How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Tips from Appliance Experts

If you’ve ever noticed a strange smell coming from your sink or your garbage disposal isn’t working quite like it used to, you’re not alone. While we don’t do a ton of garbage disposal repairs, it’s still something our customers regularly ask about — and keeping it clean is one of the best ways to keep it running smoothly.

In fact, Sam Willhite, the founder of Sam’s Appliance Repair, recently shared some of his knowledge in a Redfin guest post: Why Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working and How to Fix It. Today, we’re expanding on that advice with practical tips you can follow to get the most out of your garbage disposal.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal Matters

Even if your garbage disposal seems to be working fine, food particles and grease can build up over time, causing odors, clogs, or even mechanical issues. A well-maintained disposal is more efficient, safer, and can help extend the life of your unit.

Here’s our go-to method for cleaning garbage disposals:

1. Turn off the power. Safety first! Unplug the unit or switch off the breaker to make sure it doesn’t accidentally turn on.
2. Remove trapped debris. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any visible debris. Never put your hand into the disposal.
3. Flush with soapy water. Fill your sink halfway with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Pull the drain plug and let the water flush through the disposal.
4. Scrub the splash guard. The rubber flap (also called the splash guard) can collect a lot of gunk. Use an old toothbrush and some dish soap to scrub it clean.
5. Deodorize with baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the disposal. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
6. Freshen with citrus. Throw a few lemon or orange peels in and run the disposal with cold water for a fresh scent.

What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal

There’s a misconception that you can put just about anything into a sink with a garbage disposal, but that couldn’t be more false. A lot of issues are caused by putting the wrong things down the drain. Here’s what to avoid:

• Grease, oil, or fat – These solidify and clog your pipes.
• Fibrous vegetables – Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes can wrap around the blades.
• Coffee grounds – These can clump together and block your pipes.
• Eggshells – They can stick to pipes and cause buildup.
• Bones and fruit pits – Too hard for most disposals.
• Pasta and rice – They expand with water and can lead to clogs.

Repair vs. Replace

If your garbage disposal stops working completely, it’s often more cost-effective to replace it rather than calling for appliance repair. However, if you’re unsure, give us a call — we’ll help you figure out what’s best.

And if you think the issue may be related to your plumbing or drainage, we recommend reaching out to one of our trusted local partners, Northeast Ohio Drain Cleaning. They’re professional, reliable, and local, just like us.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your garbage disposal clean is simple — and doing so can save you money and prevent future problems. Remember, proper use and regular maintenance go a long way.

If you have questions about your garbage disposal or need help with another appliance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help!