Easy ways to extend the life of your garbage disposal

Your garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you don’t think about—until it stops working. The good news? Keeping it in great shape is easier than you might think! With a few simple maintenance tips, you can prevent clogs, reduce noise, and help your disposal last for years. Let’s dive into the basics of caring for your garbage disposal so it stays efficient and hassle-free.

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Understanding your garbage disposal

Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, and understanding how it operates is the first step to keeping it in great shape.

How does it work?

• The disposal uses impellers (not sharp blades) attached to a spinning plate to grind food waste into small particles.
• Once ground, the particles are flushed out through your plumbing system with running water.
• A motor powers the spinning plate, and the unit’s electrical wiring connects to your home’s power supply.
• A reset button serves as a safety feature to prevent overheating or overloading.
• Water acts as a transport system for food particles, flushing them through your pipes.
• It also helps solidify grease for more efficient grinding.

Why does maintenance matter?

• Prevents clogs and jams: Regular cleaning and proper use reduce blockages in the disposal and pipes.
• Prolongs lifespan: Well-maintained disposals last longer, saving you the cost of premature replacement.
• Keeps it efficient: A clean, properly functioning disposal uses less energy and operates quietly.

Read more: Easy Garbage Disposal Repair Guide

Daily best practices for use

Using your garbage disposal correctly every day is one of the easiest ways to keep it running and avoid issues like clogs or breakdowns.

Always run cold water

Cold water helps solidify grease and fat, making it easier for the disposal to grind and flush them away. It also prevents food particles from sticking to the disposal’s walls. Turn on a steady stream of cold water before switching on the disposal. Keep the water running during use and for at least 15–30 seconds after turning off the unit to flush waste completely.

Feed food gradually

Adding too much food waste at once can overload the disposal and strain the motor. Gradual feeding ensures everything gets ground up and flushed properly. Add small amounts of food scraps at a time, letting the disposal finish grinding each batch before adding more.

Know what not to grind

Certain items can damage the disposal or clog your pipes, leading to costly repairs. What to avoid:

• Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and asparagus can wrap around the impellers.
• Grease, oil, and fat: These can solidify and create blockages over time.
• Hard items: Bones, fruit pits, or shells can damage the grinding mechanism.
• Non-food items: Keep utensils, bottle caps, and other debris out of the disposal.

 Avoid running it dry

Running the disposal without water increases friction and can wear down the impellers. Always run water when using the disposal, even for small amounts of food waste.

Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

Weekly cleaning routine

A simple weekly routine can remove debris, prevent odors, and maintain the unit’s efficiency. The best part? You can do it with everyday household items.

Baking soda and vinegar method

1. This natural cleaning solution breaks down grease and grime while deodorizing the disposal.
2. Turn off the disposal and unplug it or flip the circuit breaker for safety.
3. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar.
4. Let the mixture fizz for 15 minutes to break down residue.
5. Flush the disposal with hot (not boiling) water.

Ice and salt method

1. Grinding ice helps dislodge debris, and the salt acts as a mild abrasive to clean the interior.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes and a few tablespoons of rock salt to the disposal.
3. Turn on the disposal with cold water running.
4. Let it grind until the ice is gone.

Citrus freshening  

1. Citrus peels clean and deodorize the disposal while leaving behind a fresh scent.
2. Toss a few small citrus peels (like lemon, lime, or orange) into the disposal.
3. Run cold water and turn on the disposal until the peels are ground up.

Scrub the rubber splash guard

1. The splash guard can trap food particles, leading to odors.
2. Use a brush or an old toothbrush with dish soap to scrub the underside of the splash guard.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Read more: How To Quickly And Easily Unclog Your Kitchen Double Sink With A Garbage Disposal

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you still need replacement parts, grab your model number and head to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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