

Even with proper maintenance, garbage disposals can experience issues that require professional attention. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing experts help diagnose and resolve problems beyond basic cleaning and maintenance.

If your disposal stops working, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Persistent clogs, unusual noises, or water leaks often require professional assistance. Foul odors that don't improve after cleaning may indicate a deeper problem within the disposal or connected plumbing.

Rely On The Cleaning Authority for Complete Kitchen Cleaning Solutions

Maintaining your garbage disposal is important, but it's just part of keeping your kitchen clean and sanitary. A comprehensive kitchen cleaning should include regular maintenance of all appliances and surfaces.

If you need professional house cleaning services, contact The Cleaning Authority for a free estimate. For garbage disposal repairs, installation, or maintenance, find a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing location near you for expert plumbing services you can trust.