How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Clean your garbage disposal by disconnecting power, removing debris by hand, grinding ice and rock salt, then running cold water with dish soap to eliminate odors and buildup.

1. Kill Power First. Switch off the garbage disposal at the wall switch and unplug the unit from under the sink if it has a plug. Turn off the water supply to prevent accidental activation while cleaning.
2. Extract Hidden Junk. Use tongs or pliers to pull out any visible food scraps, utensils, or foreign objects from the grinding chamber. Never put your hand inside the disposal, even when the power is off.
3. Scrub the Guard. Lift the rubber splash guard and scrub both sides with an old toothbrush and dish soap. Food particles and grease accumulate here and create odors. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Grind Sharp Ice. Reconnect power and drop two cups of ice cubes and half a cup of rock salt into the disposal. Run cold water and turn on the disposal for 30 seconds. The ice sharpens the blades while salt scours away buildup.
5. Freshen with Citrus. Cut a lemon or lime into quarters and grind them with cold water running. The citrus oils naturally freshen the disposal and leave a clean scent. Orange peels work equally well.
6. Flush Clean. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the disposal and run cold water for 30 seconds with the disposal on. This removes any remaining grease and ensures all cleaning residue is flushed away.