How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Expert Guide & Tips

A kitchen sink garbage disposal is a handy appliance that grinds food waste into small particles, allowing it to pass through your plumbing system. It uses a spinning plate with small hammers to break down food waste against a grater-like ring. Over time, grease, debris, and food particles can build up, causing unpleasant odors or clogs. That’s why we wrote this handy guide on how to clean your garbage disposal, followed by some tips on how to maintain your garbage disposal and decrease the need for deep cleanings.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Step-by-Step

1. Turn Off the Disposal: For safety, always turn off the power to your garbage disposal before cleaning. Unplug it or turn off the breaker.
2. Clear the Debris: Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris stuck in the disposal. Avoid using your hands.
3. Scrub the Rubber Flaps: Use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub the underside of the rubber splash guard, where gunk often accumulates.
4. Use a Garbage Disposal Cleaner: We often recommend Borax as an effective garbage disposal cleaner: pour 3 tablespoons of Borax down the disposal and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to soak into grime before moving onto the rinse step.
5. Rinse with Water: Reconnect the power to the garbage disposal, then run hot water and turn it on for a minute to flush away loosened debris.
6. Use Ice to Dislodge Stubborn Debris: Don’t be afraid to drop ice cubes down the garbage disposal. The payoff for the ruckus made by ice in the disposal is that it’s great at knocking stubborn food (like celery fiber) off and away.
7. Deodorize: Drop lemon or lime peels into the disposal with ice cubes and grind them to eliminate odors. If you have a cheaper (i.e. less powerful) garbage disposal, use lemon juice or baking soda instead, as lime and lemon peels may get stuck.

Final note: You’ll find the best “how to clean garbage disposal’ guides in the manufacturer instruction manuals. These provide the best way to clean garbage disposals as they’re tailored to the specific brand and model and should take into account the unique qualities of each.

Plumber Garbage Disposal Tips for Smooth Operation

• Invest in a Quality Garbage Disposal: Not all disposals are created equal. Cheap models with low horsepower often clog easily and cause more hassle than they’re worth. Spend a little extra on a multi-stage grinder with higher horsepower for a reliable, long-lasting appliance.
• Always Run Water While Using the Disposal: Water is essential for washing food particles down the drain. Running the disposal without water can lead to blockages and strain on the system. Use warm or hot water when operating the disposal to prevent grease from solidifying.
• Turn It On Before Adding Food: Avoid clogging your garbage disposal by turning it on before placing food inside. Filling it first and then turning it on causes a mass of food to hit the system at once, increasing the chance of clogs.
• Be Selective About What You Grind: Certain items should never go into a garbage disposal. Starchy foods, like rice, bread, and pasta, can create clogs, while fibrous foods, like celery, can stick to the sides. Dispose of these items in the trash instead.
• If You Do Grind Fibrous Foods (Like Citrus Peels to Fight Odors), Grind with Ice: The ice will keep the peels moving around the chamber and through the grinder instead of sticking to the sides.
• Fix Jams Safely: If the disposal jams, you might hear a humming sound. Use the wrench that came with the disposal (or a standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench) to manually rotate the plate and clear the jam. IMPORTANT: Always disconnect the power before trying to fix a jam, and never reach into the disposal with your hands

Need Garbage Disposal Repair Services?

If you’re dealing with a clogged or broken garbage disposal, contact the experts at Southern Plumbing Works. As licensed, insured, and highly rated plumbers in Nashville, TN, we provide reliable garbage disposal repair and maintenance services. Contact us or schedule an appointment online to get your kitchen sink garbage disposal up and running clean again!