In a perfect world, garbage disposal blades would stay sharp forever. But, in the real world that’s just not the case. These blades get dull, simply by using them. This is especially true if things like bones and even grease accidentally make their way down the drain.
Fortunately, there are several rather ways to “sharpen” disposal blades. While some people might think they’re a bit odd, we think they are genius! Keep reading, to learn how easy it is to accomplish. You probably already have most of the necessary supplies right in your kitchen.
Ways to Sharpen your Garbage Disposal
Lemony Fresh Method
For the lemony fresh method, you need four items. Gather together lemon slices, ice, water and rock salt. First, gently push a handful of ice cubes and one cup of rock salt into your disposal. Follow that with several thin slices of lemon.
Turn on the water, just as you would if you’re going to dispose of food waste. Last but not least, turn on the garbage disposal and let it run until the grinding noise stops. Not only will the ice sharpen the blades, the lemon will do a fantastic job of deodorizing. Hint: if you don’t have a lemon, any other citrus will do.
Rubber Stopper Method
This super simple method basically flushes any build-up off of the blades, instead of actually sharpening them. This is probably a good time to mention that many plumbers insist that there’s actually no way to sharpen your disposal’s tiny blade teeth at home. However, by utilizing this method, it should still function as good as new or very close to it.
Place the stopper into the drain. Fill the sink with hot soapy water. Once it’s full, remove the stopper. Allow the water to fill the disposal and then turn it on, along with the cold water. Leave both of them on for a few minutes. The gunk (stuck on the blades) will magically disappear.
Egg Shell Method
Have you always wanted to recycle your egg shells, but aren’t sure how to go about it. There is a easy-peasy solution. Just drop them down the garbage disposal, turn on the cold water and kill two birds with one stone. The shells will be gone and your disposal will work more efficiently.
There you have it. A trio of ways to make your garbage disposal run more efficiently, by either sharpening the blades or removing residue. All of these methods are very affordable and simple to accomplish. So, next time you disposal isn’t running up to par, say goodbye to the costly plumber and pick one of these odd DIY solutions instead. You’ll be grinding away again before you know it!
Sue E says
We have heard of the egg shell method.
The other two tips are new to us, but definitely worth a try!
Thank you for sharing!
Leah says
I do all of these! Sometimes I empty my ice bin and send all the ice down there too!
Carlee C says
I have not tried the egg shell method before. Now I know a new way, so I am excited!
Scott says
Hmm, I was told to never put egg shells in the disposal. Something about them never getting ground up enough to exit through the small tube easily.
Bill Sweeney says
Thanks for sharing these great ideas. Our disposal has been having a harder and harder time grinding things up, and the smell is NOT so great.
Heather Johnson says
I never would have thought about sharpening my disposal blades. I do occasionally use citrus peels to clean the disposal.
Mary Beth Elderton says
Brilliant! I’m going to try all three on my older disposal. Thanks!