Since the garbage disposal is out of sight, it’s easy to ignore it until a mysterious odor begins to invade your kitchen.

At Merry Maids, we know that a clean home is all about the details. A smelly disposal can make even the most spotless kitchen feel unclean.  Because the splash guard and grinding chamber are damp environments, they are the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Learning how to properly clean this appliance will definitely help. 

Why your garbage disposal needs a deep clean 

Over time, a mix of food particles, fats, and minerals builds up on the underside of the black rubber splash guard and along the grinding ring. If left alone, this buildup can lead to clogs or potentially even motor burnout. Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid a call to the plumber.

Step-by-step cleaning tips for your garbage disposal

Follow these steps to deodorize and sanitize your disposal:

  1. Safety first: TURN OFF THE DISPOSAL. We can’t emphasize this one enough. For extra precaution, unplug the unit under the sink or turn off the circuit breaker. Never put your hand down the drain. Use long-handled pliers if you ever need to remove a trapped object.
  2. Clean the splash guard: This is where 90% of the smell lives. Take an old toothbrush, dip it in grease-cutting dish soap or a paste of baking soda and water, and scrub the underside of the black rubber flaps. You'll be surprised (and maybe a little grossed out) by what you can clean off there.
  3. Use baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes. This chemical reaction helps break down stubborn grime and kills bacteria.
  4. Try ice and salt: Turn on the cold water and the disposal, then drop in two cups of ice cubes and a half-cup of coarse sea salt. The ice helps knock food debris off the blades, while the salt acts as an abrasive to sand the interior walls clean.
  5. Deodorize with citrus: Drop in a few small citrus peels - lemon, lime, or orange. Run the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds. The natural oils in the peels provide a long-lasting scent that is definitely going to be an improvement.

Tips for daily maintenance

Not everything agrees with a garbage disposal. Put these in your trash instead of your drain: 

  • Coffee grounds: They pack together like mulch and cause clogs.
  • Fats and oils: These solidify in the pipes.
  • Fibrous vegetables: Celery, onion skins, and corn husks can tangle around the blades.

On your way to clean

A clean garbage disposal is the finishing touch on a clean kitchen. By spending just a few minutes once a month on this routine, you can prevent odors and keep your drain clear.

Check out our other how-to series articles: