Garbage Disposal Dos and Don'ts
Keep your garbage disposal running smoothly by running cold water during use and avoiding fibrous foods, grease, and coffee grounds. A disposal is meant for light food scraps, not as a replacement for a trash can.
Do: Use Cold Water
Always run cold water while the disposal is grinding and for 15 seconds after you turn it off. Cold water keeps the motor cool and helps flush debris down the pipe.
- Turn on cold water before turning on the unit.
- Avoid hot water, as it can melt grease which will then congeal deeper in the pipes.
- Keep the water running until the grinding noise stops completely.
Don't: Pour Grease or Oil
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the number one cause of kitchen sink clogs. Even if ground up, they coat the inside of your pipes and solidify.
- Pour excess grease into a disposable container and throw it in the trash.
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.
- Never flush grease down with hot water—it will just clog further down the line.
Don't: Grind Fibrous or Starchy Foods
Stringy and starchy foods evade the blades and turn into a thick paste that clogs the P-trap.
- Avoid celery, onion skins, corn husks, and artichokes.
- Do not put large amounts of pasta, rice, or potato peels down the disposal.
- Eggshells should also be avoided, as their membrane can wrap around the shredder ring.
Do: Clean and Deodorize Regularly
Disposals can trap small food particles that rot and smell bad. Regular cleaning keeps it fresh and clears minor buildup.
- Grind ice cubes and a handful of rock salt to scour the grinding chamber.
- Toss in a few citrus peels (lemon or orange) to eliminate odors.
- Squirt a little dish soap down the drain while running cold water for a quick clean.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if the motor smells like it's burning, if water is leaking from the bottom of the unit, or if the manual unjamming slot won't turn.
What a Plumber Will Do
A plumber will safely diagnose electrical or severe mechanical failures, clear deep grease clogs in the drain line, or install a replacement disposal unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix a jammed garbage disposal?
Turn off the power, insert a 1/4-inch Allen wrench into the hex hole on the very bottom of the unit, and crank it back and forth to unjam the impellers.
Why is my garbage disposal humming but not spinning?
A humming sound means the motor has power but the blades are jammed. Turn it off immediately to prevent burning out the motor, then manually unjam it.
Can I put coffee grounds in the disposal?
No. While they won't damage the disposal itself, coffee grounds clump together in water and create severe sludgy clogs in your drain pipes.
Can I use bleach to clean my garbage disposal?
Avoid bleach, as it can harden grease inside the disposal and cause components to rust. Use ice and salt, or vinegar and baking soda instead.