Is your kitchen smelling funky and you can’t figure out why? It might be your garbage disposal. This essential appliance deals with a lot of food scraps, grease, and debris, but without proper maintenance, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors.
Whether you’re sprucing up your kitchen in your Phoenix, AZ home, an Atlanta, GA loft, or Boise, ID rental, understanding how to properly clean your garbage disposal can save you from clogs, odors, and potential breakdowns.
This comprehensive guide from Redfin provides expert-approved methods and DIY kitchen cleaning supplies to keep your garbage disposal clean, odor-free, and working efficiently.
Why is cleaning your garbage disposal important?
It’s easy to neglect your garbage disposal until it starts smelling or clogging. Regular cleaning helps prolong its lifespan and prevents unpleasant kitchen odors.
“Kitchen sinks are where all your important food preparation happens,” says Tony from Homeworks Cleaning Service in Philadelphia, PA. “Keeping the garbage disposal in top condition and smelling fresh impresses our customers and enhances our cleaning service.”
In addition to odors, a dirty garbage disposal can lead to stubborn clogs and even damage the appliance. Yaqub Najimi of Farmingdale, NY-based eco-friendly drain product makers TubShroom warns, “Accumulated grime can cause overheating or complete shutdowns, posing a safety hazard if not addressed.”
How often should you clean your garbage disposal?
A good rule of thumb is to clean your garbage disposal once a week if you use it frequently, or every two weeks if you use it less often. Regular maintenance can prevent odors and keep the blades sharp, especially if you have homemade cleaners on hand.
How to clean a garbage disposal: 4 expert-approved methods
Before starting, always turn off the power to the unit by unplugging it or switching off the breaker. As emphasized by several experts, including Jessie Cannizzaro, a master plumber from Wauwatosa, WI-based Milestone Plumbing, “Make sure everything is turned off before reaching inside to avoid accidents.”
1. Ice cube + salt scrub method
Grinding ice cubes with salt is an effective way to loosen and remove grime from inside the unit. “Pour 2 cups of ice and a handful of coarse rock salt into the disposal,” says Rosanne Scott from Premium Rooter Plumbing in Hutto, TX. “Run cold water and turn it on for 10-15 seconds to break up grime safely.”
Carol Doak, owner of Mini Maid Gainesville, recommends adding 5-6 ice cubes, at least 1/2 cup of salt, and a cup of white vinegar. Run the disposal with cold water for 1-2 minutes. She also suggests scrubbing the splash guard with dish detergent and a pot brush afterward.
Natalie Hernandez, showroom manager of High Touch Remodeling in Los Angeles, CA, also recommends this method. “Drop in a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt, then run the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds. Finish with a slice of lemon or a splash of white vinegar.”
2. Lemon and citrus peel method
For a fresh scent, using citrus fruits is a natural way to deodorize your garbage disposal.
Jamie Coppock of Black Rok Kitchen Design suggests putting a few small ice cubes and running them for a few minutes to sharpen the blades. “Finally, a few squirts of lemon juice in the garbage disposal will freshen everything up.”
Marlene Campanale of Every Purpose Home in San Francisco, CA recommends freezing distilled white vinegar and a few drops of lemon essential oil in ice cube trays. Place 2-3 frozen cubes into the disposal, sprinkle in baking soda, and pour warm water over everything. Let it fizz undisturbed for 5 minutes to clean the blades and lift grime.
3. Vinegar and baking soda fizz method
One of the most popular methods for cleaning a garbage disposal is using the fizzy reaction of vinegar and baking soda to break down food residue and eliminate odors.
Jim Allen from Speedy Appliance Parts in Corydon, IN advises pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then turn on the disposal and rinse with hot water.
Tim Kariev of San Diego, CA-based SpeedMates Home Services agrees, stating that this method not only removes odors but also helps eliminate buildup inside the unit.
Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria also follows a similar approach, suggesting pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar and letting it fizz for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
Remember that hot water alone is not effective at removing grime, especially with grease. Cold water should be used while grinding to prevent fats from coating the pipes. Use hot water only for the final rinse after loosening debris.
4. Flush with a cleaning pod or product method
Cleaning pods can simplify garbage disposal maintenance, especially when time is limited.
Gina Brooks from plumbing repair manufacturer Danco, Inc recommends dropping a Liquid Rhyno Garbage Disposal Cleaning Pod monthly into your disposer, running warm water for two minutes, and letting it sit for an hour. These pods contain a blend of supercharged bacteria and have a fresh lemon scent.
Renuv, an eco-friendly appliance cleaning solutions company in Hilton Head Island, SC, recommends a similar routine. “Run warm water, drop in a Renuv pod, and turn on the disposal; it foams up to scrub away grime and leaves a clean, citrus scent.”
Foods to avoid putting in the garbage disposal
Knowing what not to put in your garbage disposal is crucial. Here are some items that experts advise against:
- Grease and oil: These can solidify in the pipes, trapping food particles and causing odors.
- Coffee grounds: They create a dense paste that can lead to clogs.
- Large food scraps or bones:<