Best Drain Cleaner for Garbage Disposal? (2024 Review)

Last Updated On December 1, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

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best drain cleaner for garbage disposal and fresheners

If you have a nasty odor coming from your garbage disposal, and it doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to, you need a garbage disposal cleaner

However, since the garbage disposal gets such high use and is in close proximity with food, you want to be sure to use a drain cleaner specifically designed for the garbage disposal and its unique problems, such as the smell of moldy food. 

In this PlumbingNav review, we cover:

  • What are the best drain cleaners for your garbage disposal? 
  • What are the different types of drain cleaners for garbage disposals? 
  • How do garbage disposal drain cleaners work? 
  • What should I look for in the best drain cleaner for garbage disposal?
  • Review of the best garbage disposal drain cleaners

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
Glisten DP20B Disposer Care Foaming Garbage Disposer Cleaner
  • Premeasured, easy-to-use packets
  • Non-caustic and safe
  • Reaches deep 
  • Premeasured, easy-to-use packets
  • Non-caustic and safe
  • Reaches deep 
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Grab Green Naturally-Derived, Tangerine with Lemongrass
  • 12 pack
  • 100% natural, cruelty-free
  • Safe around children and pets
  • 12 pack
  • 100% natural, cruelty-free
  • Safe around children and pets
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Fuller Brush Garbage Disposal Drain Cleaner Foam with Multipurpose Brush Kit
  • Works on sinks
  • Cleans entire disposal
  • Complete kit
  • Works on sinks
  • Cleans entire disposal
  • Complete kit
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush, Sturdy Grip Handle
  • Reusable
  • Powerful-cleaning bristles
  • 11” long
  • Reusable
  • Powerful-cleaning bristles
  • 11” long
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
BioFresh – Enzyme Drain Cleaner & Odor Eliminator
  • All-natural and safe formula
  • 16 applications
  • multi-purpose
  • All-natural and safe formula
  • 16 applications
  • multi-purpose
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On December 1, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Glisten DP20B Disposer Care Foaming Garbage Disposer Cleaner

Maximize performance and prolong the life of your garbage disposal while also leaving a pleasant lemon scent with the Glisten garbage disposer cleaner. 

Simply place one of the biodegradable packets down the disposal and rinse with hot water to clean the blades, sidewalls, pipes, and under the splash guard. 

Our Top 5 Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal?

What's In This Guide?

      What Are The Best Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal?

      The best disposal cleaner effectively and safely cleans the drain from both food waste and grease while also leaving the drain smelling fresh. 

      The best way to prevent a clog in your kitchen drain is to learn how to properly care for your garbage disposal.

      Is your garbage disposal clogged? This article might be helpful.

      Items that can cause your garbage disposal to work slowly include:

      • Coffee grounds
      • Soap scum
      • Fibrous vegetables 
      • Grease.
      • Fat

      You will recognize that you need to clean your garbage disposal drain if you notice foul smells coming from the drain, the sink draining slowly, or a loss of function of the garbage disposal. 

      What Are The Different Types Of Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposals?

      Homemade Drain Cleaner

      Homemade drain cleaners provide an economical option, especially if you already have the clog remover ingredients at home. 

      Create a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar (white vinegar if possible) and 1 cup of baking soda. Once the mixture starts to react, pour it down your sink before flushing with warm water. The mixture not only cleans the drain but helps eliminate odors. 

      You may also consider freshening up your drains regularly using sani sticks.

      Chemical Cleaner 

      Chemical drain cleaners use chemicals to quickly eliminate a stubborn clog. However, they can damage plumbing by causing corrosion. They can also result in serious irritation if they come into contact with the eyes or skin. If ingested, call poison control immediately. 

      Some of the most common chemicals in these cleaners include:

      • Sodium hydroxide
      • Sulfuric acid
      • Bleach

      Some people prefer not to use a chemical drain cleaner in the kitchen around their food. However, many are safe for garbage disposals when used properly.

      did you know best drain cleaner for garbage disposal (1)

      Enzymatic Clogged Drain Cleaner 

      An enzymatic drain cleaner uses natural enzymes to eat organic waste, such as grease and moldy food. 

      Enzymatic drain cleaners are safe for your home, but even the best natural drain cleaners don’t work as well or as quickly as chemical cleaners.

      Sink Plunger

      A sink drain plunger can apply pressure to the garbage disposal, pushing material through to create an opening for proper water flow. 

      Plungers won’t damage your plumbing. However, they may not provide enough pressure to break up a tough clog or a deep clog. 

      Garbage Disposal Brush

      A garbage disposal brush is specifically designed to fit into a standard garbage disposal. Once you insert the brush, you can move it around to clean the garbage disposal with the brush’s bristles. 

      Most brushes are easy enough to clean right in the sink once you finish using it. 

      Drain Snake/Auger

      A plumber’s snake fits into your garbage disposal system to break up the clog inside. 

      While a relatively substantial investment, a powered auger can reach most clogs within 25 feet immediately and effectively with the proper know-how.

      Here are our favorite electric plumbing snakes. Btw, be careful if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Consider getting a visual aid to identify the clog with a plumbing boroscope.

      How Does Drain Cleaner For Garbage Disposal Work?

      Drain cleaners break up the material in your garbage disposal using either chemicals or natural enzymes and bacteria. 

      Once you pour the cleaner down the garbage disposal, you will wait the appropriate amount of time (based on the instructions) and flush the drain cleaner with water. While most products recommend boiling water or hot water, you will find some products that suggest cold water. 

      Many drain cleaners continue to attach to your plumbing to continue eating at the material that may create clogs before they develop. 

      What Do You Look For In The Best Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal?

      Fast-Acting

      The best drain cleaner works quickly. An acidic drain cleaner can work in as little as 15 minutes. However, most enzymatic drain cleaners require 6 – 8 hours to work. 

      Safe to Use

      Plumbing repairs get expensive, so you need a drain cleaner that will not damage your pipes. Metal pipes may experience corrosion, especially if you use a chemical-based liquid drain cleaner. Chemicals may also damage old pipes or plastic pipes.

      Best Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal Reviewed

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Glisten DP20B Disposer Care Foaming Garbage Disposer Cleaner

      Maximize performance and prolong the life of your garbage disposal while also leaving a pleasant lemon scent with the Glisten garbage disposer cleaner. 

      Simply place one of the biodegradable packets down the disposal and rinse with hot water to clean the blades, sidewalls, pipes, and under the splash guard. 

      Pros

      • Premeasured, easy-to-use packets
      • Non-caustic and safe
      • Reaches deep 

      Cons

      • Difficult to store packaging
      • Skin and eye irritant
      • Only 4 applications  

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Grab Green Naturally-Derived, Tangerine with Lemongrass

      This 12-pack of pods in a resealable pouch uses plant- and mineral-based ingredients to clean your drains from organic materials that can lead to buildup while also leaving behind a mild citrus scent. 

      Natural ingredients won’t damage your pipes, and they are safe for use around children and pets. 

      Pros

      • 12 pack
      • 100% natural, cruelty-free
      • Safe around children and pets

      Cons

      • Only for garbage disposal maintenance
      • Not useful for a trash compacter
      • Not for use in a sink

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Fuller Brush Garbage Disposal Drain Cleaner Foam with Multipurpose Brush Kit

      Get both a cleaner foam and a brush in this garbage disposal kit that is sure to provide results when you have foul odors or a grease clog hindering your garbage disposal, even under the rim. 

      The kit comes with two bottles of foam cleaner and one 10.5” reusable brush.

      Pros

      • Works on sinks
      • Cleans entire disposal
      • Complete kit

      Cons

      • Reports of handle falling off
      • Expensive
      • No scent options

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush, Sturdy Grip Handle

      Clean your garbage disposal instantly with this 11” garbage disposal brush. The bristles are specifically designed to provide a thorough cleaning without damaging your drain. They’re also easy to clean in the sink, so you can reuse the brush time and time again. 

      Pros

      • Reusable
      • Powerful-cleaning bristles
      • 11” long

      Cons

      • Can’t reach deeper than 11”
      • Doesn’t leave pleasant scent
      • Not made for the kitchen sink

      Our #5 Rated Pick: BioFresh – Enzyme Drain Cleaner & Odor Eliminator

      This heavy-duty natural formula uses natural enzymes to eat through natural clogs in your garbage disposal. Since the natural drain opener is safe for pipes, you can use this product anywhere in your home, including your septic tank and grease trap. 

      The 32 oz. bottle is enough for 16 applications. 

      Pros

      • All-natural and safe formula
      • 16 applications
      • multi-purpose

      Cons

      • Won’t dissolve synthetic materials
      • Requires 6 – 8 hours to work
      • Not for stubborn clogs

      Final Thoughts On Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal

      If you have a clogged garbage disposal, it’s important to resolve the issue before the grease clog gets worse or starts emitting a foul odor. 

      You have many options when it comes to opening up your garbage disposal drain. Chemical drain cleaners work the best, but they can damage your plumbing. Natural drain cleaners require more time, but they are safe for your pipes. 

      Our review should help you find the best drain cleaner for your garbage disposal!

      Thinking of an upgrade? See this post for who installs a garbage disposal if you decide to outsource the job.

      FAQs for Drain Cleaners For Garbage Disposal

      What drain cleaner is safe for garbage disposals?

      The safest drain cleaners are made from enzymes. 

      Try the Grab Green Naturally-Derived, Tangerine with Lemongrass.

      Can you put drain cleaner in the garbage disposal?

      You can put some drain cleaners down the garbage disposal, but check the packaging since some drain cleaners won’t work. 

      How do you clean a garbage disposal drain?

      You can use a garbage disposal brush to clean your garbage disposal drain. 

      Try the Mr. Scrappy Universal Garbage Disposal Brush, Sturdy Grip Handle.

      What is the best way to unclog garbage disposal?

      An auger provides the best way to unclog a garbage disposal, especially in the case of a tough drain clog. 

      Is Drano Max Gel safe for garbage disposal?

      While you can use Drano Max Gel in the garbage disposal if you read the instructions carefully, we suggest trying the products we reviewed here first. 

      Why can’t you use some drain cleaners in a garbage disposal?

      Some drain cleaners may damage the plumbing if you use them in your garbage disposal. Additionally, a garbage disposal can damage some products.

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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