Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, making meal cleanup faster and easier. But without proper care, it can quickly become noisy, jammed, or even stop working entirely. By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can extend its lifespan and keep it performing like new.
Run It Regularly
Even if you don’t have scraps to grind, it’s a good idea to run your garbage disposal for a few seconds every few days. This helps prevent rust, corrosion, and the buildup of leftover food inside the chamber. Always run cold water while it’s operating to keep the motor cool and push debris down the drain.
Avoid Putting Problem Items Down the Disposal
Not everything belongs in a garbage disposal. To avoid clogs and damage, keep these items out:
Grease, fats, and oils (they solidify and cause buildup)
Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, or artichokes (can wrap around the blades)
Coffee grounds and eggshells (can create a sludge that clogs pipes)
Large bones or fruit pits (too hard for the blades)
Stick to soft food scraps, and when in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost bin instead.
Use Cold Water While Running the Disposal
Cold water helps solidify any small amounts of grease so they can be chopped up and flushed away, rather than coating your pipes. Keep the water running for 10–15 seconds after switching off the disposal to ensure all debris is washed through the system.
Clean It Naturally
A garbage disposal can develop unpleasant odors over time. To keep it fresh and clean, try these natural cleaning methods:
Citrus Peel Freshener: Drop small pieces of lemon or orange peel into the disposal and run it with cold water for a burst of freshness.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar into the disposal. Let it foam for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Ice Cubes and Salt: Grinding a handful of ice cubes with coarse salt helps remove stuck-on debris from the blades.
Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners—they can damage both the disposal and your pipes.
Don’t Overload It
Feeding large amounts of food waste into the disposal at once can overwhelm the motor and cause jams. Instead, feed scraps gradually while the unit is running, allowing the blades to break down the waste efficiently.
Know When to Call a Professional
If your garbage disposal makes unusual noises, struggles to grind, frequently jams, or starts leaking, it’s time to have a professional inspect it. Trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous, especially if electrical or plumbing repairs are needed.
Conclusion
With proper care and a few smart habits, you can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly for years. Regular cleaning, mindful use, and timely repairs will ensure it works efficiently whenever you need it. If your disposal is making strange noises, clogging, or not working as it should, contact Atlas Plumbing & Rooter at (415) 849-2346 for fast, professional service you can trust.