Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal for Peak Performance

A well-maintained garbage disposal can be a reliable kitchen tool, helping to manage food waste efficiently. However, to keep it running smoothly, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and cleaning. Here’s a guide on how to maintain and clean your garbage disposal to ensure it stays in peak condition.

1. Routine Maintenance Practices

• Run Cold Water: Always run cold water for about 30 seconds before and after using your garbage disposal. Cold water solidifies any fats or grease, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up.
• Avoid Certain Items: Be mindful of what you put down your garbage disposal. Avoid fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and corn husks, as these can wrap around the blades. Hard items like bones and fruit pits can dull or break the blades, while starchy foods like pasta or rice can expand and cause clogs.

2. Deep Cleaning Methods

• Use Ice Cubes and Salt: To clean and sharpen the blades, put a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt down the disposal and run it for a few seconds. This helps dislodge debris and can help keep the blades sharp.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: For a natural deodorizer and cleaner, pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for about 10 minutes before flushing it with hot water. This helps remove grime and neutralize odors.
• Citrus Peels: Grinding up citrus peels like lemon or orange can freshen up your garbage disposal. The oils in the peels help to clean the blades and leave a pleasant scent.

3. Dealing with Clogs and Jams

• Manually Remove Blockages: If your garbage disposal is jammed, avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, turn off the power and use a wrench or pliers to manually rotate the blades from underneath the unit. Remove any visible debris with tongs or pliers—never use your hands.
• Plunger Method: For minor clogs, you can use a sink plunger. Fill the sink with a small amount of water, place the plunger over the disposal opening, and pump vigorously. This can help dislodge smaller blockages.

4. Safety Considerations

• Turn Off Power: Always turn off the power at the breaker before attempting any manual cleaning or maintenance on your garbage disposal to avoid accidents.
• Use Tools, Not Hands: If something falls into the disposal, use tongs or a long-handled tool to retrieve it. Never stick your hand into the disposal, even if it’s turned off.

Maintaining and cleaning your garbage disposal regularly will help extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently. For more complex issues or if your disposal isn’t functioning as it should, it's wise to consult a professional.

At Wagner, we are here to assist with all your plumbing needs, ensuring your garbage disposal and other appliances run smoothly.