Garbage Disposal Care & Maintenance
According to the InSinkErator Institute, approximately 50% of U.S. homes have a garbage disposal installed. Your garbage disposal works hard every day. Learn how to keep it running smoothly, what you should never put down it, and how to fix common problems yourself.
8-15 yrs
average lifespan
Weekly
cleaning recommended
$150-$400
replacement cost
"Most garbage disposal problems are caused by user error — putting the wrong items down the drain or failing to use enough water while operating the unit."
— InSinkErator
What Can Go In (And What Can't)
The EPA estimates that food waste makes up 21.6% of municipal solid waste in the U.S., and garbage disposals can divert a portion of this from landfills. However, knowing what your disposal can and cannot handle is critical for keeping it running well.
Safe to Grind
- • Soft foods and scraps
- • Fruit (no pits or seeds)
- • Vegetables (small pieces)
- • Cooked meat (small amounts)
- • Ice cubes (helps clean blades)
- • Citrus peels (freshens disposal)
- • Small bones (chicken, fish)
Never Put Down Disposal
- • Grease, oil, or fat
- • Fibrous veggies (celery, asparagus, corn husks)
- • Starchy foods (pasta, rice, potato peels)
- • Coffee grounds (seem fine but build up)
- • Eggshells (membrane clogs pipes)
- • Large bones
- • Fruit pits and seeds
- • Non-food items (glass, plastic, metal)
How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Clean weekly to prevent odors and buildup. Takes about 5 minutes.
Ice + Salt Scrub
Pour 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of rock salt into the disposal. Run cold water and turn on the disposal for 30 seconds. The ice and salt scour the blades and walls.
Baking Soda + Vinegar
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup white vinegar. Let it fizz for 5-10 minutes, then flush with hot water for 1 minute.
Citrus Freshener
Cut a lemon, lime, or orange into wedges and grind them with cold water running. The citrus oils leave a fresh scent and help cut grease.
Clean the Splash Guard
Don't forget the rubber splash guard! Lift the flaps and scrub with a brush and dish soap. This is often where odors hide.
Common Problems & Fixes
Disposal Won't Turn On
- 1. Check if it's plugged in
- 2. Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit
- 3. Check the circuit breaker
- 4. If still dead, the motor may have failed (time to replace)
Disposal Is Jammed
- 1. Turn off the disposal and unplug it (or flip breaker)
- 2. Insert a 1/4" hex wrench (Allen key) into the hole at the bottom of the unit
- 3. Turn the wrench back and forth to manually rotate the blades and free the jam
- 4. Use tongs or pliers to remove stuck debris (never use your hand!)
- 5. Press the reset button and test
Disposal Smells Bad
- 1. Run the disposal longer with cold water to flush debris
- 2. Clean with ice, salt, baking soda, and citrus (see cleaning steps above)
- 3. Scrub the splash guard—odors often hide here
- 4. If smell persists, there may be buildup in the drain pipe (not the disposal)
Disposal Drains Slowly
- 1. Run disposal longer with lots of cold water
- 2. Check for a clog in the disposal (use wrench to rotate and free)
- 3. The clog may be in the drain pipe below—try a plunger or drain snake
- 4. Avoid chemical drain cleaners (can damage disposal)
If the problem persists, the clog may be deeper in your plumbing. Learn when it's time to call a plumber.
Tips for Long Disposal Life
- Always run cold water — start water before turning on, run 15-20 seconds after turning off
- Run it regularly — even if you don't use it, run weekly to prevent rust and corrosion
- Feed slowly — add scraps gradually, not all at once
- Cut large items — break food into smaller pieces before grinding
- Never use hot water while grinding — hot water melts grease, which then solidifies in pipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eggshells good or bad for the disposal?
Despite the myth that eggshells sharpen blades, they're actually bad for disposals. The membrane can wrap around the blades, and the shells create gritty particles that can clog pipes. Compost them instead.
Can I put coffee grounds down the disposal?
No. Coffee grounds seem to go down fine, but they accumulate in pipes and create a sludgy clog over time. They're one of the most common causes of drain problems. Put them in the trash or compost.
How long should a garbage disposal last?
With proper care, 8-15 years. Signs it's time to replace: frequent jams, persistent odors despite cleaning, leaks, strange noises, or it just stops working. Consumer Reports notes that garbage disposals with 3/4 HP motors or higher handle fibrous foods and bone more effectively, reducing the risk of jams by up to 40%.
How long do garbage disposals last?
Garbage disposals typically last 8-15 years depending on usage and maintenance. Signs it needs replacement include frequent clogs, persistent odors despite cleaning, excessive noise, a need to reset it often, and visible leaks from the unit body.
How do I fix a jammed garbage disposal?
First, turn off the power. Insert an Allen wrench (usually 1/4 inch) into the hole on the bottom of the unit and work it back and forth to free the impellers. Remove any stuck objects with tongs (never your hand). Press the red reset button on the bottom, then test. If it still won't work, the motor may need replacement.
How do I clean and deodorize a garbage disposal?
Run cold water and pour in a handful of ice cubes followed by coarse salt to scour the grinding chamber. For odor removal, grind citrus peels (lemon, orange, or lime) with cold water. For deep cleaning, pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar, let fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — "Food Recovery Hierarchy"
- Consumer Reports — "Garbage Disposal Buying Guide"
- InSinkErator — "Garbage Disposal Facts"
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