How to Clean a Garbage Disposal the Right Way: Tips for a Fresh, Odor-Free Kitchen

If your kitchen is starting to smell funky and you can’t figure out why, your garbage disposal might be the culprit. This hardworking appliance handles a lot of food scraps, grease, and debris; but without regular maintenance, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and bad odors.

Whether you’re freshening up the kitchen in your Phoenix, AZ home, an Atlanta, GA loft, or Boise, ID rental, knowing how to clean garbage disposal units properly can save you from clogs, smells, and even mechanical failure. 

This Redfin guide covers expert-backed methods and DIY kitchen cleaning supplies to keep your disposal clean, odor-free, and working like new.

Why should you clean your garbage disposal?

It’s easy to overlook your garbage disposal; until it starts to stink or clog. Regular cleaning helps your unit last longer and keeps your kitchen from developing unpleasant smells.

“Kitchen sinks are where all your important food preparation takes place,” says Tony from Homeworks Cleaning Service in Philadelphia, PA. “Keeping the garbage disposal functioning optimally and smelling fresh keeps customers happy and impressed with our cleaning service.”

Beyond odors, a dirty garbage disposal can lead to stubborn clogs or even damage the appliance. According to Yaqub Najimi of Farmingdale, NY-based eco-friendly drain product makers TubShroom, “Built-up gunk can lead to overheating or complete shutdowns; which can be a safety risk if not handled properly.”

Renovating your home?

Find out what your home's worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.

How often should I clean the garbage disposal?

A good rule of thumb is to clean your garbage disposal once a week if you use it frequently, or every two weeks if you use it less often. Regular maintenance can prevent odors and keep blades sharp; especially if you know how to make homemade cleaners to have on hand.

How to clean garbage disposal: 4 expert-approved methods

Before doing anything, always turn off the power to the unit by unplugging it or switching off the breaker. As emphasized by several experts including Jessie Cannizzaro, a master plumber from Wauwatosa, WI-based Milestone Plumbing, ““Power down and avoid accidents by making sure everything’s off before reaching inside.”

 Once the power is off, use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris. Then you’re ready for a deeper clean using one of these proven methods:

1. Ice cube + salt scrub method

Grinding ice cubes with salt is a powerful way to loosen and scrape away grime from inside the unit. “Pour 2 cups of ice and a handful of coarse rock salt into the disposal,” says Rosanne Scott from Premium Rooter Plumbing in Hutto, TX. “Run cold water and turn it on for 10-15 seconds. This safely breaks up grime.”

Carol Doak, owner of Mini Maid Gainesville expands on this by recommending: “Add 5-6 ice cubes, at least 1/2 cup of salt, and a cup of white vinegar. Turn on the disposal and run with cold water for 1-2 minutes.” She also advises scrubbing the splash guard with dish detergent and a pot brush afterward.

Natalie Hernandez, showroom manager of High Touch Remodeling, located in Los Angeles, CA, also endorses this method. “Drop in a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt, then run the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds. Finish with a slice of lemon or splash of white vinegar.”

2. Lemon and citrus peel method

For a fresh scent, citrus fruits are a go-to kitchen cleaning hack that naturally deodorizes your garbage disposal.

Jamie Coppock of Black Rok Kitchen Design shares their take on this method. “Put a few small ice cubes and run it for a few minutes. This will sharpen the blades. Finally, a few squirts of lemon juice in the garbage disposal will freshen everything up.”

Natural living blogger, Marlene Campanale of Every Purpose Home in San Francisco, CA offers a creative twist. “Freeze distilled white vinegar and a few drops of lemon essential oil in ice cube trays. Place 2-3 of the frozen cubes into the disposal, sprinkle in a generous amount of baking soda, and pour warm water over everything. Let that fizz undisturbed for 5 minutes; the ice cubes scour the blades and the baking soda/vinegar finish lifting the grime.”

3. Vinegar and baking soda fizz method

One of the most popular answers to how to clean garbage disposal is the fizzy reaction of vinegar and baking soda. It breaks down stuck-on food and neutralizes odor. 

Jim Allen from Speedy Appliance Parts in Corydon, IN instructs, “Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then turn on the disposal and flush with hot water.”

Tim Kariev of San Diego, CA-based SpeedMates Home Services agrees, adding, “This not only neutralizes odors but also helps remove buildup inside the unit.”

Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria also follows the same method, “Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar; let it fizz for about 5-10 minutes. Rinse with hot water.”

However, keep in mind that hot water alone is not effective at clearing gunk, especially when grease is involved. Cold water should be used during grinding to prevent soft fats from melting and coating the pipes. Use hot water only during the final rinse, once debris is already loosened.

4. Flush with a cleaning pod or product method

Cleaning pods can simplify disposal maintenance, especially when you’re short on time.

Gina Brooks from plumbing repair manufacturer Danco, Inc suggests, “Drop a Liquid Rhyno Garbage Disposal Cleaning Pod monthly into your disposer, run warm water for two minutes and let it sit for an hour. These pods are formulated with a premium blend of supercharged bacteria and are infused with a fresh lemon scent.”

Renuv, an eco-friendly appliance cleaning solutions company in Sacramento, CA, recommends a similar routine. “Run warm water, drop in a  Renuv pod, and turn on the disposal; it foams up to scrub away grime and leave behind a clean, citrus scent.”

Foods to avoid putting in the garbage disposal

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as learning how to clean garbage disposal. Here’s what several experts warn against:

• Grease and oil: These harden in the pipes, trap food particles and odors.
• Coffee grounds: They create a dense, sludgy paste that causes clogs.
• Large food scraps or bones: These can damage blades or overwhelm the system.

“Never put large food scraps, grease, or coffee grounds down the disposal,” says Rosanne Scott. “These can clog and damage your disposal and plumbing system.”

Other garbage disposal maintenance tips

A few extra habits can go a long way when learning how to clean kitchen appliances like the garbage disposal and keeping them fresh:

1. Clean the splash guard regularly. Phil Schaller from Seattle, WA-based property management company RentalRiff says, “A quick clean with soap and a towel or toothbrush will do the trick;  just make sure the disposal is off or unplugged.”
2. Use dish soap while the disposal runs. Phil Schaller notes that this works just like cleaning any other utensil.
3. Reset the unit if needed. Yaqub Najimi suggests pressing the reset button if your unit shuts down due to overheating.
4. Soak the rubber baffle. If odors persist, Jessie Cannizzaro recommends removing the rubber baffle and soaking it in soapy water. “Still smelling something? It could be a sign that food is not completely clearing the disposal.”

How to clean a garbage disposal: Final thoughts

Knowing how to clean garbage disposal units properly doesn’t require harsh chemicals or complicated tools. With a few everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, ice cubes, and lemon; you can clean and maintain your kitchen appliances and keep them smelling fresh and functioning smoothly.  A clean garbage disposal is more than just a fresh-smelling kitchen; it’s also a safer, more efficient one.