Is there anything worse than a stinky kitchen sink, even after you’ve cleared all the dishes? Chances are, the culprit is your garbage disposal. Over time, food particles, grease, and grime can build up in its nooks and crannies, leading to unpleasant odors and a less-than-efficient appliance. But don’t despair! Keeping your disposal fresh and clean is easier than you think.
Finding the best product for cleaning garbage disposal can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. From powerful foaming cleaners to handy brushes, each offers unique benefits. We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 products that will help you tackle those stubborn smells and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. Let’s dive in and get that disposal sparkling!
Our Top Picks for a Sparkling Clean Garbage Disposal
1. Glisten Garbage Disposer Cleaner and Freshener, Sink…
When it comes to deep cleaning, Glisten’s specialized foaming action truly stands out. This isn’t just about masking odors; it’s about getting down to business and scrubbing away the accumulated gunk on your disposal’s sidewalls, blades, and even under the splash guard. With its fresh lemon scent, it leaves your sink smelling clean and helps maintain the proper function of your disposer, preventing future issues.
Key Features:
– Powerful foam eliminates build-up and smells in kitchen sinks and drains.
– Specialized solution scrubs disposer’s sidewalls, blades, and under splash guard.
– Lasting freshness with a fresh lemon scent.
– Designed for weekly use to prevent build-up and maintain performance.
– Performance Guarantee and proudly made in the USA.
Pros:
– Delivers a thorough, deep clean with foaming action.
– Effectively removes tough grease and food particles.
– Leaves a pleasant, lasting lemon scent.
– Helps maintain the longevity and efficiency of your disposal.
– Backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
– Requires weekly use for best results, which might be more frequent than some users prefer.
User Impressions:
Customers consistently praise Glisten for its ability to tackle tough odors and visible grime. Many note the satisfaction of seeing the foam work its magic and the immediate improvement in sink freshness. It’s often cited as a go-to for serious disposal issues.
2. Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner, Removes Odor-Causing…
Affresh is a trusted name in appliance cleaning, and their garbage disposal cleaner lives up to the reputation. Recommended by major brands like Whirlpool and KitchenAid, this product uses a powerful citrus-scented foam to reach and remove odor-causing residues from parts you can’t even see – including your machine’s chopper, internal cavity, and hose. It’s also a great choice for eco-conscious users, being septic tank safe and U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified.
Key Features:
– Powerful citrus-scented foaming action removes odor-causing residues.
– No.1 Recommended by Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands.
– Cleans unseen components like the chopper, internal cavity, and hose.
– Use monthly or as needed for consistent freshness.
– Septic tank safe and U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified.
– Comes in a convenient 9-month supply (9 tablets).
Pros:
– Highly effective at eliminating deep-seated odors.
– Endorsed by leading appliance manufacturers.
– Environmentally friendly with EPA Safer Choice certification.
– Long-lasting supply offers great value.
– Easy drop-in tablet format.
Cons:
– Only recommended for monthly use, so might not be for daily freshening.
User Impressions:
Users love Affresh for its powerful cleaning action and the noticeable improvement in their kitchen’s air quality. The brand recommendation provides extra peace of mind, and the easy-to-use tablets make cleaning a breeze. Many appreciate the convenience of a 9-month supply.
3. Bastion Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer Drops-…
If you’re looking for an economical and environmentally conscious way to keep your disposal fresh, Bastion’s drops are a fantastic option. This generous 50-pack of lemon zest scented drops uses D-Limonene, a natural active ingredient derived from citrus peels, to effectively break down fats, oils, and food particles. Not only is it safe and powerful, but Bastion also focuses on sustainability with compact packaging, reducing waste and emissions.
Key Features:
– Top quality and best value with a 50-pack of lemon zest drops.
– Eco-friendly packaging for less plastic and fewer emissions.
– Safe & effective D-Limonene formula tackles smelly fats, oils, and food particles.
– Septic safe and leaves a fresh, clean scent.
– Easy to use: just drop in, run disposal for 15 seconds.
– Zero-risk 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Pros:
– Excellent value with a large quantity of cleaning drops.
– Environmentally conscious packaging and natural cleaning agent.
– Highly effective at breaking down organic waste and odors.
– Incredibly simple and quick to use.
– Strong satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
– Recommended twice per week for best results, which is a higher frequency than some competitors.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the strong lemon scent and the effectiveness of Bastion drops in neutralizing odors. The large pack size and the eco-friendly aspect are big hits. Many find the twice-weekly routine manageable and worth it for a consistently fresh kitchen.
4. Glisten Garbage Disposer Freshener, Sink Disposal Odor…
This Glisten product is your everyday hero for keeping those pesky odors at bay. Unlike its deeper-cleaning cousin, this freshener focuses on daily maintenance, using quick-dissolving capsules to break up food particles and eliminate lingering bad smells. It’s a gentle yet effective way to maintain a pleasant kitchen environment without harsh chemicals, making it safe for your disposer, plumbing, and septic system.
Key Features:
– Everyday freshness with quick, easy-to-use deodorizing capsules.
– Breaks up food particles and removes tough odors for a fresh kitchen daily.
– Unique formula with no harsh chemicals; disposer, plumbing, and septic-friendly.
– Specialized solution for lingering smells from trapped grease, oil, and food.
– Easy to use daily or as needed.
– Performance Guarantee for satisfaction.
Pros:
– Ideal for daily odor control and light maintenance.
– Gentle formula is safe for all plumbing and septic systems.
– Very easy to use; simply drop and rinse.
– Effectively tackles trapped grease, oil, and food particles.
– Leaves a fresh, clean lemon scent.
Cons:
– Primarily a freshener; might not offer the deep cleaning power of dedicated cleaners.
User Impressions:
Reviewers appreciate the simplicity and immediate effect of these freshener capsules. They are perfect for those who want to prevent odors from building up between deeper cleanings. The mild, fresh scent and hassle-free application are frequently highlighted as major benefits.
5. Garbage Disposal Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets 24 Pack -…
This 24-pack of disposal cleaner and deodorizer tablets offers a full year’s supply of powerful foaming action designed to penetrate deep into your garbage disposal. No scrubbing is needed with this easy-to-use product – simply drop a tablet, let the foam work, and enjoy a fresh, lemon-scented kitchen. It’s a reliable, no-fuss solution for maintaining cleanliness and combating odors, all while being septic-safe.
Key Features:
– Powerful foaming efficacy that removes stubborn grime.
– Easy to use: drop a tablet, run water, no scrubbing required.
– Long-lasting supply with 24 tablets for a full year of maintenance.
– Septic safe formula provides peace of mind.
– Fresh lemon scent effectively reduces unpleasant kitchen odors.
Pros:
– Highly effective foaming action for deep cleaning.
– Convenient and requires minimal effort.
– Excellent value with a year’s supply in one pack.
– Safe for use with septic systems.
– Leaves a refreshing lemon aroma.
Cons:
– Generic branding may not inspire the same trust as established brands for some users.
User Impressions:
Users are impressed by the strong foaming action and how effectively these tablets eliminate odors without any manual effort. The year-long supply is a significant selling point, making it a cost-effective choice for consistent disposal maintenance.
6. Foaming Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets-24…
Here’s another excellent value pack of foaming tablets, offering a full year of hassle-free garbage disposal cleaning and deodorizing. Infused with a refreshing lemon scent, these tablets quickly neutralize unpleasant odors, leaving your kitchen smelling wonderfully fresh. They are incredibly easy to use – just run hot water, drop in, and let your disposal do the work for about a minute. Plus, they’re designed to be septic pipe safe and compatible with all disposal models, ensuring wide applicability.
Key Features:
– Quickly eliminates odors with a refreshing lemon scent.
– Easy to use: run hot water, drop tablets, run disposal for 1 minute.
– Safe and compatible with septic pipes and all disposal models.
– Economical value pack with 24 tablets for a full year of maintenance.
– Offers superior cleaning power and convenience.
Pros:
– Rapidly tackles and neutralizes strong disposal odors.
– Universal compatibility makes it suitable for any kitchen.
– Exceptional value with a year’s worth of cleaning.
– Simple, quick, and mess-free application.
– Septic-safe formula.
Cons:
– Similar to other tablet products, lacks a unique standout feature beyond value and ease of use.
User Impressions:
Many customers report that these tablets are a simple yet effective way to maintain a fresh kitchen. The quick action and universal compatibility are frequently praised, along with the convenience of a year’s supply.
7. Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush, Sturdy Grip…
Sometimes, you need more than just chemicals; you need to get in there and scrub! The Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush is the ultimate tool for physically removing stubborn, caked-on food waste and gunk that chemicals might miss. Its unique 11-inch design and stiff bristles allow you to reach deep into the disposal channels, cleaning areas your hand or a rag simply can’t. This brush is a great complement to chemical cleaners, ensuring a truly spotless and odor-free disposal.
Key Features:
– Universal brush helps eliminate residual food waste inside any garbage disposal.
– Powerful, stiff cleaning bristles break up nasty gunk and caked-on debris.
– Convenient 11-inch design fits into any disposer channel for deep reach.
– Sturdy, wide handle provides a firm grip for maximum cleaning power.
– Easy to clean: simply rinse under the faucet or place in a dishwasher.
Pros:
– Provides a physical, hands-on clean that chemicals can’t replicate.
– Effectively removes solid build-up and food particles.
– Ergonomic design allows safe access to hard-to-reach areas.
– Durable bristles and sturdy handle for vigorous scrubbing.
– Reusable and easy to maintain.
Cons:
– Requires manual effort, unlike drop-in tablets.
– Not recommended for use on soft surfaces.
User Impressions:
Users who prefer a more tactile approach to cleaning absolutely love the Mr. Scrappy brush. They report that it’s incredibly satisfying to see the grime being brushed away and that it effectively tackles the root cause of many disposal odors. It’s often recommended as a must-have tool for comprehensive disposal hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I clean my garbage disposal?
A1: The frequency depends on usage and the product. Generally, for odor control and maintenance, a freshener can be used daily or every few days. For deeper cleaning to remove build-up, most products recommend weekly or monthly use. If you use your disposal heavily, you might lean towards more frequent cleaning.
Q2: What causes a smelly garbage disposal?
A2: A smelly garbage disposal is usually caused by food particles, grease, and grime getting trapped and accumulating on the blades, sidewalls, and under the splash guard. As this organic matter decomposes, it releases foul odors. Insufficient water when running the disposal can also contribute to buildup.
Q3: Are these cleaning products safe for septic systems?
A3: Many garbage disposal cleaning products, especially those with natural enzymes or specific “septic safe” labels, are indeed safe for septic systems. Always check the product’s packaging for explicit confirmation. Products like Affresh and Bastion, for example, are clearly marked as septic-safe.
Q4: Can I use homemade remedies to clean my garbage disposal?
A4: Yes, common homemade remedies include ice and rock salt (to scour), baking soda and vinegar (to deodorize and break down light buildup), or citrus peels (for a fresh scent). While these can help with light odors and maintenance, they often don’t provide the deep cleaning or residue breakdown that specialized commercial products offer.
Q5: What’s the difference between a garbage disposal cleaner and a freshener?
A5: A cleaner (like Glisten’s deep cleaner or foaming tablets) is designed to break down and remove stubborn grease, grime, and food particles that accumulate over time. A freshener (like Glisten’s daily freshener or the Bastion drops) primarily focuses on neutralizing odors and providing a pleasant scent, often with some light particle breakdown, for daily or frequent maintenance between deeper cleans.
Q6: How can I maintain my garbage disposal daily to prevent odors?
A6: To prevent odors, always run cold water for 15-30 seconds after turning off the disposal to flush all particles through. Avoid putting grease, fibrous foods (like celery), or large amounts of potato peels down the drain. You can also regularly drop in a few citrus peels (lemon, orange) and run the disposal with cold water for a natural freshening effect.
Q7: Do I need to scrub my garbage disposal, or are tablets enough?
A7: Foaming tablets and cleaners are excellent for dissolving and flushing away internal buildup. However, for truly stubborn, caked-on debris, especially around the splash guard or in crevices, a physical brush like Mr. Scrappy can be incredibly effective. Combining both chemical cleaners and a physical brush offers the most comprehensive cleaning solution.
Conclusion
A clean garbage disposal isn’t just about a pleasant-smelling kitchen; it’s also about maintaining the health and longevity of your appliance. Whether you prefer the powerful foaming action of a chemical cleaner, the eco-friendly convenience of drops, or the hands-on scrubbing power of a brush, there’s a best product for cleaning garbage disposal out there for you.
By choosing from our top 7 picks and incorporating regular cleaning into your routine, you can say goodbye to those lingering odors and keep your kitchen fresh and hygienic. Happy cleaning!