How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal problems usually creep in. You might notice a smell one day and forget about it. The sink drains a little slower than usual. The disposal still works, but it doesn’t sound quite the same. In a lot of Maryland homes, that’s how buildup starts making itself known.

Cleaning a garbage disposal doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few safe steps and regular attention, you can keep odors under control, help the unit work better, and avoid bigger plumbing problems from developing under the sink.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are designed to break down food waste, but they aren’t self-cleaning. Small scraps, grease, and residue often stay behind longer than expected. Over time, that buildup causes odors, slower drainage, and extra strain on the unit.

Routine cleaning helps:

• Reduce garbage disposal smells caused by trapped food
• Prevent grease and residue from hardening inside the unit
• Improve grinding and drainage performance
• Support kitchen drain cleaning before clogs form
• Extend the life of the disposal

In many Maryland homes, frequent cooking and entertaining (especially around the holidays) can speed up this buildup, making regular cleaning important.

Garbage Disposal Safety Tips Before You Start

Before cleaning, safety should always come first.

• Turn off the disposal and unplug it or switch off the breaker
• Never put your hand inside the disposal
• Use tongs or pliers to remove visible debris
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage components

These garbage disposal cleaning tips help you clean safely without risking injury or damaging the unit.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

These methods use common household items and are safe for routine cleaning.

1. Flush with Hot Water: Run hot water for about a minute. This helps loosen grease and rinse away light residue. It’s a simple step that often makes a noticeable difference on its own.
2. Ice and Salt Method: Add a handful of ice cubes to the disposal, followed by coarse salt. Turn the disposal on while running cold water. The ice helps knock buildup loose, and the salt adds gentle abrasion as it moves through the unit.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour baking soda into the disposal, then add vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes before flushing with hot water. This is a common way to clean a garbage disposal naturally and deal with lingering odors.
4. Citrus Peels, Used Carefully: Small pieces of lemon or orange peel can freshen the disposal. Use them sparingly. Too much citrus at once can create new buildup instead of clearing it.
5. Clean the Splash Guard: The rubber splash guard is often where smells start. Food gets trapped underneath and sits there. If it’s removable, take it out and scrub it with warm, soapy water before putting it back.

What NOT to Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Some items are frequent causes of clogs and damage.

Avoid putting these in your disposal:

• Grease, fats, or oils
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
• Starchy foods such as pasta or rice
• Bones or other hard items

These materials don’t break down well and often lead to clogged kitchen sinks over time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal

How often you clean the disposal depends on how much it’s used.

• Light use: every one to two weeks
• Heavy use: weekly
• Deeper cleaning: about once a month

If you notice smells coming back quickly, slower drainage, or unfamiliar sounds, it’s probably overdue.

Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Professional Help

There are times when cleaning won’t solve the problem. That usually means something deeper is going on.

Call for professional help if you notice:

• Odors that return soon after cleaning
• Repeated clogs or backups
• Leaks under the sink
• Loud grinding or humming without movement
• A disposal that won’t turn on

At that point, it’s better to have the unit inspected than to keep forcing it to run.

Professional Garbage Disposal and Drain Services from GAC Services

When routine cleaning isn’t enough, professional service can help restore proper function and protect your plumbing.

GAC Services provides:

• Garbage disposal repair and replacement
• Kitchen drain cleaning
• Clog removal and pipe inspections
• Licensed plumbers serving Maryland homeowners

Our team focuses on fixing the issue correctly instead of offering short-term workarounds.

Need help with a clogged or malfunctioning garbage disposal? Contact us today for trusted plumbing solutions in Maryland.