Your garbage disposal is one of the most convenient tools in your kitchen—but when not cleaned properly, it can quickly turn into a source of foul odors, clogs, and even plumbing damage. Keeping your garbage disposal clean is essential for maintaining both your kitchen's hygiene and your home's plumbing health.

In this article, we’ll cover practical tips for cleaning and maintaining your garbage disposal, what to avoid putting in it, and when to call in a professional. For those in East Tennessee looking for reliable plumbing help, Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing offers expert plumbing services to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Why Garbage Disposal Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained garbage disposal:

  • Prevents odors caused by food residue
  • Reduces clogs and backups
  • Extends the lifespan of the unit
  • Keeps pipes and drains clear
  • Improves overall plumbing efficiency

Ignoring your disposal can lead to expensive plumbing repairs. Taking a few minutes each week to clean and maintain it can save you time, money, and hassle.

1. Clean It Weekly with Natural Ingredients

You don’t need fancy products to clean your disposal. A weekly routine using household items like baking soda and vinegar works wonders.

Steps:

  1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal.
  2. Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
  3. Let the mixture fizz for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Rinse with hot water while running the disposal.

This method helps break down grease, grime, and bacteria. Plus, it's eco-friendly and safe for your plumbing.

If your garbage disposal or drain remains sluggish after regular cleanings, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Explore our drain cleaning services to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.

2. Use Ice and Salt to Sharpen and Scrub

Another easy method is to grind ice cubes with coarse salt. This combination helps:

  • Remove buildup on the blades
  • Sharpen the impellers
  • Scrub away stuck food particles

Simply toss in a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt, then run the disposal with cold water for 10-15 seconds. This also helps with odor control.

3. Avoid Putting the Wrong Items Down the Disposal

Your garbage disposal is tough—but not invincible. Putting the wrong things in it can cause serious damage and lead to clogs or breakdowns.

Never Put These Items in Your Disposal:

  • Grease, fats, or oils
  • Eggshells (can bind with grease)
  • Coffee grounds
  • Pasta, rice, or bread (expand with water)
  • Fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, onion skins)
  • Bones or fruit pits
  • Non-food items (napkins, wrappers, etc.)

Not only do these clog the disposal, but they can also damage your pipes. For stubborn or recurring clogs, our sewer line repair specialists can diagnose and resolve deeper issues.

4. Run Cold Water While Using the Disposal

Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water helps harden any grease or oils, allowing the disposal to chop them up and flush them down the drain properly. Hot water, on the other hand, melts grease, which can stick to the pipes and cause clogs.

Tip: Let cold water run for about 20 seconds after turning off the disposal to ensure all debris is flushed through.

5. Use Citrus for a Fresh Smell

To keep your disposal smelling great, grind citrus peels like lemons, limes, or oranges once a week. The natural oils in the peel help clean the blades and leave behind a pleasant, fresh scent.

Bonus: Citrus peels also help loosen debris stuck on the sides of the disposal.

If foul odors persist despite your best efforts, it may be time to inspect the system further. Our team offers the best plumbing services in Tennessee to help restore freshness and function to your kitchen.

6. Clean the Rubber Splash Guard

Many homeowners forget the rubber splash guard—the rubber ring that covers the drain opening. It’s a hotspot for trapped food particles and bacteria.

To clean:

  1. Turn off the disposal.
  2. Remove the splash guard if possible.
  3. Use an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to scrub all the crevices.
  4. Rinse thoroughly before placing it back.

Keeping the splash guard clean helps eliminate odor and keeps your sink area more sanitary.

7. Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they can corrode the disposal’s parts and damage your plumbing system over time. They’re also harmful to the environment and unsafe if accidentally splashed.

If you have a blockage that natural methods can’t fix, our professional water line repair and drain services can remove the clog without damaging your plumbing.

8. Don’t Overload the Disposal

Feeding too much food waste at once can jam or strain your disposal. Instead, feed small amounts gradually while the disposal and water are running.

After processing all the food, let the disposal and cold water run for another 10-15 seconds to ensure all waste has been flushed through the system.

9. Schedule Annual Plumbing Inspections

Even if your garbage disposal seems to be working fine, regular plumbing inspections can catch small issues before they become big ones. Professionals can check for leaks, worn components, and proper installation.

For homeowners and business owners alike, Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing offers both residential and commercial plumbing inspections to keep your systems running year-round.

10. Upgrade If Your Disposal Is Outdated

Most garbage disposals have a lifespan of 8-15 years. If your unit is frequently jamming, leaking, or emitting loud noises, it might be time for a replacement. Newer models are quieter, more efficient, and easier to maintain.

Upgrading your garbage disposal as part of a kitchen remodel or plumbing overhaul? Consider pairing it with other energy-efficient appliances like a tankless water heater installation to boost your home’s overall efficiency.

FAQs About Garbage Disposal Maintenance

How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

You should perform a deep clean at least once a week and light rinses with cold water every time you use it.

Can I put dish soap down the disposal?

Yes! Dish soap is safe and effective for breaking down grease and freshening the unit when used with running cold water.

Is it okay to sharpen disposal blades?

Garbage disposals don't have sharp blades; they use blunt impellers. Ice and salt help clean and knock off debris rather than sharpening.

Why does my disposal smell bad even after cleaning?

Bad smells may be caused by hidden food buildup. Scrub the splash guard and run a vinegar-baking soda rinse to deodorize the system.

Should I hire a plumber for disposal issues?

Yes, especially if the unit is leaking, jammed, or causing clogs. Our team at Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing can diagnose and fix the issue professionally.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Functional Year-Round

A clean garbage disposal isn't just about eliminating odors—it’s about protecting your plumbing, preventing backups, and extending the life of your system. With a simple weekly routine and awareness of what goes down the drain, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly all year long.

If your garbage disposal is causing issues or you suspect something deeper is at play, don't wait. Contact Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing for trusted solutions across East Tennessee. From clogged drains to water line repairs, we’re here to help—fast, clean, and professional.

Need help with your garbage disposal or drain system? Reach out today to schedule expert plumbing service from the team East Tennessee trusts most.