10 Tips for Running Your Garbage Disposal (the Right Way)

A well-maintained garbage disposal keeps your kitchen cleaner, your sink smelling fresh, and your drains flowing. Follow these quick, practical tips to extend the life of your unit and avoid clogs, jams, and odors.

1) Always run cold water—before, during, and after

Start the water first, switch the disposal on, feed scraps gradually, then keep the water running 10–15 seconds after the grinding sound stops. Cold water helps move particles through the trap and keeps fats from liquefying and coating your pipes.

2) Feed in small amounts—no “stuffing” the hopper

Overloading can stall the motor or push unground pieces past the grind ring. Send small batches and listen: a smooth hum means it’s handling the load.

3) Know what not to grind

Skip items that jam, paste, or tangle:

• Bones, fruit pits, shells
• Fibrous peels/skins (celery, onion skins, corn husks, artichokes)
• Starches that turn gluey (large amounts of potato peels, rice, pasta)
• Coffee grounds (they clump) and nut butters/oily leftovers
• Non-food items (glass, metal, plastic, twist ties)

4) Don’t “sharpen blades” with ice (there aren’t blades)

Disposals use blunt impellers and a grind ring—ice won’t sharpen anything and can stress components. If you like ice for cleaning, use it sparingly and only with cold water; it’s agitation, not sharpening, that’s doing the work.

5) Cut long or tough scraps first

Chop tougher pieces (melon rinds, citrus peels) into smaller chunks so the unit doesn’t stall on a single large piece.

6) Freshen and clean regularly

Once a week:

• De-grease: Flush with a small squirt of dish soap and a minute of cold water.
• Deodorize: Grind a few citrus peels (thin pieces) or run a baking soda + vinegar foam (let sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse with cold water).
  Monthly: remove the sink baffle and scrub both sides; that rubber splash guard traps odor-causing gunk.

7) Keep hands out—use tongs

If something falls in, cut power at the switch and the breaker if possible. Use tongs or pliers to retrieve objects.

8) Reset smartly after a jam

If the unit trips, turn it off, press the red reset button on the bottom, and use the included hex key (or 1/4″ Allen) in the center socket to gently rock the flywheel free. Restore power, run cold water, and test with a small amount of soft food.

9) Stop odors before they start

Avoid long “soak” periods where ground food sits in the trap. Run water long enough to flush lines. If you smell funk, clean the baffle, then use the baking soda + vinegar routine and a final cold-water flush.

10) Watch for signs it’s time to repair or replace

Frequent jams, lingering odors after cleaning, leaks, louder grinding, or poor performance can mean worn parts or a failing motor. A well-sized, modern unit can be more efficient (and quieter).

Quick Do/Don’t Cheatsheet

Do:

• Run cold water throughout use
• Feed scraps slowly
• Clean the baffle and grind chamber regularly
• Cut tough items into smaller pieces

Don’t:

• Put fibrous/starchy or non-food items in the unit
• Pour fats/oils/grease down the drain
• Assume ice “sharpens” blades
• Reach in with your hand

Troubleshooting at a Glance

• Hums but won’t grind: Cut power, free the flywheel with the hex socket underneath, remove any object with tongs, then reset.
• Water under the sink: Check sink flange, dishwasher hose, and drain line connections; tighten as needed and replace worn gaskets.
• Bad smells: Clean the baffle, flush with baking soda + vinegar, then cold water.

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried the steps above and still have jams, leaks, or electrical trips—or your unit is 8–12 years old—professional service can save time and prevent water damage. Golden Rule installs, repairs, and replaces garbage disposals across Greater Des Moines & Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding area.

Need help fast? You can schedule service online or contact Golden Rule through our website.