If you’ve ever caught a whiff of something funky coming from your kitchen sink, chances are your garbage disposal is the culprit. With its cool, dark, and damp environment combined with leftover food scraps, it’s the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. The good news? Cleaning your garbage disposal is simpler than you think, and with these easy steps, you can eliminate odors and keep it running like new.

Before You Begin: Safety First!

Before you get to cleaning, disconnect the power to your garbage disposal. The easiest way is to unplug it—most outlets are located under the sink. If you can’t find it, turn off the disposal’s power at your home’s main electrical panel. Test the unit to ensure it won’t turn on by flipping the switch before you begin.

Even with the power off, never stick your hand into the disposal. The blades are sharp and can cause injury. Use tools like pliers or tongs for added safety.

Step-by-Step: The Safe Way to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Step 1: Remove Any Debris

Grab a flashlight and shine it into the disposal. Look for anything stuck in the blades—common culprits include bottle caps, vegetable fibres, or pull-tabs from cans. If you spot debris, use needle-nose pliers or tongs to carefully remove it.

A client once told me they fished out a rubber band that had been causing their disposal to make a strange grinding noise. Once removed, it worked perfectly again!

Step 2: Clean the Blades with Ice and Rock Salt

Now it’s time to dislodge any grime stuck to the blades. Drop about a dozen ice cubes into the disposal, followed by ½ cup of rock salt. Restore power to the unit, turn it on, and run cold water down the drain while it works.

The ice sharpens the blades and scrapes off gunk, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive to clean stubborn residue. Let the disposal run for about a minute, then turn it off and disconnect the power again.

Step 3: Freshen with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. You’ll hear a satisfying fizz—this is the natural cleaner working its magic to kill bacteria like salmonella and E. coli! Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.

Why natural cleaners? Chemical-based products can be harsh and unsafe for use in your disposal. Baking soda and vinegar are non-toxic, effective, and safe for your kitchen environment.

Step 4: Scrub Rubber Components

While the baking soda and vinegar fizz inside the disposal, mix the two ingredients into a paste in a small bowl. Dip an old toothbrush into the paste and scrub the rubber flaps at the disposal’s neck. These flaps often collect bacteria and grime, so a little elbow grease here goes a long way.

Don’t forget the sink stopper! If your sink has one, give its rubber components a quick scrub with the same paste.

Step 5: Flush with Soapy Water

For a final rinse, plug your sink drain and fill the basin about three-quarters full with warm water. Add a teaspoon of dish soap, then unplug the drain and let the soapy water flush through the disposal while it runs. This step ensures all remaining debris and bacteria are washed away.

Maintaining a Fresh Garbage Disposal

Keeping your garbage disposal clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little regular maintenance, you can avoid unpleasant odours and the need for deep cleaning.

• Grind Citrus Peels: Toss in some lemon, lime, or orange peels and run the disposal for a quick refresh. The natural oils not only neutralize odours but leave a fresh scent behind.
• Set a Reminder: Clean your garbage disposal every two weeks using a quick method like ice and rock salt or baking soda and vinegar. Staying consistent prevents buildup and keeps things running smoothly.

A neighbour of mine swears by grinding a mix of ice cubes and lemon peels every Sunday evening. “It takes two minutes and makes the whole kitchen smell fresh,” she says.

A Cleaner, Fresher Kitchen in Minutes

Cleaning your garbage disposal might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen smelling great and your disposal working efficiently. With just a few simple steps—and less than 15 minutes—you can banish odours and keep your disposal in top shape.

Give it a try today, and your nose (and wallet) will thank you!