How to Thoroughly Clean a Garbage Disposal

Learn how to effectively clean a garbage disposal to remove odors, prevent clogging, and keep it functioning properly.

A garbage disposal is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. It makes our lives easier by grinding up food scraps so they can be washed down the drain. However, like any frequently used appliance, garbage disposals need regular cleaning to prevent problems and keep them working properly.

Without proper cleaning, garbage disposals can start to smell, accumulate grease and gunk, clog, jam, or even leak. Taking the time to clean your garbage disposal on a regular basis helps prevent these issues and extends the life of the appliance.

In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn how to clean a garbage disposal using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. We’ll cover how to:

Clean a garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar
Freshen it up with citrus peels and ice
Deodorize and prevent future odors
Remove grease buildup
Unclog a jammed disposal
Flush away gunk and debris

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to easily clean and freshen your garbage disposal to keep it running and smelling fresh.

How Often Should You Clean a Garbage Disposal?

To prevent problems and keep odors at bay, it’s best to clean the garbage disposal about once every 1-2 months. However, certain factors may require cleaning more frequently:

Frequent Use – Homes that use a garbage disposal several times a day need to clean it more often than those who run it occasionally. If you use your disposal daily, aim to clean it every 2-4 weeks.
Strong Food Odors – If you smell bad odors coming from the disposal, that’s a sign it needs to be cleaned. Don’t ignore unpleasant garbage disposal odors.
Clogged Feeling – If water starts draining slower or you hear the disposal struggling to grind, it likely has some gunk built up inside and needs a thorough cleaning.
Grease Buildup – Fatty foods and oils can leave greasy residue behind in the disposal. If you regularly wash fats and oils down the drain, clean the disposal at least monthly.

Pay attention to how your garbage disposal runs and smells. When you notice issues, it’s time for a cleaning. Get ahead of problems by taking time to clean it thoroughly on a regular basis.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Cleaning

Your garbage disposal is trying to tell you something when you notice any of these signs. Don’t ignore them!

Strange odors coming from the drain
Disposal seems slow or struggles to grind food
Gurgling sounds
Water draining slower than usual
Grease around the sink drain entry
Fruit flies hovering around the sink

Take those signs as reminders it’s time to thoroughly clean the garbage disposal. Doing so can often eliminate minor problems before they turn into major appliance issues.

Cleaning a Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda and Vinegar

One of the best ways to clean and deodorize a garbage disposal is with two simple ingredients – baking soda and vinegar. When combined, these two ingredients create a fizzing chemical reaction that helps break down and dissolve gunk and grease buildup.

Here’s how to clean a garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar:

What You’ll Need:

1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
Water
Dish soap
Tongs or another long utensil to reach into the disposal

Step 1: Run Water & Turn On Disposal

Start by running water in the sink and turning on the garbage disposal. Let it run for 30 seconds to 1 minute to flush out any loose debris inside.

Step 2: Pour in Baking Soda

Next, pour the 1/2 cup baking soda down the running disposal. The baking soda will neutralize odors and scrub the insides. Let it run for 15-30 seconds to wash the baking soda through.

Step 3: Pour in Vinegar

With the water still running, slowly pour the cup of vinegar down the disposal. You’ll hear the distinctive fizzing sound as the baking soda and vinegar react. This chemical reaction scrubs the insides clean.

Step 4: Let Fizz

Once the vinegar is down the drain, let the disposal continue running for 30-60 seconds allowing the fizzy reaction to work through the pipes.

Step 5: Flush With Water

After letting it fizz, flush the disposal by running cold water for 60 seconds to wash away any leftover debris.

Step 6: Scrub With Dish Soap

For extra cleaning power, squirt some dish soap down the running disposal. Use tongs or another long utensil to scrub the inside edges, getting into corners and crevices. Run for 60 more seconds.

Step 7: Flush Again

Do one final flush with cold water for 30 seconds to rinse away the soap.

The baking soda and vinegar disposal cleaning treatment can be used as often as needed to freshen up odors, remove grease, and prevent clogging. For really dirty disposals, consider letting the vinegar and baking soda sit for 5-10 minutes before running water to allow more reaction time.

Freshen a Garbage Disposal with Citrus Peels and Ice

For a quick way to make your garbage disposal smell fresh, use citrus peels and ice. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need:

Orange, lemon, lime and/or grapefruit peels
Ice cubes
Water

Step 1: Clean Out Peel Remnants

Start by running the garbage disposal with some water for 15-30 seconds to flush out any remaining citrus pulp or peel pieces.

Step 2: Add Citrus Peels

Turn off the disposal and add some fresh citrus peels down the drain – orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit all work well. The oils in the peels will help freshen up disposal odors.

Step 3: Add Ice

Drop 4-5 ice cubes down on top of the citrus peels.

Step 4: Turn On Disposal

Turn on the cold water and run the disposal, grinding up the ice cubes and citrus peels together.

Step 5: Flush

After 30-60 seconds when the ice has been ground up, continue running water for another 30 seconds to flush the remains down the drain.

The fresh, zesty citrus oils help eliminate odors, while running ice through the blades helps remove any gunk buildup. Do this citrus ice freshening treatment weekly or anytime odors return.

How to Deodorize a Garbage Disposal

If odors are already coming from your garbage disposal, you’ll want to start by deodorizing it. Here are tips to eliminate unpleasant smells:

Baking Soda – Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and let the disposal run briefly. Baking soda neutralizes odors naturally.
Citrus Peels – Try the citrus peel ice cube trick. Lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit peels all help freshen smells.
Ice Cubes – Grinding up ice actually helps scrub the inside and rinse away debris that causes odor.
White Vinegar – Vinegar cuts through grease and kills bacteria that cause odor. Pour 1 cup down the drain.
Disinfection – Disinfectant cleaners containing chlorine bleach help kill germs that cause smells.
Air Freshener – Spray soap scum eliminator or other air freshener down the drain. Avoid pouring grease or oils.

Regular cleaning will prevent future smells. But if odors return soon after cleaning, contact a plumber to check for larger issues. Persistent bad smells may indicate leaks,broken parts or clogs below the sink drain.

How to Get Rid of Grease in a Garbage Disposal

Here are simple ways to remove grease from a garbage disposal:

Baking Soda & Vinegar – This combo dissolved grease built up on the grinding components and pipes. Use weekly to prevent grease.
Ice Cubes – Grinding ice actually scrubs away grease and gunk along the grinding ring and metal parts.
Dish Soap – Squirt dish soap down the disposal while running and use tongs to scrub the perimeter.
Hot Water – Send hot water through the disposal to melt and flush away residual greasy gunk.
Citrus Peels – Orange, lemon or grapefruit peels contain d-limonene which breaks down grease molecules naturally.
Bleach Cleaner – Disinfecting cleaners with chlorine bleach help eliminate germs causing odors. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Baking Soda – Spread baking soda around the sink drain entrance and rubbing alcohol to scrub away surface grease.
Disposal Cleaner – Use a commercial disposal cleaner made to digest grease, enzymes, and food buildup.

Avoid pouring fats, oils and greasy liquids down the drain. Scrape plates and cookware well before rinsing to prevent grease in your drain.

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

A clogged garbage disposal is usually caused by built-up food debris or grease. Here are ways to try unclogging it:

Prevent Jams:

Run plenty of cold water when using the disposal to flush waste through
Grind ice cubes to clean blades and push through debris
Avoid grinding starchy foods like pasta or rice
Don’t put coffee grounds, eggshells, or bones down disposal

Try Unclogging With:

Baking Soda & Vinegar – This combo can break down jams and dissolve grease clogs. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
Boiling Water – Pour a kettle of hot water slowly down the drain to liquefy grease.
Allen Wrench – Insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposal to rotate the blades and free stuck debris.
Drain Snake – Use a drain auger or snake to pull out clogs from below the drain.
Reset Button – Push the disposal reset button on the bottom to re-start the motor.

If you’ve tried these tips and the disposal is still jammed, turn off the power at the breaker and call a plumber to have it serviced. Continuing to run a jammed disposal can damage the motor.

How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal

Here are tips to clean a foul-smelling garbage disposal:

Run ice cubes through disposal to scrub insides and rinse away debris
Grind up citrus peels to leave a fresh, zesty scent behind
Pour a 1:1 mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain while running water
Use an air freshener spray made for sinks and drains
Scrub the drain entrance with baking soda and rinse well
Disinfect the inside of disposal by spraying bleach cleaner before rinsing
Remove the splash guard and use a bottle brush to scrub hidden gunk
Check pipes under sink for leaks that may cause odors

Regular cleaning is required to keep garbage disposals smelling fresh. If smells return quickly or won’t go away, have a plumber inspect.

Tips for Cleaning a Garbage Disposal

Follow these tips and best practices for keeping your garbage disposal clean and functioning properly:

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals – Avoid drain cleaners and acidic chemicals which can damage the disposal.
Run Water While Using It – Keep water running to flush away particles. Don’t grind food waste in a dry disposal.
Freshen Between Cleanings – Grind a lemon peel and ice once a week to keep smells away.
Remove Splash Guard – Take off the plastic guard to clean grime and debris under it.
Use a Brush or Tongs – Scrub the inside edges with a cleaning brush or tongs.
Check Pipes Under Sink – Visually inspect pipes for leaks or damage causing odors.
Listen for Problems – Turn off music and listen as you turn it on. Strange noises can indicate issues.
Ask About Installation – Improper installation can lead to leaking and clogging issues.
Don’t Use for Everything – Avoid non-food items like glass, metal, plastic and electronics which can damage blades.

Regular cleaning and care keeps your garbage disposal working properly for years to come.

Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

While regular cleaning can solve many common garbage disposal problems, sometimes repairs are needed by a professional.

Signs your unit needs repair include:

Loud grinding noises when turned on
Leaking water under the sink
Persistent bad odors
Unit humming but not grinding
Reset button trips repeatedly
Draining very slowly despite attempts to clean
Gets jammed frequently

Don’t continue using a disposal that’s malfunctioning. Doing so can result in further damage. Unplug the disposal at the electrical outlet below the sink and contact a plumber for repairs.

Professional Garbage Disposal Cleaning

For garbage disposals that haven’t been cared for or have significant grease and gunk built up, professional cleaning may be needed. Many plumbers offer specialized disposal cleaning using high-pressure water jets or industrial-strength cleaners.

Professional cleaning services for garbage disposals include:

High-pressure water jets to flush out debris
Powerful grease-cutting chemicals to dissolve buildup
Manual scrubbing and scraping using tools and brushes
Removal of rubber splash guard for thorough cleaning
Odor removal treatments
Pharmaceutical-grade disinfectants to sanitize the unit
Testing and confirmation disposal is draining properly after cleaning

Severely dirty disposals with persistent odors or clogging issues can benefit from professional cleaning or repair by a qualified plumber.

Garbage Disposal Replacement

If your current garbage disposal is old, frequently malfunctioning, or beyond repair, replacement may be the best option. Here is what to consider when replacing a garbage disposal:

Age of Current Unit – Most last 5-10 years before needing replacement.
Frequency of Repairs – If repairs are constant, replacement is more cost-effective.
Power Rating – Look for at least 1/2 horsepower motor or higher for the average home.
Batch Feed or Continuous Feed – Batch feed only runs when stopper is in place but is safer.
Noise Level – Check decibel ratings. Quieter is better.
Warranty – Look for at least a 5-year warranty on parts and labor.
Anti-Jamming Features – Seek disposals designed to prevent jamming issues.
Dishwasher Connector – Choose a model with dishwasher inlet connector for drainage.

Replacing an older failing garbage disposal can often save money and prevent future problems. Installation is generally simple for a handy homeowner.

FAQs About How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning garbage disposals:

How do you clean a smelly garbage disposal?

To clean a smelly garbage disposal, run ice cubes through it to scrub the inside. Grind citrus peels for a fresh scent. Use baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to dissolve grease. Check pipes under the sink for any leaks causing odors. Disinfect the inside with bleach cleaner.

What should you not put in the garbage disposal?

Avoid putting coffee grounds, rice, pasta, bones, potato peels, egg shells, grease, plastic, glass, aluminum foil, utensils, twist ties, rubber bands, paper, or rags in the disposal to prevent damage or clogs.

Why does my garbage disposal smell like rotten eggs?

A rotten egg smell coming from the garbage disposal is caused by decomposing food waste or a buildup of sulfur gas. Clean the disposal thoroughly with baking soda and vinegar. Disinfect it with bleach. If the smell persists, call a plumber to inspect. A cracked interior or leaking pipe beneath can cause sulfur gas smells.

How do you unclog a garbage disposal with standing water?

First turn off power to the disposal at the circuit breaker. Use a cup or small bucket to scoop out as much standing water as possible. Use a drain snake or auger to pull out any clogs below the drain. Add 1/2 cup baking soda and then 1 cup vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes before running the disposal to clear the clog.

Why is my garbage disposal humming but not spinning?

If the disposal is humming but not grinding, it likely has something jammed in the grinding components that is preventing the blades from turning. Turn off power at the outlet and inspect the inside. Try using an Allen wrench or drain snake to dislodge any debris or clogs. Press the reset button on the bottom to re-start it.

How do you clean a garbage disposal with vinegar and baking soda?

Run water in the sink and turn on the disposal. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the running disposal to scrub the inside. Pour 1 cup vinegar down to fizz and react with the baking soda. Let it sit for a minute before running water for a minute to flush. Repeat weekly for a clean disposal.

The Bottom Line

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal using baking soda, vinegar, citrus peels, ice, and disinfectants can keep it running smoothly and prevent unpleasant odors. Pay attention for signs like bad smells, slow drainage, or jamming indicating it needs cleaning. With proper cleaning and care, your garbage disposal can provide many years of hassle-free food waste grinding.