5 Easy Ways to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal for Longevity

Your garbage disposal is a workhorse in your kitchen, handling food scraps and keeping your sink clear. But like any hardworking appliance, it needs regular care to perform its best and last for years. Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogs, foul odors, and costly repairs or replacements. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and extend its lifespan significantly. Follow these five easy maintenance tips to ensure your disposal remains a reliable kitchen companion.

1. Use Cold Water and Run It Longer

Many people mistakenly use hot water when running their garbage disposal, thinking it will help melt grease and clean the unit. However, this is a common misconception. Hot water can actually cause fats and grease to liquefy and move past the disposal blades, only to solidify further down your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs.

Instead, always use cold water before, during, and after running the disposal. Cold water helps keep fats and grease in solid form, allowing the blades to chop them up effectively so they can be washed away without congealing in your plumbing. Additionally, run the disposal for at least 30 seconds after the grinding sound stops. This ensures all food particles are thoroughly flushed out, preventing buildup inside the unit or drainpipe.

Actionable Tip: Make it a habit to turn on the cold water faucet first, then flip the disposal switch. Let the water and disposal run for a full 30 seconds after you no longer hear food being processed.

2. Grind the Right Foods (and Avoid the Wrong Ones)

Not all food scraps are disposal-friendly. Knowing what to grind and what to keep out is crucial for preventing jams, dull blades, and motor strain. A good rule of thumb is to only put small, soft, and non-fibrous items into your disposal.

Safe to grind:

• Small fruit and vegetable scraps (e.g., apple cores, cucumber ends)
• Soft leftovers like cooked rice or pasta
• Eggshells (some debate exists, but they can help clean the blades)
• Small bones from fish or poultry (check your model’s manual)

Never put these in your disposal:

• Grease, fats, and oils: They solidify and cause blockages.
• Fibrous vegetables: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and asparagus can wrap around the blades.
• Starchy foods: Potato peels and pasta can expand and create a thick paste.
• Hard items: Bones, fruit pits, and seafood shells can damage the blades and motor.
• Non-food items: Never put anything like glass, metal, or plastic in the disposal.

Actionable Tip: Keep a compost bin or trash can handy for disposal no-nos. When in doubt, throw it out!

3. Clean and Deodorize Regularly

Over time, food residue can build up inside your disposal, leading to unpleasant odors and reduced efficiency. Regular cleaning prevents this buildup and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the disposal’s metal components and pipes.

Here are some effective, natural cleaning methods:

• Ice and Rock Salt: Pour a cup of ice cubes combined with a half-cup of rock salt into the disposal. Run it with cold water for a few seconds. The ice helps sharpen the blades, while the abrasive salt scrubs away grime.
• Citrus Peels: Toss a few lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal and run it with cold water. The natural oils deodorize and leave a fresh scent.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 5-10 minutes, then flush with hot water (this is one time hot water is okay, after the cleaning reaction).

Actionable Tip: Clean your disposal once every one to two weeks, or whenever you notice an odor. Using citrus peels weekly is an easy way to maintain freshness.

4. Keep It Sharp and Free with Safe Practices

Garbage disposals don’t have traditional “blades” that need sharpening; instead, they have impellers that shred food against a stationary grind ring. Keeping these components in good shape involves avoiding hard objects and occasionally using methods to prevent rust and corrosion.

Follow these practices to maintain the cutting mechanism:

• Run it regularly: Even if you don’t have food scraps, run the disposal with cold water every few days to prevent corrosion and keep moving parts from seizing.
• Use small amounts at a time: Avoid overloading the disposal. Feed food scraps gradually to prevent jams and motor overload.
• Never use harsh chemicals or drain cleaners: They can corrode metal parts and damage the disposal’s interior.

If your disposal does jam, never use your hands to clear it. First, turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker. Then, use a hex key (often provided with the disposal) to manually rotate the impellers from the bottom of the unit to dislodge the obstruction.

Actionable Tip: Keep the manufacturer’s manual and tools handy. Familiarize yourself with the reset button location (usually on the bottom of the unit) in case the motor overheats and trips.

5. Protect Your Drains and Disposal with Mindful Use

Your garbage disposal is just one part of your kitchen’s plumbing system. Protecting the entire drain line ensures the disposal works efficiently and lasts longer. Simple habits can prevent backups and reduce strain on the unit.

Key protective measures include:

• Use a sink strainer: Place a strainer over the drain to catch non-food items and large scraps that shouldn’t go into the disposal.
• Flush with plenty of water: Always run a strong stream of cold water during and after disposal use to carry particles through the pipes.
• Avoid overuse: The disposal isn’t a trash can. Use it for small scraps, not large quantities of waste.

Additionally, be mindful of what goes down adjacent drains. For example, avoid pouring coffee grounds or grease down any sink drain, as they contribute to blockages over time.

Actionable Tip: Install a high-quality sink strainer and empty it into the trash after washing dishes. This simple step can prevent most accidental jams.

When to Call a Professional

While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, some problems require expert attention. If you experience persistent odors, frequent jams, leaks, unusual noises (like humming without grinding), or if the disposal won’t turn on at all, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Attempting complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

Signs you need professional help:

• Water backing up into the sink or dishwasher
• Loud, grinding noises that don’t resolve
• Visible leaks under the sink
• Disposal reset button trips repeatedly

Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major plumbing disaster. Professional technicians have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix disposal problems safely and efficiently.

Conclusion: Keep Your Disposal Running Smoothly

Maintaining your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these five easy tips - using cold water, grinding the right foods, cleaning regularly, practicing safe use, and protecting your drains - you can significantly extend the life of your unit and avoid common problems. A well-maintained disposal not only saves you money on repairs but also ensures your kitchen remains clean and functional.

If you encounter any issues beyond basic maintenance or need professional installation, repair, or drain cleaning services, our team is here to help. Call (855) 971-3303 today for expert assistance and keep your plumbing in top shape!