If you’ve ever dealt with a jammed, smelly, or broken garbage disposal, you know how frustrating it can be. A working disposal helps keep your kitchen clean and makes meal cleanup a breeze, but if you don’t take care of it, problems can pile up fast. The good news? Maintaining your garbage disposal is pretty simple when you know what to do — and just as important, what not to do.
At Bienvenu Brothers, we’ve been helping families in Metairie and New Orleans take care of their homes for generations. We want to share some simple, practical tips to help you keep your garbage disposal in great shape for years to come.
Why Garbage Disposal Maintenance Matters
Your garbage disposal isn’t just a kitchen convenience — it’s part of your home’s plumbing system. When it’s working properly, it handles small bits of food waste quickly and cleanly. But when it’s neglected, it can lead to clogs, odors, pipe damage, and even expensive repairs.
Taking a little time to maintain your disposal now can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches later. Plus, it’ll help your kitchen smell fresher and function better every day.
Let’s break down the best ways to take care of your garbage disposal.
Run Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Even if you don’t have food scraps to grind up, it’s important to run your garbage disposal every couple of days. Turning it on keeps the parts moving, helps prevent rust and corrosion, and flushes out any leftover food particles that could harden inside.
Tip: Run cold water while the disposal is on. Cold water keeps oils and grease solid so they can be chopped up and flushed away, instead of coating the pipes and causing clogs.
Even a quick 20-30 second run can make a big difference in keeping your disposal fresh and ready for the next meal.
Break Up Food Waste Before Using the Disposal
Garbage disposals are tough, but they’re not invincible. Feeding it large chunks of food is one of the fastest ways to jam the blades and strain the motor. If you have bigger pieces — like a whole carrot, a large hunk of meat, or even a lemon half — cut them down into smaller chunks first.
Tip: Feed food into the disposal slowly instead of all at once. Give it time to grind each piece before adding more.
Taking a few extra seconds to break up waste helps prevent blockages and keeps your disposal running smoothly.
Freshen It Up with Citrus Peels
One of the easiest (and best-smelling) ways to clean your garbage disposal is with citrus. Peels from lemons, limes, or oranges naturally freshen the disposal and help clear away lingering odors.
How to do it:
- Cut a lemon or orange peel into small pieces.
- Drop a few pieces into the disposal while it’s running with cold water.
- Let the blades grind them up completely.
Not only does it leave your kitchen smelling fresh, but the natural oils in the citrus also help clean the blades and walls inside the disposal.
Know What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Put Down the Disposal
Your garbage disposal can handle a lot, but it’s not designed for everything. Some materials can damage the blades, clog the pipes, or cause nasty buildups.
Things you should never put down your disposal:
- Grease and oil: These harden and stick to the inside of your pipes, causing clogs.
- Expandable foods: Rice, pasta, and oatmeal swell with water and can cause blockages.
- Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes can wrap around the blades.
- Hard objects: Bones, fruit pits, and seafood shells can break the blades or jam the motor.
- Coffee grounds: They might seem small, but they clump together and clog the pipes.
Safe things to put in your disposal:
- Soft vegetable scraps
- Small fruit scraps
- Cooked meat scraps (in small amounts)
- Citrus peels (for cleaning and freshening)
When in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost it instead of risking your disposal.
Clean Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Even if you run it often and are careful about what you put in, your garbage disposal needs regular cleaning to keep working its best.
Easy cleaning method:
- Step 1: Toss a few ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt (like rock salt or kosher salt) into the disposal.
- Step 2: Run the disposal with cold water for about 30 seconds.
The ice helps knock off debris stuck to the blades, while the salt scrubs the sides.
For Deeper Cleaning: You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Never use harsh chemical drain cleaners in your garbage disposal. They can damage the blades and the pipes.
Always Use Cold Water
Always use cold water when running your garbage disposal, not hot. Cold water keeps fats and oils solid, so they’re chopped up and flushed away properly. Hot water can melt fats, causing them to coat your pipes and eventually cause clogs.
Turn the cold water on before you start the disposal, keep it running while it’s grinding, and let it run for about 15 seconds after you turn off the disposal to flush any remaining bits down the drain.
Listen for Strange Sounds
Your garbage disposal should sound like a steady grinding machine. If you start hearing unusual noises — like rattling, grinding metal, or humming without grinding — it’s time to turn it off and check for a problem.
Sometimes a stray fork, spoon, or other object falls into the disposal by accident. Always make sure the disposal is completely turned off (and unplugged if possible) before reaching inside.
If you can’t figure out what’s wrong or if the disposal still doesn’t work after clearing it, it’s best to call a professional.
Signs It’s Time to Call Bienvenu Brothers
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, problems can happen. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s a good idea to reach out to Bienvenu Brothers:
- Persistent bad odors you can’t get rid of
- Frequent jams or clogs
- Leaks under the sink
- Disposal won’t turn on or hum without working
- Water is backing up into the sink
Trying to force a fix can lead to bigger problems, so don’t wait if something seems off.
Bienvenu Brothers: Your Trusted Plumbing Team in Metairie and New Orleans, LA
At Bienvenu Brothers, we know that a working garbage disposal makes a big difference in your kitchen. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a full replacement, we’re here to help. Our family-owned company has proudly served Metairie, New Orleans, and surrounding areas for generations.
We believe in doing the job right the first time — with clear communication, honest advice, and quality work that lasts. We treat your home like it’s our own, and we’re always ready to answer your questions and find the best solution for your needs.
If you need garbage disposal repair, maintenance tips, or any plumbing service, give Bienvenu Brothers a call today at (504) 835-7783. We’re here to help you keep your home running smoothly — and your kitchen smelling fresh.