Spring Cleaning: Don’t Forget Your Garbage Disposal

Spring cleaning is a time to refresh your home, and while you’re scrubbing surfaces and clearing out clutter, don’t forget one of the most important appliances in your kitchen: the garbage disposal.

Many Summerville homeowners overlook their disposals during seasonal cleaning—and that oversight can lead to unpleasant smells, stubborn clogs, or worse, a full-blown breakdown.

In this post, we’ll show you how to clean your garbage disposal the right way and when it’s time to call in the Summerville plumbers at Kinsmen Service Pros for backup.

Call Now (843) 343-1651

Why Clean Your Garbage Disposal?

Your garbage disposal doesn’t just grind food—it also catches grease, crumbs, and gunk. Over time, this builds up and causes:

• Foul odors that don’t go away
• Sluggish drainage
• Loud grinding or rattling noises
• Decreased lifespan of the unit

Routine cleaning is one of the easiest ways to prevent these issues and extend the life of your disposal.

Simple Steps to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Here’s a step-by-step guide to freshen up your disposal using simple household items.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Safety first. Unplug the unit or turn off the power at the breaker to prevent any accidents.

Step 2: Remove Visible Gunk

Use tongs or pliers (never your hands!) to remove any debris stuck in the chamber.

Step 3: Scrub the Splash Guard

The rubber flaps around the drain—called the splash guard—trap grime. Use a toothbrush and dish soap to scrub underneath them.

Step 4: Sharpen and Clean the Blades

Drop a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt down the drain, then turn on the disposal for 30 seconds. This helps dislodge stuck-on food and sharpens the blades.

Step 5: Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes before rinsing with hot water.

Step 6: Add a Fresh Scent

Toss in citrus peels—like lemon or orange—and run cold water while the disposal is on. This leaves your sink smelling bright and clean.

Step 7: Flush with Hot Water

Finish with a 30-second flush of hot water to rinse everything through the drain line.

What Causes Garbage Disposal Odors and Noises?

If you’ve noticed weird smells or grinding sounds coming from your disposal, it could be due to:

• Trapped food waste in hard-to-reach areas
• Grease and oil buildup, which can coat the blades and inner chamber
• Foreign objects like utensils or bones damaging the blades
• Worn-down parts that rattle or grind unnaturally
  

If smells or sounds persist even after cleaning, it might be time to schedule garbage disposal repair in Summerville, SC.

When to Call Kinsmen Service Pros

DIY cleaning can solve a lot—but not everything. Call the experts if:

• You hear persistent grinding or clunking sounds
• Water is draining slowly or backing up
• The disposal jams frequently or won’t turn on
• There’s a leak beneath the sink

Our team specializes in garbage disposal services in Summerville, SC and can help with everything from quick fixes to full replacements. We also handle kitchen fixture repairs that may be affecting your disposal’s performance.

Extra Tips for Summerville Garbage Disposal Care

A few everyday habits can make a big difference:

What Not to Put Down the Disposal:

• Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks
• Bones, fruit pits, or coffee grounds
• Fats, oils, and grease
• Large chunks of food or starchy items like pasta and rice

Smart Maintenance Habits:

• Use cold water when grinding food (helps solidify grease so it can be chopped up).
• Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners.
• Use a disposal cleaner or baking soda treatment once a month.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

It’s easy to forget about your garbage disposal—until something goes wrong. A quick clean every few weeks can keep your kitchen running smoothly and your sink smelling fresh.

If you’ve tried the tips above and your disposal still smells funky, clogs up, or makes noise, the team at Kinsmen Service Pros is ready to help. Whether it’s a repair, a replacement, or a full kitchen fixture checkup, we’ll get things working like new.

Spring is the perfect time to show your disposal a little love. Give it a quick clean—or give us a call if it needs a little more TLC.

Call Now (843) 343-1651