Maintaining the garbage disposal is important when it comes to maintaining a clean kitchen. For one thing, it can easily become a trap for grime and unpleasant odors if not cleaned regularly.
Why It’s Important To Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning the garbage disposal will not only reduce odors but it’ll also ensure that it works properly.
For example, leftover food, especially within the rubber splash guard or grinding chamber, can decay over time and cause clogs.
Not only that but certain things such as grease and stringy vegetables can also leave behind a slimy residue that won’t be broken down properly.
Unpleasant Odors from Grease Buildup
Cooling fats and oils will also solidify into greasy substances, which will cling onto the surfaces inside your garbage disposal system, creating the perfect conditions for foul odors.
These microorganisms will feed on the decaying food scraps and contribute towards foul smells while also posing potential health risks.
Problems Caused By Dirty Garbage Disposals
A clean garbage disposal is about more than just having a clean kitchen. It’s an essential aspect of home maintenance that, if neglected, can lead to significant issues.
As mentioned earlier, the food waste lingering inside can lead to grime accumulation, which will not only produce unpleasant odors but can also pose potential health risks.
Not only that but oils can also accumulate inside and that can lead to clogs, which can significantly affect the unit performance.
More specifically, the buildup can restrict water flow through the pipes, causing slower drainage times along with an increased risk of backups that can damage other plumbing fixtures around your house.
How Do the Disposer Cleaning Tablets By ACTIVE Work?
Unlike DIY methods (e.g. baking soda, ice cubes, citrus peels, dish soap) ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner Tablets are specifically formulated with garbage disposals in mind.
They’re designed to disintegrate food particles and oils that have built up over time inside the garbage disposal.
They work by producing a foaming solution that fills the disposal’s grinding chamber. This ensures every nook and cranny, where debris may accumulate, is thoroughly cleaned.
They’re easy to use too as all you need to do is drop one tablet into the drain with the water running. Before you know it, it will start to scrub away the stubborn fat deposits hidden inside the appliance.
Not only that but the tablet will also neutralize any foul smells at their source – rather than just masking them like some competing products do.
The best part? The tablets are safe for all types of plumbing and septic systems.
Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues
Garbage disposals, while handy, can sometimes throw a wrench in your kitchen routine with unexpected issues.
Here’s how to handle a few of the most typical problems.
Lingering Odors Inside The Disposal
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your sink drain opening, chances are, it’s due to food residue stuck in hard-to-reach places (e.g. underneath the blades).
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix – just use the cleaning tablets by ACTIVE and it will scrub away all the stubborn grime.
Visible Food Debris After Cleaning
In some cases, food debris can remain even after using disposal cleaners. To fix that, run cold water and turn on the unit for approximately 30 seconds – that will help flush out any lingering scraps.
Make sure not to use hot water as that may melt the oils and fats, which will end up re-solidifying further down the pipes, causing clogs within the drainage system. The same goes for warm water.
If food residue is still present after these steps, try another round of ACTIVE cleaning tablets.
The Best Garbage Disposal Cleaning Products
Caring for your kitchen waste disposal means choosing the right products for the job.
Some options, such as drain cleaners, can cause harm over time due to their corrosive nature or inability to provide a deep clean.
ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner, on the other hand, will effectively scrub away the oils that are trapped underneath without damaging any components in the process. It even comes with a pleasant citrus scent.
Common Questions About Disposal Maintenance
The garbage disposal is often seen as an abyss below your kitchen sink, so it’s no wonder many disposal owners have questions about it.
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers.
How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
Ideally, you want to clean your disposal at least twice a month using ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner tablets.
Simply toss one in with a slow stream of water running, then turn on the disposal.
For most users, cleaning the unit twice a month with ACTIVE Cleaning tablets will suffice. However, if you notice foul odors or poor performance, additional cleaning cycles may be needed.
How Do You Clean A Garbage Disposal Without Removing It?
You can effectively clean your waste disposer by using an ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablet. Just place one inside the disposal and let the scrubbing foam do the rest of the work!
How Do I Keep My Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly?
Avoid feeding the unit hard objects or fibrous foods (e.g. corn husks) that could cause jams or damage the blades.
It’s also a good idea to run cold water after each use to flush down any oils. Using an effective cleaning product like ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner will also help keep it squeaky clean.
ACTIVE Products For Your Other Home Appliances
We’re here to make house cleaning easier for you. Not only do we offer cleaning tablets for your disposal unit, but we have a range of other household cleaning products as well.
Taz –
Update: I’m adding anoter star because the seller reached out and offered a refund without me asking, showing good faith. The handwritten thank you card adds a charming “mom and pop” vibe. However, I can only give the product 1 star, as the second table got stuck in my disposal despite following the instructions, causing leaks. I spent a few hundred dollars and half a day replacing it, which was taxing. On the bright side, my disposal works like new now!
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June –
I didn’t notice much difference with this deodorizer. Compared to another brand I like, it didn’t leave a fresh scent or produce any visible foam.
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Hien T –
I followed the package instructions and used one tablet, but after running the water and waiting, there was no foam or fresh scent. I added another tablet, but the result was the same. I retrieved the first tablet from the disposal; it was untouched. I thought about returning them as a failed product. **UPDATE**: After watching YouTube videos, I realized I needed to start the disposal right after adding the tablets. I tried again with two tablets and immediately saw foaming action. I had gotten the timing wrong by waiting for the foam first. It would be helpful if the instructions said to “immediately start the disposal after adding the tablet(s).” The foaming was impressive, and it made my dish drain sink shine. This product works well, though I wish it had a stronger citrus scent. For first-time buyers, I recommend watching videos first to avoid wasting tablets.
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Soraya –
used this quickly tonight and it worked great! our disposal had a strange smell, and this fixed it easily. the sturdy puck goes right in, making it hard to mess up. plus, i appreciated the handwritten note. will definitely use again!
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Savannah M. –
I bought these for cleaner disposal but faced issues. The QR code didn’t lead to a working website, and when I followed the insert instructions, the product didn’t foam or produce a citrus scent. I’m also trying the washing machine tabs. Overall, these didn’t meet expectations. Update on 5/11/25: I gave it another shot with two tablets, wetting them first. This time, they foamed and filled the disposal, though there was still no citrus scent. I hope they’re effective.
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Dave –
I’ve tried many garbage disposal cleaning tabs and am very pleased with this one. Unlike others that merely mask odors, this product truly eliminates them. I tackled some strong pork smells, and now there’s no trace left, just freshness. It’s simple to use; just follow the instructions and you’re done!
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Ramon X. –
Works great and eliminates odors!
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Bohemian Rose –
These work pretty well but I wish the scent was stronger and lasted longer.
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Jim Schneider –
Super easy to use and works incredibly well.
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Remote Sibling –
Title sums it up. Really easy to use, the scent is mild, and there’s very little packaging waste, which is better for the environment. Give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed and you’ll help Mother Earth too.
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