We have all been there. You walk into the kitchen, and instead of the smell of dinner, you’re hit with a mysterious, rotting odor wafting from the sink. Even if you run water constantly, food particles can get trapped in the grinding chamber and under the splash guard, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Learning how to clean garbage disposal units properly isn’t just about getting rid of that “funk.” It’s about maintaining your plumbing and extending the life of your appliance. A clean disposal runs more efficiently and prevents the buildup that leads to expensive clogs.
The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or a plumber to fix this. In this guide, we’ll show you the most effective DIY methods to sanitize your disposal using simple household items you already have in your pantry.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off the power: Always disconnect the power or flip the breaker before reaching into the disposal.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach and commercial drain cleaners can damage the rubber seals and internal components.
- Clean the splash guard: The underside of the rubber flange is usually the primary source of the smell.
- Use ice and salt: This combination physically scours the blades and removes stubborn sludge.
- Frequency: Clean your disposal once a week to prevent odors from returning.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start, safety is paramount. Never put your hand inside the unit while it is connected to power. Unplug the unit under the sink or turn off the circuit breaker. Use a flashlight to check for any large stuck objects like bones or fruit pits and remove them with needle-nose pliers—never your fingers.
Step 2: Clean the Rubber Splash Guard
Most people ignore the rubber “flange” or splash guard, but this is where most of the gunk hides. Food splatters upward and sticks to the underside, where it rots out of sight.
- Scrub it down: Dip an old toothbrush in dish soap or a paste of baking soda and water.
- Flip it up: Lift the flaps and scrub the underside of the rubber thoroughly.
- Rinse: Use hot water to flush away the loosened debris.
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Step 3: The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
If you want to know how to clean garbage disposal systems naturally, this classic fizzy reaction is your best friend. It deodorizes and helps loosen greasy buildup.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Slowly add 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let it sit and fizz for about 10 minutes.
- Flush with very hot water while running the disposal.
Step 4: The Ice and Salt “Scrub”
This is a pro trick for cleaning the grinding components that you can’t reach with a brush.
- The Ice: Drop two cups of ice cubes into the disposal.
- The Salt: Add one cup of rock salt or coarse sea salt.
- The Action: Turn on the cold water and run the disposal until the ice is gone. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the ice helps knock food off the impellers.
Comparing Popular Cleaning Methods
| Method | Best For | Effectiveness | Cost |
| Baking Soda & Vinegar | Deodorizing & killing bacteria. | Medium | $ |
| Ice & Rock Salt | Removing stuck-on food & sludge. | High | $ |
| Citrus Peels | Instant fresh scent. | Low (Scent only) | $ |
| Commercial Cleaners | Quick, foaming action. | Medium | $$ |
Step 5: Deodorize with Citrus
Once the unit is physically clean, you can add a fresh scent. Toss a handful of lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal. Run it with cold water. The natural oils in the peels provide a pleasant aroma and help break down any remaining grease.
Pro Tips to Keep It Clean
Preventing the smell is much easier than removing it once it starts. Follow these simple rules to keep your kitchen smelling great:
- Use Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. Hot water melts grease, which can then coat the pipes and trap food. Cold water keeps grease solid so the disposal can grind it up.
- Let it Run: Keep the water and the disposal running for 15 seconds after the grinding noise stops to ensure all particles are flushed completely into the main drain.
- Avoid “Forbidden” Foods: Never put coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, or pasta down the disposal. These items either create a paste that clogs pipes or wrap around the blades.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean garbage disposal units is a quick 10-minute chore that makes a massive difference in your kitchen’s hygiene. By scrubbing the splash guard and using the ice and salt method regularly, you’ll keep your drain flowing freely and your sink smelling fresh.
Would you like me to find a list of the best-rated garbage disposal splash guards if yours is cracked or too dirty to clean?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use bleach to clean my garbage disposal?
A: We do not recommend using bleach. While it kills bacteria, it can harden grease and make clogs worse. Furthermore, bleach can damage the rubber seals and gaskets over time, leading to leaks under your sink.
Q: How often should I clean it?
A: For a standard household, a deep clean with baking soda and vinegar should be done once a week. If you use your disposal heavily, you might want to do the ice and salt scrub twice a month.
Q: Why does my disposal smell like rotten eggs?
A: This is usually a sign of sulfur-producing bacteria feeding on trapped food. If the baking soda method doesn’t work, the smell is likely coming from the rubber splash guard. Remove it and scrub it by hand—you’ll likely find the culprit there.
Q: Are eggshells good for sharpening the blades?
A: This is a common myth. Garbage disposals don’t actually have “blades” (they have blunt impellers), and eggshells have a thin membrane that can stick to the pipes and cause clogs. Stick to ice cubes for cleaning the grinding elements.
