Introduction
Is your garbage disposal starting to smell or clog up? You’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to clean a garbage disposal with baking soda — one of the most affordable and effective natural cleaning methods. Whether you’re dealing with odor, grease buildup, or slow drainage, this step-by-step kitchen maintenance guide will help you get your disposal running fresh and smooth again.
Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal Matters in the Kitchen
Your garbage disposal plays a crucial role in managing food waste and keeping your kitchen efficient. Over time, leftover food particles, grease, and grime can cling to the blades and walls of the unit. This buildup can lead to foul smells, poor performance, or even clogged pipes.
By cleaning your garbage disposal with baking soda, you:
- Eliminate bad kitchen odors at the source
- Prevent harmful bacteria buildup
- Extend the life of your disposal unit
- Maintain a more hygienic cooking environment
- Keep the sink and surrounding prep surfaces clean and odor-free
Neglecting this task can cause your cooking workflow to suffer, especially when food waste starts backing up or the disposal won’t break down scraps properly. Thankfully, it only takes a few household items and a few minutes to clean it thoroughly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda
Step 1: Power Down for Safety
Before cleaning, turn off the garbage disposal. Unplug it if possible, or switch off the corresponding circuit breaker. Never stick your hand inside the disposal while it’s connected to power.
Tip: Shine a flashlight into the disposal to check for large debris like bones, fruit pits, or silverware. Use tongs or pliers to remove any solid items.
Step 2: Rinse with Hot Water
Run hot water from your faucet down the disposal for 30 seconds to flush away loose particles and soften any gunk stuck on the unit walls.
Kitchen Reminder: This helps prepare the disposal for a deeper clean by loosening grease and softening residue.
Step 3: Pour Baking Soda Into the Disposal
Measure out ½ cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the disposal. Baking soda is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that neutralizes odors and breaks down grime.
Why it works: Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps scrub surfaces without damaging the disposal blades or pipes.
Step 4: Add Vinegar for a Natural Reaction
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the disposal. It will react with the baking soda, bubbling and fizzing as it works to break down gunk and kill bacteria.
Let the mixture sit and bubble for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid running water or using the sink during this time.
Pro Tip: For a stronger clean, plug the sink and fill it with hot water while the solution is reacting. Then release the plug so the pressure flushes the disposal.
Step 5: Rinse Again with Hot Water
After 10 to 15 minutes, flush the disposal with hot water for 1 minute to wash out the baking soda and vinegar residue.
Caution: Don’t use boiling water, as it can damage some older pipes. Stick to hot tap water.
Step 6: Scrub the Rubber Splash Guard
Don’t forget the rubber splash guard at the top of the disposal — this is often where smells hide. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush with a bit of dish soap and baking soda to clean both the top and underside.
Hygiene Alert: The underside of the splash guard is a hidden hotspot for bacteria and odors.
Step 7: Freshen with Citrus Peels (Optional)
Toss in a few lemon or orange peels and run the disposal with cold water. This adds a fresh scent and helps polish the blades.
Extra Tip: Use this citrus trick once a week to keep your disposal smelling great between deep cleans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using harsh chemical cleaners.
Solution: Stick with natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar to avoid damaging the disposal’s internal parts. - Mistake: Forgetting to clean the splash guard.
Solution: Always scrub the splash guard — especially underneath — where odor-causing grime hides. - Mistake: Pouring grease or oil into the disposal.
Solution: Grease solidifies over time and clogs the disposal. Pour leftover oil into a container and discard it separately. - Mistake: Using only water to clean.
Solution: Water alone won’t remove stuck-on debris or eliminate bacteria. Use baking soda and vinegar for a deep clean. - Mistake: Not cleaning regularly.
Solution: Clean your disposal once a week or every two weeks to keep it running smoothly and odor-free.
Extra Tips & Kitchen Hacks
- Use Ice Cubes for Blade Cleaning: Drop a few ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on for 30 seconds. This helps knock debris off the blades and sharpens them slightly.
- Try a Disposal Brush: For an even deeper clean, use a specially designed garbage disposal brush to scrub inside the chamber without needing to reach in by hand.
- Tackle Nearby Smells Too: If your sink still smells after cleaning the disposal, clean your drain pipes with baking soda and vinegar using the same method.
Related Task: After cleaning your garbage disposal, consider cleaning your kitchen sink drain and faucet aerator for a full sink refresh.
Conclusion
Cleaning your garbage disposal with baking soda is simple, natural, and highly effective. By following these steps — from unplugging the unit and scrubbing the splash guard to using citrus peels — you can eliminate foul odors, improve kitchen hygiene, and extend the life of your disposal. Remember to avoid common mistakes and clean your unit regularly for best results.
Final Tip: Add this cleaning task to your weekly kitchen routine to keep your sink area smelling fresh and working efficiently.
Bookmark this guide to make cleaning your garbage disposal quick and easy every time!