Garbage disposals across Cincinnati kitchens put in serious work – especially during busy family dinners, Bengals watch parties, and holiday gatherings. Over time, food buildup, grease, and bacteria can cause odors, slow draining, or clogs.
The good news? Regular cleaning is simple and can help extend the life of your disposal. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
Before cleaning your garbage disposal, always keep safety in mind:
- Never put your hand inside the disposal
- Turn off the disposal at the switch (and unplug it if possible)
- Avoid harsh chemicals or drain cleaners, which can damage internal components
Concerned about drain damage or recurring clogs?
READ MORE: Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Cincinnati
Step 1: Flush with Hot Water and Dish Soap
This is the easiest and most effective routine clean.
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Run hot water from the sink
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Add a small squirt of dish soap
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Turn on the disposal and let it run for 30–60 seconds
This helps break down grease and washes away loose debris.
Step 2: Clean with Ice and Salt
Ice helps knock loose buildup from the grinding chamber.
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Pour 2 cups of ice cubes into the disposal
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Add ½ cup of coarse salt (rock salt or kosher salt works best)
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Turn on cold water and run the disposal until the ice is gone
This method cleans the blades and scrubs the inside walls.
Step 3: Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar
If odors are lingering, this natural combo works well.
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Pour ½ cup baking soda into the disposal
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Follow with 1 cup white vinegar
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Let it fizz and sit for 5–10 minutes
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Rinse with hot water while running the disposal
If you want to add some fresh scent to neutralize odor toss in a small amount of lemon, lime or orange peels and then run cold water and the disposal for 30 seconds or so.
Persistent odors may point to a deeper plumbing issue:
READ MORE: Other Plumbing Services
Did you know? Many odors come from buildup under the rubber flap.
To clean the rubber flap simply scrub the underside with something like an old toothbrush. You can wash with dish soap or a baking soda paste.
How Often Should You Clean Your Disposal?
- Light cleaning: once a week
- Deep cleaning: once a month
- Odor treatment: as needed
When to Call a Professional
If your disposal is still smelling bad, making unusual noises, draining slowly, or tripping the breaker, it may need professional service or replacement.
If your garbage disposal needs repair or replacement, Quality Comfort Home Services is here to help. As one of the last family-owned and locally operated home service companies in Cincinnati, we take the time to do the job right without high-pressure sales tactics.
Our licensed plumbers can:
- Diagnose disposal issues quickly
- Perform safe, code-compliant repairs
- Recommend reliable replacement options when needed
Call Quality Comfort Home Services today or schedule online to get expert plumbing help from a team Cincinnati homeowners have trusted for years.
