Your Essential Garbage Disposal Maintenance Schedule

Keeping your garbage disposal in top shape ensures it lasts longer and operates efficiently. In this guide, we'll cover a simple maintenance schedule to help you care for your disposal, complete with practical examples and tips.
By Taylor

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

  1. Clean the Disposal

    • What to Do:
      • Use a mixture of ice cubes and rock salt.
      • Run the disposal for about 30 seconds.
    • Why It Helps:
      • Ice helps remove debris and sharpen blades, while rock salt scrubs the sides.

  2. Check for Odors

    • What to Do:
      • Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the disposal.
      • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
    • Why It Helps:
      • This natural solution neutralizes odors and cleans the disposal without harsh chemicals.

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

  1. Inspect the Disposal

    • What to Do:
      • Check for leaks under the sink and ensure the disposal is securely mounted.
    • Why It Helps:
      • Regular inspections can prevent larger issues and costly repairs later.

  2. Test the Reset Button

    • What to Do:
      • Locate the red reset button on the bottom of the disposal and press it.
    • Why It Helps:
      • This ensures your disposal is functioning correctly and can handle any clogs.

Annual Maintenance Tasks

  1. Deep Clean the Disposal

    • What to Do:
      • Use a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and a scrub brush to clean the insides, followed by ice and vinegar.
    • Why It Helps:
      • This thorough cleaning removes built-up grime and keeps the disposal fresh.

  2. Professional Check-Up

    • What to Do:
      • Schedule a professional inspection to check for any underlying issues.
    • Why It Helps:
      • A trained technician can spot problems that may not be visible and help extend the life of your appliance.

Final Tips

  • Avoid Putting Certain Items Down the Disposal:
    • Things like grease, fibrous vegetables, and hard items can damage your disposal.
  • Run Water While Using the Disposal:
    • Running cold water for a few seconds before and after disposal use helps flush food particles away.

By following this maintenance schedule, you can keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and efficiently for years to come!