Had my disposal for about 3 years now and honestly, I didn’t realize you had to “maintain” it until it started smelling like something died in there. I tried those citrus peels and ice cube tricks—seems to help, but not sure if it’s just masking the problem? Anyone else notice it gets louder over time, or is that just me being paranoid? Curious what actually works for keeping these things running smooth (and not stinky).
I’ve had mine about a year and it definitely seems louder than when it was new. Not sure if that’s just buildup or normal wear. I’ve read running hot water with dish soap helps clear out gunk better than citrus peels, which mostly just mask the smell. I’m still figuring it out too, honestly…
I’ve read running hot water with dish soap helps clear out gunk better than citrus peels, which mostly just mask the smell.
I get where that comes from, but I’d push back a bit on the hot water with dish soap. Here’s what I’ve seen:
- Dish soap and hot water help with light grease, not heavy buildup.
- For tougher gunk, ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt actually scrub the blades better than either soap or citrus. It’s noisy but works.
- If it’s getting louder, check the mounting bolts and splash guard—sometimes vibrations increase if they’re loose. Wear can do it too, but not usually after just a year.
Citrus isn’t totally useless, though. The peels can help dislodge small bits and freshen things up, but yeah—they won’t clean the unit itself. I’ve run into disposals that sounded like they were grinding rocks, and almost always it was buildup around the impellers or something loose inside. Worth a quick look under the sink for leaks or rattling, just in case...
I tried the ice and salt trick after my disposal started making a noise that sounded like it was chewing on a fork. It worked, but I was convinced I’d break something. Is it normal for it to sound like a blender full of rocks? Also, does anyone else get nervous sticking their hand anywhere near the thing, even when it’s off? I swear mine’s plotting against me...
Is it normal for it to sound like a blender full of rocks?
Honestly, it kinda is, especially with the ice and salt trick. That noise is just the blades knocking the ice around, not the end of days for your disposal. I get the nerves, but I’ve pulled out more bottle caps and chicken bones than I care to admit, and never lost a finger. Still, I’d rather use tongs or pliers than my hand—just in case my disposal’s got a mind of its own too. The “plotting” thing? Yeah, I’m convinced mine’s got an attitude after taco night.
