How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances that’s easy to forget about—until it starts smelling or stops working properly. Over time, food scraps, grease, and gunk build up, causing bad odors and even clogs.

Luckily, cleaning your garbage disposal is simple and can prevent many common issues. In this guide, we'll show you the best methods to clean your garbage disposal and suggest some top models from Queen City if you’re looking to upgrade.

 

 

Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal Matters

If you’ve ever noticed a foul smell coming from your sink, your garbage disposal could be the culprit. Food particles get stuck in the blades and walls of the disposal, causing bacteria to grow. Over time, this buildup not only creates bad odors but can also affect the performance of your disposal.

If you clean your disposal regularly, you’ll:

• Prevent unpleasant odors: Remove food particles and grease buildup that lead to bad smells.

• Avoid clogs: Keeping your disposal clean reduces the risk of clogs in your pipes.

• Extend the life of your appliance: Regular maintenance keeps your disposal running smoothly for years.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?

A good rule of thumb is to clean your garbage disposal once a week or at least once a month for deeper cleanings. This will keep it running efficiently and prevent food buildup from causing issues. If you use it frequently, more regular cleaning might be necessary.

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Here’s how you can easily clean your garbage disposal and keep it smelling fresh.

1. Turn Off the Disposal

Always start by turning off the power to your garbage disposal. Either unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker to ensure safety. You don’t want the disposal accidentally turning on while you’re cleaning.

2. Remove Large Debris

Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any large food particles or debris that might be stuck inside. Never use your hands—even when the disposal is off, the blades can still cause injury.

3. Flush with Hot Water

Run hot water down the drain for about a minute. This helps to loosen any stuck-on grime or grease buildup inside the disposal and pipes.

4. Use Ice and Salt to Clean the Blades

A quick and effective way to clean the blades is by grinding a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt. The ice helps knock off food debris from the blades, while the salt acts as a natural scrubber. Turn on the cold water, drop in the ice and salt, and run the disposal for about 30 seconds.

5. Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar

To eliminate odors and disinfect the disposal, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 5-10 minutes. This natural cleaning solution helps break down grease and removes any lingering bacteria. After the fizzing stops, rinse with hot water to flush everything out.

 

Common Garbage Disposal Mistakes to Avoid

When using your garbage disposal, there are a few things you should never do:

• Never Put Fibrous Foods in the Disposal: Foods like potato peels, artichoke leaves, and corn husks can tangle around the blades and cause clogs.

• Avoid Coffee Grounds: While it may seem harmless, coffee grounds can clump together and block your pipes.

• No Large Bones: Large bones are too hard for the disposal to grind and can damage the blades.

 

 

Choosing the Right Garbage Disposal

It might be time to upgrade if your garbage disposal is not working as it should. Queen City has a wide range of garbage disposals to choose from, including models with advanced features like noise reduction and powerful motors. 

1. Whirlpool 1/3 HP In-Sink Disposer 

(Model: GC1000PE)

• 1/3 HP motor for continuous-feed operation

• Reduces food waste to fine cuttings without clogging

• Overload protector with manual reset for safety

• Effortless food disposal process, keeping your kitchen running smoothly

 

2. GE DISPOSALL® 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposer 

(Model: GFC525N)

• 1/2 HP motor with over 2,600 RPM for powerful grinding

• 25-ounce grind chamber capacity, perfect for families of 2-4

• Stainless steel grinding components for extra durability

• Features Drain Boost technology to prevent clogs

• Power cord included for quick installation

 

3. Moen GX Series Prep™ 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal 

(Model: GX50C)

• 1/2 HP high-speed motor for quick disposal of everyday food scraps

• Compact design fits most existing 3-bolt assemblies

• Perfect for basic food preparation like grinding potato peels and celery

• Backed by a 5-year limited warranty with in-home service

 

4. KitchenAid 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer 

(Model: KCDI075B)

• 3/4 HP motor for quiet, powerful performance

• The continuous-feed system allows for efficient disposal of large quantities of food waste

• Overload protection for added safety

 

 

Shop Garbage Disposals Near You

A clean and efficient garbage disposal is essential for keeping your kitchen running smoothly. Upgrading to a more powerful model can make a world of difference in both performance and noise reduction. Explore our selection of high-performance disposals that combine power with quiet operation—all at competitive prices.

Looking to transform your home with the latest and greatest? Beyond kitchen essentials, we also offer a collection of furniture, mattresses, cooking appliances, and laundry appliances from top brands designed to elevate your living spaces.

Contact us or visit one of our local appliance store locations across North and South Carolina; your upgraded home is just around the corner!

Related readings from our blog:

• How Much Water Does A Dishwasher Use?

• What Is The Difference Between A Range Hood And A Vent Hood?

• How To Clean An Oven

 

FAQs: Garbage Disposal Not Working

Can I use a dishwasher pod to clean my garbage disposal?
Yes, you can use a dishwasher pod to clean your garbage disposal. Simply drop one in and run the disposal with cold water for a quick clean. However, this method won’t be as effective as using natural cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or ice.

Is bleach bad for garbage disposals?
Yes, using bleach in your garbage disposal is not recommended. Bleach is too harsh and can damage the disposal’s components, as well as harm your pipes over time. Stick to gentler cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.

How do I clean mold out of a garbage disposal?
To clean mold from your garbage disposal, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for about 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse with hot water. This helps kill mold and remove any buildup.

Can you put too much baking soda and vinegar down the drain?
It’s unlikely that you’ll use too much baking soda and vinegar, but overusing these substances can cause a fizzy overflow. Stick to small amounts—about 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar—to clean your disposal without causing a mess.

Can I use toilet bowl cleaner to clean my garbage disposal?
No, toilet bowl cleaner is too harsh for garbage disposals and can damage the unit and your pipes. Stick with kitchen-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or a few lemon peels for a safe and effective clean.