Use a pliers or tongs to remove the trapped object (you may need to shine a flash light down to see) , being careful to avoid damaging the grinder. [2] X Research source Avoid putting your hands down the garbage disposal if at all possible. If you do need to use your hands though, make sure to double check that the grinder won’t turn on first. Be careful, as the blades are somewhat sharp.
Make sure to use hot water rather than cold, as the hot water will liquefy any oil or grease in the drain, allowing to to be flushed away. Flushing your drain using this method is much more effective than simply running the tap, as it allows the entire garbage disposal to be rinsed out and purged of any built-up debris.
Turn on the garbage disposal, run some cold water, and allow the ice and salt to be crushed by the blades. An alternative to the ice and rock salt combination is to make freeze some white vinegar into ice cubes and crush these in the garbage disposal instead. [5] X Research source In addition to cleaning the garbage disposal, grinding ice will sharpen the blades and remove any unwanted odors.
Afterwards, add some spice, rosemary oil, or lavender oil for an even fresher scent.
Dilute a tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach in a gallon of water and slowly pour it into your garbage disposal. Allow the bleach to sit there for a minute or two, then turn on the hot water tap and leave it running for several minutes to flush away the bleach. [9] X Research source
Fibrous materials such as onion skins, corn husks, artichokes and celery stalks. These can get tangled in the motor, so compost them instead. Starchy materials like potato peels. The starch may form a thick paste, causing the blades of the garbage disposal to stick. Expandable food such as rice or pasta. These may expand from the water and clog the drains. Coffee grinds can also clog the drains. You can, however, grind up items such as egg shells, small fish or chicken bones, and small fruit pits, as these will actually help in cleaning the garbage disposal.
