Safe & Effective Methods
A garbage disposal is a convenient feature in many homes in the Denver area, but the unit can easily become clogged without proper maintenance and cleaning. Discover how to clean your garbage disposal safely and effectively, along with helpful maintenance tips to prevent common issues. If your garbage disposal needs attention from a professional plumber, contact High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric for new garbage disposal installations and repairs.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Needs Cleaning
If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time for a garbage disposal cleaning.
Unpleasant odors
Lingering bad smells around your sink are often due to food trapped in the garbage disposal. A simple cleaning may resolve this issue, or it may require unclogging.
Slow drainage
If your garbage disposal is slow to drain, it usually means there’s a blockage somewhere in the system. The issue could be located near the disposal unit or deeper within the sink’s plumbing. Major clogs may require the assistance of a professional plumber.
Increased noise during operation
When your garbage disposal is working properly, it normally makes a humming or grinding noise during operation. However, if the sound is unusually loud or if you’re hearing other noises, such as thunking or whining, this could be a sign of a clog or a broken part.
Visible residue around the drain
Sluggish drains can often lead to visible residue left in or around the plumbing. If you see signs of grime or food particles, it’s time for a cleaning.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
When you’re preparing to clean your garbage disposal, make sure you have the following tools and supplies on hand:
- Rubber cleaning gloves
- A cleaning brush, such as a drain snake, scrub brush, or old toothbrush
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Ice cubes and salt
- Hot water
Step-By-Step Methods to Safely Clean a Garbage Disposal
Safety is important when cleaning the garbage disposal in your Denver-area home. Follow these steps for effective garbage disposal cleaning.
Step 1: Turn off the power
The first step to safely cleaning your garbage disposal is to disconnect the power source. Your garbage disposal may have a power cord that can be unplugged, or you may need to use the breaker to shut off power to that part of the kitchen. When in doubt, it’s better to turn off a larger area than you need. Confirm that it’s off by testing the power at your garbage disposal.
Step 2: Remove large debris
Using your gloved hands or a drain snake, check for any large debris. Ideally, try to remove it from the sink and avoid pushing it deeper into your drain.
Step 3: Clean the splash guard or rubber flaps
Reach into your garbage disposal to see if you can remove the splash guard or rubber flaps. If they’re removable, they should come off easily. Don’t try to force them off, which could damage the splash guard.
Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda and vinegar
Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain and allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. This is a gentle, pipe-friendly method for deodorizing your plumbing.
Step 5: Grind ice cubes and salt
Mix some ice cubes and salt, then pour the mixture down the drain. Next, turn on your garbage disposal. The ice helps remove any food particles that become stuck in the system, while the salt adds an additional layer of deodorization.
Step 6: Finish by flushing with hot water
Finish your cleaning routine by pouring hot water down the sink. This helps flush out any remaining clogs and particles that have been dislodged through the cleaning process.
Maintenance Tips for a Clean Garbage Disposal
Keep your garbage disposal running smoothly with these simple maintenance tips.
Run cold water during and after use
Running water while using your garbage disposal helps flush food through the system, minimizing the risk of clogs. It’s particularly helpful to use cold water because this solidifies any particles of fat and oil, reducing the likelihood of these particles sticking to disposal blades and plumbing.
Avoid putting problematic items down the disposal
While garbage disposals are sturdy, there are still some items you should avoid putting down them. These include:
- Bones
- Coffee grounds
- Pits from fruit and vegetables
- Fibrous vegetables like celery
- Very large food scraps
- Any oils or grease
Unsuitable items should be composted, while larger food scraps should be cut up before being put into the garbage disposal.
Clean regularly
The ideal garbage disposal cleaning schedule depends on how frequently you use the system. If you use it daily, aim to do a simple clean once a week. If you only use it occasionally, you can clean it monthly or whenever you notice smells or visible particles.
Use disposal-safe cleaning products
Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can wear away protective coatings inside your garbage disposal and pipes. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning products, such as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
Still Having Issues With Your Garage Disposal? Call the Plumbers at High 5
Looking for reliable garbage disposal services in the greater Denver area? At High 5, our team of licensed and experienced plumbers is on hand for all your garbage disposal and plumbing needs. From stubborn clogs to new installations, we bring you friendly and knowledgeable service at transparent prices. Contact us today to book an appointment and get your garbage disposal running like new.
