How to Clean the Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a small but powerful kitchen tool that makes cleanup easy by grinding up food scraps. But like any hardworking appliance, it needs regular care to stay effective and odor-free. Without proper maintenance, food residue can build up, causing clogs, foul smells, and bacteria growth. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your garbage disposal correctly, clear jams safely, and cleaning the garbage disposal thoroughly to keep it running smoothly and smelling fresh.

How to Use a Garbage Disposal

To get the most out of your garbage disposal and avoid problems:

• Use cold running water while grinding food. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fats so they can be chopped and flushed away, instead of coating the pipes.
• Keep the water running for at least 30 seconds after turning the unit off to flush remaining debris.
• Feed food scraps gradually into the disposal while it’s running. Don’t overload it.
• Break large scraps into smaller pieces before putting them in.
• Remove silverware, dishware, or anything non-food from the sink before use.
• Never reach into the disposal with your hand – even if it’s off.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners, which can damage components.

Foods to Keep Out of the Disposal

Avoid putting the following items in your garbage disposal:

• Grease, oil, and fats
• Potato peels
• Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods
• Fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks)
• Bones, shells, or fruit pits
• Coffee grounds in large amounts

These can cause clogs, dull the blades, or damage the motor.

How to Clear a Jammed Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal won’t turn on or is humming without spinning, it may be jammed. Here’s what to do:

1. Turn off power at the wall switch and unplug the unit, if possible.
2. Press the reset button – typically a red button on the bottom of the unit.
3. Use the provided Allen wrench to manually rotate the motor shaft. Insert it into the hex hole on the bottom and turn back and forth to free the jam.
4. Do not insert your hand or tools inside the unit. If the jam doesn’t clear, contact a professional plumber.

Deodorizing and Cleaning the Garbage Disposal

Daily & Weekly Maintenance

• After each use, run cold water with the disposal on to flush away food.
• Once a week, perform a more thorough cleaning to prevent buildup and odors.

Deep Cleaning the Garbage Disposal

• Hot Soapy Water Rinse – Pour a kettle of hot water mixed with dish soap down the disposal (when it’s off) to loosen grease and grime inside.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Fizz
  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal.
  • Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
  • Let the mixture fizz for 5–10 minutes to break down residue and neutralize odors.
  • Flush with hot water.
• Ice and Salt Scrub
  • Add a handful of ice cubes and 1–2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
  • Run the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.
  • This helps dislodge stuck food and sharpen the blades.
• Freshen with Citrus Peels – Grind lemon, lime, or orange peels in the disposal to cut grease and leave a pleasant scent.
• Optional: Vinegar Ice Cubes – Freeze white vinegar in ice cube trays. Grind a few cubes weekly to clean, disinfect, and refresh the unit.

Preventing Odors and Fruit Flies

• Run the disposal every night with water to remove leftover scraps.
• Flush with hot water after evening use.
• Cover drain openings with sink stoppers to block fruit flies.
• For stubborn odors that linger despite cleaning, try 1/4 cup of baking soda or borax left in the drain for an hour before rinsing with hot water.

When to Call a Plumber

If persistent bad smells remain – especially sewage-like odors – or if your disposal stops working altogether, it may indicate a deeper issue in the plumbing or drain line. A professional plumber can inspect the system and recommend a solution. Properly using and cleaning the garbage disposal makes kitchen cleanup easier, but they do require regular care. With proper operation, weekly cleaning, and smart use, your disposal will stay efficient, safe, and odor-free for years to come.

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