Your garbage disposal works hard behind the scenes. It’s a handy tool that keeps food waste out of the trash, but like anything with moving parts, it needs a little care to keep things running smoothly.
A few simple habits can keep your garbage disposal working like a champ, while the wrong ones can lead to bad smells, jams, or costly repairs. If you want to avoid a kitchen disaster, here’s what you should—and shouldn’t—do when it comes to garbage disposal maintenance.
Do: Use Cold Water While Running the Disposal
When using your garbage disposal, always run cold water before, during, and after grinding food waste. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat that might accidentally make its way into the disposal, preventing it from coating the blades or clogging your pipes.
Hot water, on the other hand, can melt fats and allow them to stick inside your plumbing, which can lead to stubborn clogs.
Don’t: Pour Grease or Oil Down the Disposal
Speaking of grease, it’s one of the worst things you can put into your garbage disposal. It might seem harmless when it’s in liquid form, but as it cools, it thickens and sticks to the inside of the disposal and your pipes. Over time, this buildup can slow things down and even cause a blockage.
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool in a container and toss it in the trash. Your pipes will thank you.
Do: Cut Large Food Scraps into Smaller Pieces
Your garbage disposal is powerful, but it’s not invincible. Large chunks of food—especially dense items like raw potatoes or fibrous vegetables—can overload the motor and cause a jam.
If you need to dispose of something bulky, cut it into smaller pieces first. Feeding the disposal bit by bit gives it time to grind everything up properly, reducing strain on the system.
Don’t: Put Stringy or Starchy Foods Down the Disposal
Some foods are more trouble than they’re worth when it comes to garbage disposals. Fibrous vegetables like celery, onion skins, or corn husks can wrap around the blades, causing jams. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can turn into a gluey mess, coating the inside of the disposal and making it harder to grind food effectively.
If you’re dealing with scraps like these, it’s better to throw them in the compost or trash.
Do: Keep It Clean with Natural Cleaners
Over time, food particles can build up inside the disposal, leading to unpleasant smells. A simple cleaning routine can help prevent odors and keep things fresh.
One of the easiest ways to clean your disposal is by running a mixture of baking soda and vinegar through it. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then rinse it down with cold water. Tossing in a few citrus peels can also help with lingering odors, leaving your disposal smelling fresh.
Don’t: Use Harsh Chemicals
When faced with a clogged or smelly disposal, it might be tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Don’t do it. These cleaners are often too harsh for your disposal’s internal components and can eat away at the rubber and metal parts over time.
If you have a clog, try a plunger or an Allen wrench (many disposals have a small hole at the bottom where you can manually turn the blades to clear a jam). If that doesn’t work, it may be time to call a professional.
Do: Run Your Disposal Regularly
Even if you don’t use your garbage disposal every day, it’s a good idea to run it with cold water every now and then. This helps prevent rust, keeps the parts moving, and flushes out any lingering food particles that might be sitting in the system.
Letting a disposal sit unused for too long can lead to buildup and unpleasant smells. A quick run every few days can help keep it in good shape.
Don’t: Forget to Check for Leaks or Strange Noises
Your garbage disposal should hum along quietly while doing its job. If you hear grinding, rattling, or any unusual noises, it could mean something is loose or stuck inside. Likewise, if you notice water pooling under the sink, there could be a small leak that needs attention.
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to bigger problems down the road. If something seems off, a quick inspection—or a call to a professional—can save you from a major headache.
Grinding to a Halt? Time to Call for Backup
Even with the best maintenance habits, garbage disposals don’t last forever. If yours keeps clogging, won’t turn on, or is making loud grinding noises, it may need professional garbage disposal repair.
Here at TC Appliance Repair, we’ve seen it all—from disposals that hum but don’t grind to units that are completely unresponsive. Whether it’s a minor fix or time for a replacement, we’re here to help get your kitchen back in working order.
Taking care of your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be complicated. A little common sense, regular cleaning, and knowing what to avoid can go a long way. And if you ever run into trouble, contact us to book a service call!
