10 Best Garbage Disposal Cleaners (Better Than Homemade Deodorizers)
Garbage disposal cleaners are an essential part of maintaining your garbage disposal. It is harder to keep your system clean and free of built-up residue and grease without them. However, all garbage disposal cleaners are created differently. This is why it’s crucial for you to know the best garbage disposal cleaners on the market.
The best garbage disposal cleaners will clean and deodorize your garbage disposal using natural or non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your drains and septic. After careful research, we’ve found that Glisten Garbage Disposal Foaming Cleanser is the best. The abrasive packet provides scrubbing and foaming action, which adheres to all the muck, ensuring a thorough clean.
This guide will present you with 10 of the best garbage disposal cleaners. We’ve also included a buying guide to help steer you in the right direction when choosing a cleanser that’s the perfect fit for your needs. This way, you know what to look for, so the process is less overwhelming for you.
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Top 10 Selections For The Best Garbage Disposal Cleaners
Here is a list of the ten garbage disposal cleaners we picked to share with you.
- Glisten Garbage Disposal Care Foaming Cleaner– Best Overall
- Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer– Best Cutting Action
- Grab Green Natural Garbage Disposal Cleaner & Freshener– Most Natural Based Cleaner
- Plink Garbage Disposal Cleaner & Sink Deodorizer with Lemon Scent– Best Value for the Money
- Green Gobbler Garbage Disposal & Drain Cleaner– Best Dual-Action
- Lemi Shine Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer– Best Scent
- BioWonder Septic Tank Treatment – Best Septic Tank Cleaner
- Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover– Best Liquid
- Sani Sticks 360 Garbage Disposal Cleaner Kit- Best Disposal Cleaning Kit
- Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush- Best Garbage Disposal Cleaning Brush
Below, we will dive deeper into the details of each of the above-listed cleaners and answer any questions you may have.
The 10 Best Garbage Disposal Cleaners
Starting at number one, with Glisten Garbage Disposal Care Foaming Cleaner, we will take you through our list of 6 of the best garbage disposal cleaners that are on the market today.
If the biggest issue with your garbage disposal is a foul smell, then this product is the right disinfectant for you.
Glisten Garbage Foaming Cleaner contains the right mixture of alternative bleach products, which helps clean the deepest corners of your drains and pipes. This is why we’ve chosen this product as our best overall.
Scrubbing And Foaming Action
Glisten Foaming Cleaner comes in tablets that contain an abrasive outer layer, which acts as a scrubbing pad within your garbage disposal. It scrubs areas such as:
- The blades
- Chamber
- The area under the blades
- Nooks and crannies
Moreover, the foaming action will adhere to any residue stuck in your unit and remove it when you wash the cleaner off the area.
- Powerful Blue Foam Strips Away Food Particles, Grease & Odor Causing Grunge
Versatility
This cleaner is appreciated for its ability to clean multiple surfaces such as your sink, pipes, and dishwasher.
No one really thinks of cleaning their dishwasher. You can throw one of these in the soap pocket and run the dishwasher on empty to remove any residue stuck in hard to reach areas.
Removes Odors
This product doesn’t just mask unpleasant odors; it removes them too! The foam traps the odor, dragging it along with the stain when it’s rinsed away.
Not to mention, the cleaner comes with a fresh lemony scent. Not only doesn’t it remove the odor, but it replaces it with a more pleasant one.
Affresh Cleaner and Deodorizer is the perfect cleaner for you if your disposal is blocked with residual food waste.
It works quickly to remove the residue that’s blocking your system. The unique chemical mixture leaves your unit looking and smelling fresh as it removes all the dirt and grime.
Cutting Action
Affresh cleaner and deodorizer works hard at cutting away all the dirt and grime that’s stuck in your unit, no matter how long it’s been there.
Even if you’ve had a foul odor coming from your disposal for the past 6 months, the cutting action of this formula is strong enough to tackle even the oldest stains, giving your disposal a nice deep clean.
- Affresh disposal cleaner is specially formulated to clean and remove odor causing residues from your disposal with a powerful foaming action
Removes Clogs
This product will eat away at any clogs that are in your disposal. If you’ve noticed your disposal is clogged and it’s not functioning correctly, then Affresh would be an excellent product for you to try.
It works the same as Draino, although it’s not nearly as harsh. This product is EPA certified as a safer option.
So, although it’s chemical-based, it’s not nearly as dangerous or harsh to you or your environment. Although you still want to take the necessary precautions.
Easy To Use
The cleaner is made in tablet form. All you need to do is drop one tablet per cleaning and let it do its job. It provides the scrubbing action so that you don’t have to. You can even use this for other drains, as well as your septic tank.
Unlike other products, there is no mixing of ingredients or a special powder to water ratio you need to have for it to work a certain way.
If you have any residues stuck in your system, this is also another great cleaner. Still, it’s a bit different than the previous ones in that it’s wholly derived from natural ingredients and produces a wonderful scent throughout your kitchen.
Natural Ingredients
All of the ingredients for this fantastic product is listed on their packaging, so they are completely transparent in what they put in their products.
Made from a mixture of thyme, herbs, and essential oils, this product will leave your disposal looking clean and smelling fresh.
The tablets are non-toxic, and they are safe for the environment as well as your septic tank. The formula is so gentle that you can run these in your dishwasher, or even in your washer.
- Contains; 4- 12 Pod Bags of Grab Green Natural Thyme with Fig Leaf Garbage Disposal Freshener and Cleaner Pods (48 Pods Total). Our velcro closure bags are convenient and easy to use, no hassling with frustrating zip closures
Quality And Quantity
Since you only have to use this once a week, this cleaner will last you longer. You can’t beat the price for the quantity and quality! You can pay $12 to $14 for 4-packs of 12, leaving you with 48 tablets.
The once a week use will last nearly a year! Aside from the natural ingredients, the quality and quantity have to be the best feature of this product.
Convenient
This is a convenient cleaner that is easy to use, not to mention that even the pack’s opening and closing is convenient.
It features a velcro connector, so you don’t have to battle with the problem of re-closing your package when you are finished.
Being able to close your packages sufficiently is a lot more important than some would think. More often than not, water will get into your container, activating, and ruining your cleaner. With the velcro, this won’t happen.
Plink Garbage Disposal Cleaner value pack can last you an extremely long time because you don’t need to use it as often as other garbage disposal cleaners.
You get 40 uses per container and only need to use it as needed. However, you can use it up to twice a week if you choose.
Removes Tough Stains
This cleaner will help you remove:
- Dirt
- Oils
- Stains
- Residual Foods
The great thing about this is that you don’t have to scrub as this formula’s strength removes some of the most stubborn stains stuck in your unit.
- Plink Garbage Disposer Cleaner cleans, removes sink buildup, unclogs disposals, and deodorizes without any phosphates, bleach, or scrubbing.
Quick Action
You’ll find that this product acts quickly and gives fantastic results. It only takes about 15 minutes for it to take full effect. You can also use it in other pipes and your septic system.
While at first glance, 15 minutes seems like a long time, that’s a relatively short time compared to other products. This is especially when it’s tackling dirt, oils, and stubborn stains.
Natural Based Products
Since Plink is derived from natural products, you don’t need to worry about inhaling any toxic or harmful fumes. Not to mention, the natural-based products can be used on your other drainage systems.
The Green Gobbler formula has a particular enzyme that digests specific components quickly, such as:
- Residual foods
- Fats
- Oil
- Grease
- Other materials prone to clogging
This product is fantastic at cleaning, as well as deodorizing any materials. It leaves your system smelling fresh and lasts longer than other products previously listed.
Cleans And Deodorizes
We chose this for the best dual-action formula because it concentrates on cleaning and deodorizing simultaneously. Most products are better at either one or the other; This product is excellent at both.
Another reason why we’ve rated it the best dual action is that it’s a disposal cleaner, as well as a drain cleaner. So, if you’re experiencing any clogs in your bathtub drain, or your toilet, you can use this as an alternative to Drano.
- POWERFUL DRAIN & DISPOSAL CLEANER: Powerful enzymes digests food, grease, fats, oil & paper that clog drains. Use regularly for preventative maintenance and to keep drains smelling fresh and running clean
Enzyme Formulated
This formula is called the Green Gobbler for a reason, and no, it’s not because it’s green. (It’s red.) This product has active enzymes that eat through any fats or residue that are stuck on your blades.
The enzymes also digests the odor to remove any unpleasant smells. The fresh scent of lemon will then replace the odor.
Thick Formula
The thicker formula ensures that it takes its time to work through all of the hard-to-reach areas. Other formulas are usually runny, and they go through the system too quickly, but not this product.
The thick formula also clings to your blades, grinding chamber, or any pipes to provide protection for an extended amount of time.
So, if food were to get stuck again, the formula would activate, and the enzymes would clear it without you needing to take any additional action.
The best feature of this fantastic disposal cleaner is the ability to clean your disposal and pipes very quickly. It will clean the dirt and food waste from your disposal and leave your kitchen with a long-lasting scent.
Don’t be fooled; This doesn’t mask the smell but rather deodorizes it and helps you maintain a super clean drain.
Convenient
This product is easy to use and convenient because it works faster than all of the others previously listed. If you’re on a time crunch, then Lemi Shine may be the perfect cleaner for you.
In just five minutes, you’ll notice the difference. You only need to throw it into your disposal, turn on your water and unit, and let it work its magic.
Natural Products
The motto for the Lemi Shine brand is, “If an ingredient isn’t safe, we don’t use it.” They aim to make their products non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This product is not harmful to your septic tank or the other drains in your house.
Even though it’s non-toxic, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for children or animals to swallow. Therefore, they’ve coated their tablets with Bitrex, the world’s most bitter substance. This is meant to deter anyone, or any animal, from putting it in their mouth.
Formulated With Funkguard
This formula also contains Funkguard, which is an odor eliminating technology. In addition to removing odors, Funkguard is unique in the way that it works to trap odors in your disposal, trapping them in your drain.
This remarkable technology will catch scents before you even know they’re there. The formula won’t allow the scent to creep up your drain and enter your breathing space.
BioWonder includes three billion CFU (bacteria per gram) and six different bacteria strains to clean your septic system thoroughly. This therapy is around three times more effective than other antiseptics.
But perhaps the best part about this product is that it is 100% natural. Usually natural products tend to have a ‘soft’ cleaning ability, but this is one of the most potent garbage disposal cleaners on the market.
100% Natural Products
To some extent, many garbage disposal cleaners contain natural substances. The BioWonder Septic Tank Treatment, on the other hand, is made entirely of natural components.
- 【3X MORE POWERFUL PERFORMANCE】Unlike other septic treatments that only contain 1 billion or less CFU (bacteria per gram) and 2 or 3 different strains of waste eating bacteria, BioWonder contains 3 billion CFU and 6 unique strains of bacteria ensuring your septic or drain system gets the power it needs to get the job done.
These products are potent and work to scrub your garbage disposal without harmful chemicals. Plus, this cleaner is septic and sewer safe.
Helps With Odors
Foul odors are one of the hardest things to get rid of when it comes to cleaning garbage disposal. But this cleaner hits the mark on the stink.
The live bacteria in the product works by eating the bad bacteria that are causing the stink to fill your sink. Not to mention, it also kills drain worms and flies to keep them from reproducing.
Multipurpose
This fantastic product offers a wide range of applications, allowing you to use it for a variety of tasks. It works beautifully in garbage disposals, of course.
It reduces drain flies as well as foul odors. It can also be used in septic tanks, showers, portable toilets and honey buckets, sinks, floor drains, and a variety of other places.
While many liquids require overnight treatment, the Drano Gel can be applied in as little as 15 minutes. As a result, you may go from filthy garbage disposal to a sparkling one in no time. Plus, because it works in all other drains, this multipurpose tool is ideal to have around the house!
Works Fast
The Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover is for you if you prefer liquid cleaning products. Its excellent cleansing ability allows it to clear drains quickly.
It cuts through water and gets to the source of the clog to clear it out. PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems are compatible.
- Formulated thick to dissolve the tough clogs fast
Safe To Use
Many people think of “Drano” and instinctively conclude that it’s harmful to use for pipes because it’s so powerful. While it’s incredibly toxic to get on your skin, as is the case with most cleaners, it’s perfectly safe for your skin, garbage disposal, and pipes.
Powerful
This detergent is strong enough to break up hair clogs, not that you have hair in your waste disposal. Consider what it could do to the food, bacteria, and grime that has accumulated in your waste disposal.
Getting rid of all the hard-to-reach filth also entails getting rid of even the most noxious odors. While this product stinks, it will eat away at any unpleasant smells emanating from your disposal.
A kit!? Most people want to know what is included in the package? First, there’s a fantastic enzyme-based foam cleaning.
The enzymes in the garbage disposal unit eliminate odors and organic build-up. The sidewalls, blades, splash guard, and drains are all included.
It also comes with a convenient brush. Simply put, it down the garbage disposal to scrape and scour away at the build-up for a deeper clean. Simply turn on the tap to rinse away the solution after you’ve used the foam and brush.
Great Deodorizer
You can select between lemon, lavender, or unscented. Essential oils are used in the lavender and lemon selections to help deodorize the unit and leave a pleasant aroma behind.
The frothy action of this cleanser, on the other hand, helps it reach hidden nooks and crannies, assisting in the eradication of nasty odors from your drain.
- ULTIMATE KITCHEN CLEANING TOOL: Garbage disposals are one of the most used appliances you own, which is why periodic cleaning to remove grease, gunk, food particles and most importantly, odors, is necessary. The enzyme foaming action of this Sani 360 garbage disposal cleaner and deodorizer works fast to clean and deodorize the entire disposal chamber, under the splash guard, the blades of your garbage disposal and the sidewalls. Safe to also use in the kitchen sink and bathroom drains.
Enzyme-Based
This has a fantastic enzyme-based foam cleaning on board. The enzymes in the garbage disposal unit eliminate odors and organic build-up.
The sidewalls, blades, splash guard, and drains are all included. So, when you use this cleaner in conjunction with the brush, you can rest assured that your drains will be clean.
Great Scrubbing Action
The majority of cleaners lack a proper scrub brush to go along with it. This will allow the cleaner to get into the hard-to-reach areas, and the bristles will help to flake away any tenacious build-up on the pipe’s side.
At first glance, this scrub brush does not appear to be very useful. The Mr. Scrappy cleaning brush, on the other hand, can target food waste residue in any garbage disposal unit.
Removing food waste residue can assist with unwanted aromas right away, so this is a fantastic approach to clean units and eliminate odors. This brush’s design is one we hope you’ll enjoy. It’s 11 inches long, so it’ll fit in any waste disposal.
Great Scrubbing Action
The firm cleaning bristles will break up any tenacious or nasty trash inside the unit. Of course, after using the brush, you’ll need to rinse away the debris. We recommend using this brush in conjunction with one of our cleaning solutions for this purpose.
- UNIVERSAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL BRUSH: The universal garbage disposal brush helps eliminate residual food waste inside any garbage disposal, the most common cause of stinky sinks
We think you’ll be astonished by how much more muck this brush removes, even if you’ve been using a strong cleaning solution for a time.
Good Spot Focus
The handle is strong and short, giving you complete control. The brush may be simply rotated for maximum cleaning.
This allows you to concentrate on hard-to-reach regions where food has become caked. For that added kick, try a foamy cleanser.
No Harsh Chemicals
The best part about this cleaner is that it won’t hurt your pipes because it doesn’t include any toxic chemicals, so you don’t have to be concerned about what you’re sending down the drain.
Choosing The Best Disposal Cleaner And Deodorizer
It is essential that you know strictly what to look for when choosing a garbage disposal cleaner. So, we’ve included some factors for you to consider when shopping for a garbage disposal cleaner.
Cleaning Action
Each cleaner has its own form of cleaning action, whether that be foaming or scrubbing. However, the best product will have both of these combined into one.
For this feature, look into the cleansing tablets. The tablets usually have an abrasive outside, which scrubs the stubborn stains. Afterward, it produces foam that clings onto the residual food waste, removing it from below the surface.
Ease Of Use
Convenience plays a significant role in whether or not you choose a particular cleaner. Most disposal cleaners are made in tablets or powder form. You toss them into your disposal and run your water.
However, some cleaners can require you to follow a very invasive process that you probably don’t want to deal with. Read the instructions on the package before purchasing. Even if the container says, “Easy to use,” that’s not always true.
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make the product will influence the reliability of the cleaner and how effective it will be at cleaning your disposal.
For example, choosing a cleanser with harsh chemicals is a lot more likely to damage your unit rather than clean it. However, if you select a formula made from natural ingredients, this will provide the best effect.
Natural ingredients are great because they:
- Are friendly to the environment, as well as humans
- Anyone with chemical allergies can use these without having to worry.
- Most of them are infused with a fantastic citrus scent that won’t burn your nose or eyes.
- The scrubbing technology cuts through tough grease without causing damage to your pipes.
Removes Odors
The best types of cleaners will not just mask odors; they will remove them. The problem with some cleaners is that they don’t clean deep enough to remove the stain, or problem area causing the smell.
So, you’re left with the fresh citrusy scent with a mix of rotting food. It doesn’t sound pleasant, does it? We didn’t think so either.
A key factor to look for when searching for a product that will remove odors is to check the wording. Does it say it removes odors?
Or does it only say that it will provide you with a great smelling kitchen? If the latter, then it’s more likely it will only mask the odor.
How To Use A Garbage Disposal Cleaner
It’s effortless to use a garbage disposal cleaner. It’s quick; you’ll be done in no time.
- Turn on your disposal. You will first need to flip your disposal into the on position so you can remove the residual food pieces before proceeding.
- Turn on the hot water. The hot water will help melt any oils or muck that is stuck in your disposal unit. You will need to put in the stopper and fill the sink halfway with hot water. Then you can pull the stopper and allow the water to drain.
- Mix the solution. Each solution comes in a different style or type. Some of them are powder, while others are tablet form. Check the package for instructions and follow them as required. You should also follow the guide from the manufacturer that describes how to clean your system.
- Rinse it all away. After you clean, you’ll need to rinse out the sink by running hot water.
- Repeat the process. You will need to clean the system regularly. You can clean it weekly, or two times per week, or even monthly. This all depends on how often you use your disposal unit. Your unit will stay nice and fresh with good upkeep of your appliance.
Commercial garbage disposal cleaners often do not clear residue and should be avoided. Also, because they contain corrosive compounds, some of them can harm metal components. Never use lye or chemical drain cleansers in a garbage disposal for the same reason.
Although garbage disposals do not have sharp blades (they feature impellers that use centrifugal force to spin food up against a stationary grind ring), manufacturers advise against going inside the disposal to clean it with your hands. You’re not going to sever an appendage, but you might nick yourself.
- Always use water. Make sure you use water in the disposal before, during, and after grinding food to keep gunk and aromas to a minimum.
- Allow for three stages of water flow. Run cold water through the disposal before turning it on, while it’s grinding food, and for about 7 seconds after it stops grinding. After food leaves the disposal, these three stages of water flow allow it to pass through the pipes thoroughly.
- Be careful what you put in. Garbage disposals don’t require much maintenance beyond correct use and cleaning on a regular basis. However, if you’re careful about what items you put into the disposal, you can extend its life beyond the average of eight to ten years.
Related Questions
Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my garbage disposal?
Yes, you can sprinkle around half of a cup of baking soda into your disposal unit. Then, pour a cup of white vinegar into it as well.Let this concoction bubble up for about five to 10 minutes, and then turn the disposal on while you’re running water.
Why does my garbage disposal smell like rotten eggs?
If you do not clean out your garbage disposal, you may notice the smell of rotten eggs. This means there is food rotting in your unit. You will need a cleaner and hot water to dislodge the food from the unit and clean your pipes.
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In Conclusion
It’s essential to keep your disposal clean and clog-free for it to run optimally. This means that you will have to use a garbage disposal cleaner, but the one you choose depends on your particular needs.
You will need to take the time to read the information on the product to decide whether or not the product is best suited for you.
Try to choose a cleaner made from natural products as these do not damage your disposal or drains. They are also friendly to you and your environment, making them safe, and in some instances, non-toxic. The goal is to clean your unit, not destroy it.
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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