Clean garbage disposal

Clean and freshen your garbage disposal to eliminate odors and buildup

Why it matters#

Food debris accumulates inside the disposal and under the splash guard, causing foul odors and bacterial growth. Regular cleaning keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Flashlight

Materials#

• Ice cubes
• Coarse salt or rock salt
• Lemon or orange peels (optional)
• Dish soap
• Baking soda and vinegar (optional)

Steps#

1. Turn off the disposal#

Make sure the disposal is off. Never put your hand inside a disposal, even if it's off. For extra safety, unplug it under the sink or flip the breaker.

2. Clean the splash guard#

Lift the rubber splash guard (the flaps inside the drain opening). Scrub the top and underside with a brush and dish soap—this is where most odor-causing gunk hides.

3. Shine a flashlight inside#

Look into the disposal for any visible debris or buildup on the walls. Don't reach in—use tongs to remove any large stuck items if needed.

4. Run the ice and salt cleaning cycle#

Put 2 cups of ice cubes in the disposal along with 1/2 cup of coarse salt. Run the disposal with cold water for 30-60 seconds. The ice scours the walls while the salt provides abrasion.

5. Flush with dish soap#

Squirt dish soap into the disposal. Run hot water and the disposal for another 30 seconds to flush grease and soap through the drain line.

6. Freshen with citrus (optional)#

Cut a lemon, lime, or orange into quarters. Run them through the disposal with cold water. The oils provide a fresh scent and light cleaning action.

7. Try the baking soda and vinegar method (optional)#

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. This helps with stubborn odors.

Pro tips#

• Clean every 1-2 weeks if you use the disposal regularly
• Always run cold water while using the disposal (hot water can liquefy grease, causing clogs)
• Run the disposal regularly, even if you have little to grind—sitting idle allows rust and buildup
• Avoid these items: grease/oil, fibrous foods (celery, corn husks), expandable foods (pasta, rice), bones, and non-food items

Warnings#

• Never put your hand in the disposal—use tongs for stuck items
• Don't use chemical drain cleaners—they can damage disposal components
• Grinding egg shells doesn't sharpen blades (myth) but the membrane can cause clogs

When to call a pro#

If the disposal won't turn on (check the reset button underneath first), makes a humming noise but won't spin (jam), leaks, or has persistent odors despite cleaning.