We may think of garbage disposals as clean, mean, food-grinding machines, but they still need TLC from time to time. Even if you use your garbage disposal properly, it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

Over time, food, debris, or other buildup can create a bad smell in your disposal and even lead to clogs. If grime coats the blades and grinding chamber, it can prevent the disposal from working properly. Cleaning out a garbage disposal on a regular basis helps prevent these issues from occurring. If you are already dealing with blockage or an unpleasant smell, see our guides on unclogging or deodorizing a garbage disposal.

This blog will focus on how to clean a kitchen disposal to allow it to function well and potentially save you time and effort down the line.

There are several methods to clean your garbage disposal. Fortunately, most require only things you will likely have around the house. Depending on how dirty your disposal is – and how much DIY-confidence you have – you can use one of the following methods for cleaning a kitchen disposal.

To clean out your garbage disposal drain, you may need:

• Rubber gloves
• Abrasive sponge
• Toothbrush
• Dish soap
• Ice cubes
• Rock Salt
• Baking soda
• Drano^® Foaming Disposal Strips
• Drain cleaner
• Screwdriver, wrench and bucket

1. Clean the garbage disposal drain opening

Ensure the garbage disposal is powered off. Using a sponge and dish soap, clean the rubber opening of the disposal, taking care to clear debris off the underside. It may be useful to use an old toothbrush to reach underneath. Wipe the top of the grinding chamber with the sponge to clear any build up, rinsing the sponge between each wipe.

2. Flush with soapy water

Plug the disposal drain, fill the sink at least halfway with soapy water. Swirl the water around and unplug the drain. Immediately turn on the disposal as the water drains. This works like a flush to rinse off debris that may be clinging to the pipe.

3. Use a salt scrub

Rock salt can be used to help scrub debris from inside the drain. Add 1-2 cups of ice followed by half a cup of rock salt (kosher salt or another coarse variety works best) while running the disposal. These ingredients can work as a natural garbage disposal cleaner.

4. Use Drano^® Foaming Disposal Strips

For a quick and convenient solution, try Drano^® Foaming Disposal Strips. They freshen your garbage disposal with a clean citrus scent and foaming action.

5. Clean the garbage disposal trap

If you want a really deep clean, turn off the disposal and run water through the disposal for about a minute. Then unscrew the P-trap (U-shaped pipe underneath the disposal trap), placing a bucket underneath to catch any water. Depending on the type of fixture, you may need a wrench or screwdriver.

Attach a rubber test cap to the pipe to prevent water from escaping. (If you don’t have a test cap, you won’t be able to use a chemical solution and will need to clean the drainpipe manually with a sponge or brush). Run warm water through the garbage disposal until you can see water at the drain opening. Then, add a half cup of powdered bleach or drain cleaner product of your choice to the top of the drain.

Allow the cleaning agent to soak inside the drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour before carefully removing the rubber test cap. Drain the water and cleaning solution into the bucket. Reconnect your pipe, flush with warm water, and inspect thoroughly for leaks.

What drain cleaner is safe for garbage disposals?

Natural methods can be used for cleaning out your garbage disposal drain, but if you want a more powerful option, some drain cleaning products are formulated with garbage disposal drains in mind.

For example, Drano^® Dual-Force Foamer Clog Remover and Drano^® Kitchen Gel are safe to use on garbage disposals and work to dislodge grease and food debris stuck in the drain. And you don’t need to dissemble the pipe to use Drano^® - you can pour it directly into the garbage disposal drain. Follow all product and safety instructions, leaving the formula to work for the instructed period of time, then rinse with water for a clear, clean garbage disposal drain.

Below are easy ways to maintain a clean garbage disposal drain:

• Flush the disposal with plenty of water. Do this while the disposal is running and for a few seconds after using it. Occasionally, run water through the disposal when it’s not in use to help to clear food debris inside the pipe and help prevent clogs and unpleasant odors.
• Add lemons or citrus fruit to the disposal. Occasionally grind a few slices of lemons, oranges, or limes (or citrus peels) in the disposal to create a fresh scent.
• Use a drain cleaner every few weeks. Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal, using one of the methods described above, will help you stay on top of your cleaning routine.
• Use Drano^® Max Build-Up Remover once a month. This unique enzyme-based formula thoroughly cleans garbage disposal drains. Using this product on a monthly basis will help to keep your kitchen disposal running smoothly.

We hope you’ve found this advice on how to clean a garbage disposal drain helpful. If you want to learn more about everyday drain maintenance, head over to our Clog Basics blog for essential tips!

Shop for garbage disposal cleaners and other Drano^® products here.