How to Unclog and Clean a Garbage Disposal in a Few Easy Steps
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Garbage disposals are a huge help in the kitchen, making cleanup easier and more convenient, and reducing smells in the trash. But it’s important to remember that the appliance itself needs its own scrubbing to perform its best! If you’ve seen more frequent fruit flies, noticed your disposal losing its effectiveness, or sensed an odor coming from your kitchen sink, it’s time to clean the disposal. Below, we outline the most effective ways for how to clean a garbage disposal, as well as how to unclog a garbage disposal that might be experiencing blockages.
Of course, it all starts with proper preventative care in the first place. Correct usage will ensure the unit runs smoothly and effectively, and helps maintain your plumbing, too. Always keep the water running when you turn the unit on, and avoid putting certain food waste down the drain—this includes grease, eggshells, animal-based scraps, coffee grounds, starchy, stringy foods, and non-food items. These can dull your blades, clog the drain, or worse.
Below, find the best ways to clean and unclog your garbage disposal to get it back into its best (and best-smelling!) shape.
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Before you get started cleaning your garbage disposal, it’s important to check for clogs or blockages that could cause trouble. If you spot a clogged disposal, don’t panic! You can usually unclog the drain yourself as long as you do it safely and slowly.
- Disconnect power: Never put your hands or any tools into the garbage disposal without being sure that it is turned off and unplugged, so it cannot turn on. The unit is usually plugged into an outlet somewhere under your sink. If it is hardwired, turn off the corresponding circuit breaker inside your main electrical panel.
- Visually inspect: With a flashlight, check inside the disposal for any obstructions, blockages, or objects. If you spot something, do not insert your hands into the disposal. Instead, use tongs or pliers to remove it.
- Rotate the blades: Use a hex wrench to manually rotate the blades by inserting it into the bottom center of the disposal to help break up any clogs.
- Pour boiling water: Slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve any grease or flush small food scraps.
- Make a DIY solution: Measure out an equal amount of baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Pour the baking soda down the drain, and follow with the vinegar.
- Use a plunger: If the clog is still there, use a plunger to cover the drain and help dislodge the clog.
- Rotate the blades again: Afterwards, use the hex wrench to manually rotate the blades once more.
- Reset the disposal: (Note: If the garbage disposal has a reset button, press it to reset the unit.) Then, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or plug the unit back into the outlet.
- Run cold water: Run a steady stream of cold water down the drain for a minute or two to help flush any debris.
- Test the disposal: With the water running, turn the garbage disposal on to test if it’s working properly. At this point, the clog should be completely cleared, your disposal is ready to be cleaned!
If you’ve tried the above and the clog is still not cleared, call in a professional plumber to assess and resolve the issue.
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal With Products
With all of the waste that gets shoved down the garbage disposal, it’s easy for bacteria and residue to accumulate fast. That’s why some of cleaning companies make tablets specifically designed to keep your disposal running at its best. The specific instructions depend on which brand you buy, but in general, plan to drop one down the drain each month with the water running. The tablet will dissolve into a foaming cleanser and make its way into all of the tough-to-reach nooks and crannies.
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal Naturally
You don’t need to look further than your kitchen cabinets for the supplies you need to keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape. To combat buildup and keep blades sharp, here’s how to clean a garbage disposal with ice and citrus fruit. The acidity in lemons and limes will help disinfect the drain and prevent germs from accumulating, and a handful of ice cubes will keep the blades sharp and effective. Every week or so, drop these items down the drain, run the water, hit the “on” switch, and let the cleaning magic happen. Here’s a more in-depth video to help!
For a deep cleaning that will remove harder-to-get buildup, flush the disposal with the cure-all combination of baking soda and vinegar. First, drop a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then flip the switch to “on” and flush with hot water for 30-60 seconds.
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal With a Brush
If you get a thrill from cleaning your appliances by hand, then by all means, grab a toothbrush and get to it. Before you do anything, make absolutely certain that the power supply is disconnected. Once you know you’re in the clear, squeeze some dish soap onto the bristles, and go to town scrubbing as much of the hardware as you can reach.
Alternatively, you can buy a brush specifically designed to clean your garbage disposal. Think: longer handle, 360-degree bristle coverage, and an easy-to-grip handle.
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Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
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