How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Stop Odors and Keep Blades Sharp

A photo of clean garbage disposal "blades" at the bottom of the unit

Quick Tips

A garbage disposal is one of the most useful kitchen appliances—until it starts smelling like last week’s leftovers. Food debris, grease, and grime can build up inside, leading to odors, slow drainage, and even a dull blade. If your sink has started to stink or your disposal isn’t working as efficiently as it used to, it’s time for a deep clean. Here’s how to get rid of odors, remove buildup, and keep your disposal running smoothly.

Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal Matters

Neglecting your garbage disposal can lead to unpleasant smells, bacterial growth, and clogging. Over time, grease and food particles stick to the walls of the unit, creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Regular maintenance helps prevent blockages, sharpens the blades, and ensures your disposal continues to grind food waste efficiently.

What You’ll Need

Baking Soda and White Vinegar – Breaks down grease and eliminates odors.
Ice Cubes and Salt – Helps clean and sharpen the blades.
Dish Soap – Removes food residue and grease buildup.
Citrus Peels (Lemon, Orange, or Lime) – Naturally freshens up the disposal.
Old Toothbrush or Scrub Brush – Cleans hard-to-reach areas under the splash guard.
Tongs or Pliers – For safely removing trapped debris.
Boiling Water – Helps flush away loosened grime.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal in 6 Steps

1. Turn Off the Power and Remove Any Large Debris

Before cleaning, turn off the disposal to avoid injury. Never put your hand inside the disposal—use tongs or pliers to remove any large food scraps or objects that may be stuck inside.

2. Scrub the Splash Guard

The black rubber splash guard around your disposal is often the source of foul odors. Lift the flaps and scrub underneath using an old toothbrush and dish soap. This step removes food residue that gets trapped in the folds.

3. Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and sit for 10-15 minutes to break down grease and neutralize odors. Rinse by running hot water down the drain.

4. Clean and Sharpen Blades with Ice and Salt

Toss a handful of ice cubes and 1/2 cup of coarse salt into the disposal. Turn it on and let it grind the ice—this scrubs the blades clean and helps remove stubborn buildup. The salt adds an abrasive element, sharpening the blades as they spin.

5. Flush with Boiling Water

Boil a pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain to help wash away any remaining grime and grease. This also helps loosen and clear any debris stuck in the pipes.

6. Freshen with Citrus Peels

To leave your garbage disposal smelling fresh, drop in a few lemon, orange, or lime peels and run the disposal with cold water. The natural citrus oils cut through grease and leave behind a pleasant scent.

How to Keep Garbage Disposal Blades Sharp

Over time, garbage disposal blades can dull due to repeated use and exposure to greasy buildup. Keeping them sharp helps ensure smooth operation and prevents clogging. Here’s how to maintain sharp blades:

Use Ice Regularly: Grinding ice cubes in the disposal once a week helps maintain the sharpness of the blades and clears out debris.
Add Rock Salt: Pairing ice cubes with coarse rock salt creates an abrasive effect that helps sharpen the edges of the blades.
Avoid Grinding Hard Objects: Never put bones, fruit pits, or metal objects into the disposal, as they can damage the blades.
Run Cold Water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to prevent grease from solidifying and coating the blades.
Use Eggshells Sparingly: While some argue that eggshells help clean the blades, too many can create clogs. If using them, pair them with running water and ice cubes.

Additional Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Run Cold Water While Using the Disposal – Helps solidify grease so it gets chopped up instead of coating the pipes.
Avoid Putting Certain Foods Down the Disposal – Coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, and fibrous foods (like celery and onion skins) can cause clogs.
Clean Weekly to Prevent Buildup – Regular maintenance keeps odors and clogs at bay.
Use Dish Soap After Heavy Use – Running a few drops of dish soap with water through the disposal helps prevent grease buildup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Harsh Chemicals – Bleach or drain cleaners can damage disposal components.
Neglecting to Clean the Splash Guard – It’s one of the biggest odor culprits.
Running the Disposal Without Water – Always run cold water while using it to help flush food particles.
Forgetting to Check for Blockages – If your disposal is making strange noises, turn it off and inspect for trapped objects.

Final Thoughts

A clean garbage disposal means a fresher kitchen and a longer-lasting appliance. By following these simple steps, you can keep your disposal free of odors, buildup, and mechanical issues. If you’re tackling kitchen maintenance, check out How to Clean a Dishwasher for more tips on keeping your appliances in top shape.