Spring Cleaning: How to Clean the Garbage Disposal

Yes, that handy little contraption inside your sink drain is a wonder: it gobbles all of your leftovers and scraps with nary a complaint, leaving you with clean counters and a trash can that doesn’t induce gagging the next morning (not to mention a lower risk of raccoons helping themselves to your outdoor receptacles). But the garbage disposal doesn’t always smell so lovely itself; it’ll let you know when that particularly offensive dish doesn’t agree with it any more than it agreed with your family’s stomachs.
Luckily, the garbage disposal is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Here’s how to clean a waste disposal.

How do you clean a garbage disposal that smells?

Most of the time, the disposal just needs a bit of freshening up. Use this quick and easy method to clean and deodorize it as necessary (daily or after every few uses, depending on how often you use it):

1. Toss a dozen or so ice cubes into the unit.
2. Add a cut-up lemon, lime, grapefruit, or other citrus fruit (or even just the peels).
3. Turn on the cold water and run the unit until everything is fully ground (just listen, don’t stick your hand in to check!).
4. Continue to run the cold water for an additional 30 seconds, then turn it off.

How do you clean mold or heavy dirt out of a garbage disposal?

Keep your garbage grinder in tip-top shape (and keep the stench out of your kitchen) by deep-cleaning it periodically with this simple method:

1. Safety first: disconnect the power before cleaning!
2. Remove any objects from inside the unit. Look inside with a flashlight, then remove with pliers; never stick your hand inside!
3. If the rubber protector piece (called a baffle) is removable, take it out and clean it thoroughly on a regular basis or if something is stuck inside of it between cleanings. If it’s not removable, use a toothbrush and a baking soda/vinegar paste to scrub the rubber.
4. Run a rag or paper towel around the inside of the disposer, just below the lip – beware of sharp blades!
5. Turn the power back on.
6. Throw something abrasive – a large amount of ice cubes or half a cup of rock salt is recommended, but you can also use small, soft chicken or fish bones or small fruit pits – into the disposer, then run it for about a minute with the cold water running. This will sharpen the blades and scour the inside of the unit to remove stuck-on gunk.
7. Pour a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal. Allow the mixture to fizz for about 15 minutes. This helps kill bacteria in the unit and freshen it.
8. Plug the drain opening and fill the sink approximately 3/4 full. Add a generous squirt of dish soap. Remove the plug and run the disposer until the sink empties.

Then enjoy the fresh, clean scent and more efficient operation!

To keep your unit in optimal condition, follow these dos and don’ts of waste disposal maintenance:

Do

• Clean it regularly; ice cubes, especially when made of natural cleaners and deodorizers like lemon juice or vinegar, help degunk and sharpen the blades
• Toss in lemon or orange slices or rinds occasionally; they freshen the disposer
• Run the garbage disposal with cold water only; if there’s residual fat or grease in it, cold water will allow it to harden and then chop it up, as opposed to hot water which will make the fat accumulate in the unit or the pipes
• Get a nice switch or button to operate it when possible – you can avoid an awkwardly-placed or ugly standard switch
• ALWAYS unplug the unit before reaching in to retrieve objects; use long-handled tweezers or pliers rather than your hand
• Choose the right power for your usage; a minimum of 1/2 horsepower is recommended for most households, but 3/4 or 1 horsepower (or more) is better for heavier use
• Cover the opening when not in use (so you don’t risk a finger or three digging out that teaspoon); try a basket strainer or a stopper

Don’t

• Put anything non-edible or combustible into the unit (glass, china, plastic, metal, and cigarette butts are the biggest no-nos, but any non-edible substance should never go into the disposer)
• Pour grease, oil, or fat into the unit
• Overload the disposer; put in small amounts of food at a time rather than trying to jam in larger quantities or items
• Use bleach or other harsh cleaners, which dull the blades
• Turn off the water until grinding is complete; leave (cold) water running for at least 15 seconds after turning off the disposer

What can you put in a garbage disposal?

Always check your unit’s care instructions for specific dos and don’ts, but most manufacturers – and plumbers! – agree that you can dispose of most foods and trash.
Do not grind these food items in your compactor:

• large bones; smaller or soft chicken or fish bones are fine and will even scour the unit
• fibrous, stringy, or starchy vegetables and fruits (asparagus, bananas, celery, onion skins, artichokes, corn husks, potato peels) – fibers will tangle and starches will become pasty and sticky
• expandable foods (pasta, rice); they’ll clog the pipes
• coffee grounds (they may smell good, but they’ll clog the pipes – small amounts are okay)
• egg shells; the membranes will cling to the blades
• large fruit pits (peaches, plums) – small pits are fine and can sharpen the blades

Follow these guidelines and you’ll enjoy efficient, effective use for the life of your unit.