How to clean the garbage disposal and drain screens
To clean a garbage disposal, turn it off, scrub under the rubber splash guard, then run citrus rinds through with a strong flow of cold water to clear smells. Empty the hair catchers and sink strainers at the same time. Keep drain cleaner out of the disposal, and never put your hand inside.
How often to clean a garbage disposal
GE's disposer manual calls a properly used unit self-cleaning, and most of the work is in daily habits. The monthly job takes care of the parts that water doesn't reach.
| Job | How often |
|---|---|
| Run a strong flow of cold water during and after grinding | Every use, for 30 seconds after the grinding sound stops |
| Flush with a sink of water | Daily or as often as you can, per GE |
| Scrub the splash guard, clean strainers and hair catchers | Monthly |
| Grind citrus rind for odor | When it smells |
To do GE's flush, run the disposal until it's empty, plug the sink and fill it two to three inches deep. Pull the stopper and let it drain on its own. The rush of water carries off what a thin stream leaves behind.
Cold water is the rule while grinding. GE explains that cold water hardens grease so the blades can break it up and float it away.
What you need to clean a garbage disposal
- An old toothbrush
- Dish soap
- Orange or lemon rinds
- A dozen or so ice cubes
- Long tongs or a large wooden spoon for fishing out objects
- A drain hair tool or tweezers for pop-up drains
GE also suggests grinding a dozen ice cubes with household scouring powder, and says to run no water while you do it. This is from a GE manual, so if your unit has a different maker, check its instructions.
Keep these out, according to GE: clam or oyster shells, glass, china, plastic, large whole bones, metal, whole corn husks, leather, cloth, string, rubber and artichoke leaves. Drain cleaner is on the list too. Besides harming the unit, it can splash back at you when the disposal runs.
Never mix cleaners in a drain. Washington's health department lists drain cleaners among the acid products that release chlorine gas if they meet bleach.
How to clean a garbage disposal and drain screens
- Cut the power
Flip the wall switch off, and unplug the unit under the sink if it has a cord. If it's hardwired, use the breaker for this job.
- Check for objects
Shine a flashlight down the drain and lift out anything you see with tongs.
- Scrub the splash guard
Lift the rubber flaps and clean both sides with a soapy toothbrush. Rinse well.
- Grind and flush
Restore power, start cold water at full flow and drop in citrus rinds a few at a time. Run it 30 seconds past the end of the grinding noise.
- Do the deep flush
Fill the sink two to three inches, pull the plug and let it drain with the disposal off.
- Empty the catchers
Pull the tub and shower hair catchers and sink strainers, throw the clumps in the trash and wash the parts.
- Lift the pop-up stoppers
Take out bathroom sink stoppers that lift free, wipe off the slime and put them back.
Garbage disposal smell and other warning signs
A bad smell is the most common complaint and the easiest fix. These signs take more work:
- The disposal stops mid-run. The motor's overload control has tripped, which is a safety feature. Wait a few minutes and press the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
- It hums but won't turn. Something is jammed. Switch it off before doing anything.
- It won't start at all, and the reset button is already in. Check the breaker.
- Water under the sink, or a drip from the unit's body. Stop using it and call a plumber.
- A kitchen sink that backs up with the disposal running, or several drains slow at once. The clog is past the disposal and in the line.
Clean a garbage disposal yourself or call a plumber?
Monthly cleaning is DIY. So is clearing a simple jam, as long as you keep your hands out. With the power off, GE says to use a long wooden spoon or broom handle as a lever to turn the flywheel, then lift the object out with tongs. Use non-magnetic tools.
Call a licensed plumber for these jobs:
- A leak from the unit or the drain connection
- A clog you can't clear with a plunger or a hand snake
- Any drain that has been treated with chemical cleaner and is still blocked. Tell the plumber what you used, because the water sitting in the pipe may burn skin.
- Several drains backing up at once
Have a licensed electrician look at it if the breaker trips again after a reset, or if the wiring under the sink looks damaged.
Garbage disposal questions
Should I run hot or cold water with a garbage disposal?
Run cold water. GE's manual says a rapid flow of cold water hardens grease so it can be ground and carried away, and it helps keep the pipes clean.
Why does my garbage disposal smell?
Food film under the rubber splash guard and in the grinding area is the usual cause. Scrub the guard, then grind orange or lemon rind with cold water running.
Can I use drain cleaner in a garbage disposal?
No. GE's manual lists drain cleaner among things not to put in a disposer, partly because the unit can throw it back out. If a drain is clogged, use a plunger or call a plumber.
Sources: geappliances.com, doh.wa.gov
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.