Your kitchen’s garbage disposal makes daily cleanup fast and easy—until it stops working properly. Learning how to use and maintain it, plus avoiding common mistakes, will extend its life and prevent costly repairs.
How to Use a Garbage Disposal Properly
A garbage disposal is built to grind small food scraps—not everything that fits down the drain. To keep it running smoothly, follow these usage tips:
- Run cold water before and after use. Cold water helps solidify grease or fat, allowing the blades to grind effectively rather than letting it coat your pipes.
- Feed food gradually. Avoid overloading the unit. Feed food scraps slowly to prevent jams and ensure efficient grinding.
- Use it regularly. Running your disposal frequently prevents rust, corrosion, and debris buildup.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
Simple, regular garbage disposal maintenance keeps your unit odor-free and efficient. Try these easy routines:
- Clean weekly. Run a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt through the disposal with cold water for 10–15 seconds. Ice scrubs buildup while salt deodorizes.
- Freshen with citrus. Grinding lemon or orange peels naturally eliminates foul odors.
- Use baking soda and vinegar. Monthly, pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
- Check for leaks. Periodically inspect the base and plumbing connections under the sink for moisture or drips.
Common Garbage Disposal Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced homeowners make errors that can shorten a disposal’s lifespan. Avoid these common garbage disposal mistakes:
- Grinding the wrong foods. Never put fibrous veggies (celery, corn husks), bones, pasta, rice, or coffee grounds down the disposal—they cause jams and clogs.
- Pouring grease or oil. Grease solidifies as it cools, coating pipes and causing stubborn blockages.
- Using hot water while grinding. Hot water melts fat, which can stick to the blades and pipes.
- Skipping cleaning. Ignoring cleaning routines leads to odors and decreased performance.
- Using harsh chemicals. Avoid drain cleaners or bleach—they corrode metal parts and damage rubber seals.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Attention
Even with regular care, garbage disposals wear down over time. Watch for these warning signs that you may need professional service or replacement:
- Frequent clogs or slow drainage
- Grinding or humming without rotation
- Persistent odors even after cleaning
- Water leaks beneath the sink
- Repeated need to press the reset button
Final Thoughts
Proper garbage disposal care saves you money and prevents plumbing headaches. Use cold water, avoid problematic foods, clean regularly, and never ignore odd noises or smells. A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your disposal quiet, efficient, and long-lasting.