Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working tools in your kitchen—and one of the most overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. Over time, food scraps, grease, and moisture create the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and nasty smells to take hold.

At A+ Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners around Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati troubleshoot smelly or clogged disposals—and we’ve seen what happens when they’re ignored. The good news? Keeping your disposal clean isn’t hard. A little regular maintenance goes a long way.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Think of your garbage disposal like a trash can without a liner. Sure, it grinds up food and rinses it away, but small particles still get stuck under the blades, around the splash guard, and deep in the pipes.

If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to:

Unpleasant odors in the sink and kitchen
Slimy bacteria and mold buildup
Clogs and sluggish drainage
Premature wear on the blades and motor

And once that smell starts, no amount of air freshener will cover it up.

What You’ll Need

You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen:

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Ice cubes
Rock salt
Lemon or orange peels
An old toothbrush or small scrub brush
Tongs or pliers (for safe debris removal)

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Step-by-Step

1. Turn Off the Power

Safety first. Unplug your disposal or switch off the circuit breaker before putting anything near the blades.

2. Remove Trapped Debris

Shine a flashlight into the disposal and use tongs or pliers (never your hands) to remove any large pieces of food or debris.

3. Flush with Hot Water and Dish Soap

Run hot water with a few drops of dish soap through the disposal to loosen grease and rinse away surface grime.

4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes. This natural combo helps kill bacteria, break down grime, and deodorize.

5. Scrub the Splash Guard

The underside of the black rubber splash guard can get especially gross. Remove it if possible and scrub it with a brush and soapy water.

6. Grind Ice, Salt, and Citrus

Toss in a handful of ice cubes and a few tablespoons of rock salt. Run the disposal with cold water. The ice scrapes away grime, and the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Follow up with lemon or orange peels for a clean, fresh scent.

What About InSinkErator or Other Brands?

No matter which brand you own—InSinkErator, Moen, KitchenAid, etc.—these cleaning steps are safe and effective. Always check your user manual for brand-specific recommendations, and avoid harsh chemicals that can corrode parts or damage seals.

How to Handle a Smelly or Clogged Garbage Disposal

If you’ve already cleaned your disposal and it’s still smelly or clogged, here are some extra steps to try:

For Smells:

Grind citrus peels with ice
Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit overnight before rinsing
Use an enzyme-based cleaner (non-toxic and safe for septic systems)

For Clogs:

Use tongs or a flashlight to remove visible blockages
Try a reset—press the red button on the bottom of the unit
Use a plunger if water isn’t draining
Use a hex (Allen) wrench to manually turn the flywheel and free stuck blades (most disposals come with one)

If none of that works, the problem may be deeper in the drain—and that’s when it’s time to call A+ Services.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips from the Pros

To keep your disposal working like new:

Always run cold water while grinding food
Avoid putting grease, bones, fibrous veggies, or coffee grounds down the drain
Clean it weekly with baking soda and vinegar or lemon and ice
Run the disposal regularly to prevent rust and buildup
Use rock salt and ice monthly to sharpen blades and keep things moving

When to Call a Local Plumbing Professional

If you’ve tried all the DIY cleaning steps and your disposal still isn’t working, or if you suspect a deeper clog or electrical issue, don’t try to take it apart yourself. The problem could be:

A jammed motor
A failing unit that needs replacement
A blockage deeper in your kitchen drain or main line

The licensed plumbers at A+ Services are ready to help. We offer fast, honest, and affordable garbage disposal repair and replacement throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including Florence, Covington, Independence, and Union.

Need Help with a Clogged or Smelly Disposal?

Whether you need help now or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Call A+ Services today or request service online—we’ll get your kitchen back to clean and comfortable in no time.

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How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

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