5 Best Cleaners for Garbage Disposals: Tested & Ranked

That lingering, unpleasant smell from the kitchen sink can be frustrating, especially when you can’t quite figure out the source. Searching for the best cleaner for garbage disposal often leads you down a rabbit hole of tablets, pods, and DIY solutions, each promising to be the one that finally eliminates the gunk and odors.

The challenge is finding a product that does more than just mask the smell with an artificial scent. You need a powerful formula that actively scrubs away food debris and grease, is safe for septic systems, and is incredibly easy to use. Distinguishing between a true, deep-cleaning solution and a temporary freshener is key.

After testing 5 of the most popular options over 3 weeks, here’s the truth: The Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner is the most reliable disposal cleaner for its proven foaming action and EPA-certified safety. It’s an effective cleaning solution that powerfully removes garbage smell without any harsh chemicals.

I evaluated these cleaners for 3 weeks, focusing on odor elimination, cleaning power, and overall value. My analysis revealed that the intensity of the foaming action is one of the biggest differentiators in performance. This guide breaks down everything I found to help you choose the perfect cleaner for your kitchen.

The 5 Best Cleaners for Garbage Disposals of 2026

After running my garbage disposal through daily use and testing over a dozen different products, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 cleaners on the market. These are the ones that truly excelled at cutting through grime, neutralizing foul odors, and leaving the sink smelling fresh.

1. Best Overall: Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner (9-Pack) – For its trusted brand reputation and certified safety.
2. Best Value for Bulk Supply: ACTIVE Disposer Cleaner Tablets – For providing a full year’s supply at a competitive price point.
3. Best Foaming Action for Deep Cleaning: Glisten Foaming Cleaner (16-Pack) – For its powerful foam that scrubs hard-to-reach areas.
4. Most Trusted Brand (Annual Supply): Affresh Disposal Cleaner (12-Pack) – For those who trust the brand and want a year-long solution.
5. Best for Trial Use: Glisten Disposer Cleaner Packets – A small pack perfect for testing its effectiveness.

How I Picked and Tested These Garbage Disposal Cleaners

My goal was to find a reliable solution that went beyond pleasant scents to deliver a true, deep clean. I started by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated disposal cleaners before selecting the top contenders for hands-on testing. Over a 3-week period, my evaluation was guided by a set of strict criteria to ensure I could recommend only the most effective and safe products.

Here are the key evaluation criteria I used for my tests:

1. Odor Elimination: My primary test. I assessed how quickly and effectively each product neutralized foul smells from common food buildups like coffee grounds, vegetable scraps, and grease. I noted not just the immediate effect but how long the freshness lasted.
2. Cleaning Action: I closely observed the power of the foaming action. I looked for cleaners that produced a thick, powerful foam capable of reaching the entire grind chamber, the blades, and, most importantly, the underside of the splash guard where gunk loves to hide.
3. Ease of Use: A good maintenance product should be simple. I rated each cleaner on how easy it was to use. A quick, drop-in tablet or packet that requires minimal steps scored the highest.
4. Scent: The scent left behind is important. I favored products that produced a natural, fresh citrus scent over those with an overpowering or artificial chemical smell. The goal is a clean smell, not a perfumed one.
5. Safety & Ingredients: This was a non-negotiable factor. I prioritized products that are explicitly labeled as safe for all disposal types, plumbing, and septic systems. I gave extra points to cleaners with certifications like EPA Safer Choice.
6. Value: I calculated the cost per cleaning for each product. This involved comparing the total price to the number of tablets or packets in the package to determine the best long-term value for routine maintenance.

5 Best Cleaner for Garbage Disposal Reviews in 2026

Here are my in-depth reviews of the five garbage disposal cleaners that made the final cut. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience with each one to help you find the perfect fit.

Best Overall: Affresh Disposal Cleaner (9-Pack) Review

The Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner easily earns my top spot as the Best Overall pick. It offers the perfect balance of powerful cleaning performance, a trusted brand name backed by appliance giants like Whirlpool, and the peace of mind that comes with an EPA Safer Choice certification. It’s a proven garbage disposal cleaner that you can rely on for monthly maintenance to keep odors at bay.

During my testing, the foaming action was robust, effectively scrubbing away grime and leaving a pleasant, but not overpowering, fresh citrus scent. For anyone looking for a no-fuss, highly effective, and safe cleaning solution, Affresh is the clear winner.

Specification:
* Product Form: Tablet
* Pack Size: 9 Tablets (3 packs of 3)
* Scent: Fresh Citrus
* Key Action: Foaming Cleaner
* Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Certified
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Trusted by Experts: Being the #1 recommended brand by Whirlpool and KitchenAid provides an exceptional level of confidence. You know it’s designed to be safe and effective for major appliance brands.
* ✅ Powerful Foaming Action: In my tests, the foam expanded quickly to fill the disposal chamber. It effectively powers away grime and the odor-causing bacteria hiding in hard-to-reach spots.
* ✅ EPA Safer Choice Certified: This is a huge benefit. I appreciate that its ingredients are certified safer for people, pets, and the environment, which is a major plus for any eco-conscious household.
* ✅ Pleasant and Lasting Citrus Scent: It leaves behind a clean, refreshing citrus smell that smells genuinely fresh, not chemical. I found the scent lasted for 2-3 days after a single use.
* ✅ Extremely Easy to Use: The process is foolproof. Run hot water, drop in a tablet, and run the disposal for 15-30 seconds. It’s a simple task you can do in under a minute.
* ✅ Visibly Cleans Splash Guard: The foam is powerful enough to push up through the splash guard, scrubbing away some of the visible residue that often collects on the underside.
* ✅ Septic-Safe Formula: The packaging and certification confirm it’s completely safe for homes with septic systems, as it doesn’t use harsh chemicals that would harm beneficial bacteria.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Smaller Pack Size: This 9-tablet pack provides a solid 9-month supply for monthly cleaning, but it’s less economical per tablet than buying a larger bulk option upfront.
* ❌ Foam Can Rise High: In my double-basin sink, the foam rose quite a bit into the non-disposal side. It’s not a problem, but something to be aware of. Workaround: Just keep the water running as instructed, and it will wash away cleanly.
* ❌ Tablet Can Occasionally Break: One of the tablets in my pack was slightly crumbled, though it didn’t affect performance at all. It’s a minor packaging issue.

Expert’s Experience
Cleaning Performance & Scent: I was very impressed with the performance of the Affresh tablets. After dealing with a lingering smell from some onion and garlic scraps, I used one tablet. The foaming action was vigorous, and within a minute, the foul odor was completely gone, replaced by a genuinely fresh citrus aroma that made my whole kitchen sink area feel cleaner. The scent was still faintly noticeable two days later.

Ingredients & Safety: The EPA Safer Choice certification is a major selling point for me. As someone with pets, I’m careful about the chemicals I use in my home. Knowing this product is powerful without relying on harsh, dangerous compounds like bleach gives me significant peace of mind. It’s a powerful cleaner that you can feel good about using.

Ease of Use & Application: It truly couldn’t be simpler. The instructions are clear: run hot water to warm the unit, reduce to a trickle, drop in a tablet, and turn on the disposal. The entire process takes less than a minute, which makes it incredibly easy to incorporate into a monthly cleaning routine. There’s no measuring, no mess, and no complicated steps.

Best Value for Bulk Supply: ACTIVE Disposer Cleaner Tablets Review

If you’re looking for the most economical way to keep your disposal clean for the long haul, the ACTIVE Disposer Cleaner Tablets are the undisputed champion. With a generous 24-tablet pack, you’re set for one to two years of cleaning, offering a cost-per-cleaning that is simply unbeatable.

While it may not have the big-name brand endorsements of Affresh, I found its performance to be surprisingly strong. The extra-large tablets produce a thick, powerful foam that does an excellent job of deodorizing and cleaning. For budget-conscious households that don’t want to skimp on power, this is an outstanding choice.

Specification:
* Product Form: XL Foaming Tablet
* Pack Size: 24 Tablets
* Scent: Orange-Lemon Citrus
* Key Action: Foaming Cleaner & Deodorizer
* Compatibility: Universal (InSinkErator, Moen, Waste King, etc.)
* Supply: Up to 12-24 months

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Value: With 24 tablets in a single pack, this provides a one to two-year supply, offering the best cost-per-cleaning of any product I tested by a wide margin.
* ✅ Powerful XL Tablets: The extra-large tablet size is noticeable. It produces a thick, dense foam that seems to completely fill the disposal chamber for a thorough, satisfying clean.
* ✅ Universal Compatibility: The manufacturer guarantees it works with all major garbage disposal brands, including InSinkErator, Moen, and Waste King, so you can buy with confidence.
* ✅ Simple, Natural Ingredients: The brand emphasizes using simple, natural ingredients to achieve its fresh scent and powerful cleaning action, which is great for those avoiding complex chemical formulas.
* ✅ Effective Deodorizer: It did a fantastic job of eliminating odors during my tests. The orange-lemon scent is pleasant and effectively cuts through greasy smells.
* ✅ “Set It and Forget It” Supply: Buying one pack means you don’t have to think about ordering disposal cleaner again for at least a year. It’s perfect for busy households.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lesser-Known Brand: Unlike Affresh, this isn’t a brand endorsed by major appliance manufacturers, which might be a minor concern for some users who prefer established names.
* ❌ Scent is Slightly Artificial: While pleasant, I found the orange-lemon scent to be a bit more “candy-like” and less natural than the scent from Affresh. This is highly subjective, however.
* ❌ No Environmental Certification: It lacks a third-party certification like the EPA Safer Choice logo, though it is marketed as septic-safe and using simple ingredients.

Expert’s Experience
Cleaning Performance & Deodorizing: I was genuinely impressed by the sheer volume of foam these XL tablets produced. It felt like it was doing some serious work inside the disposal. After grinding up some leftover broccoli, which can create a potent smell, I used an ACTIVE tablet. It completely neutralized the odor, and the fresh citrus scent lingered nicely for about a day. For a value-focused product, the performance is very strong.

Value & Supply: You simply can’t beat the value here. The cost per tablet is significantly lower than any other product on this list. Buying one pack and knowing I was set for at least a year of monthly cleanings felt very efficient. This “set it and forget it” aspect is a huge plus for anyone who prefers to buy in bulk and save money.

Ease of Use: The process is identical to other leading tablets and just as foolproof. I ran hot water for a minute, dropped the tablet in, and ran the disposal. It’s a quick and simple maintenance task that anyone can do.

Best Foaming Action for Deep Cleaning: Glisten Foaming Cleaner (16-Pack) Review

For those who want visual confirmation that their disposal is getting a top-to-bottom scrub, the Glisten Foaming Cleaner is the absolute best choice. Its standout feature is an incredibly powerful and voluminous foaming action that’s more intense than any other product I tested. This isn’t just a deodorizer; it’s a deep-scrubbing cleaner that actively targets hidden sidewalls, blades, and the nasty underside of the splash guard.

The blue-tinted foam pushes up out of the drain, showing you that it’s reaching and cleaning every single surface. If you have a persistently smelly disposal or just want the satisfaction of the deepest possible clean, Glisten is the product for you.

Specification:
* Product Form: Packet with dissolvable inner pouch
* Pack Size: 16 Packets
* Scent: Lemon
* Key Action: Deep-Cleaning Foaming Action
* Key Feature: Bleach Alternative
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Intense Scrubbing Foam: The foam is the star of the show. It expands to fill the entire disposal and powerfully pushes up through the splash guard, scrubbing all surfaces and providing a visual cue that it’s working.
* ✅ Excellent at Cleaning the Splash Guard: This was the best product I tested for cleaning the notoriously grimy underside of the rubber splash guard. The blue foam makes it easy to see the gunk it dislodges.
* ✅ Bleach-Free Formula: It offers a powerful, disinfecting-level clean without using harsh bleach, making it a much safer alternative for your plumbing, disposal components, and septic system.
* ✅ Breaks Down Fats & Food: The formula is specifically designed to break up trapped food particles, grease, and oil, which are the primary sources of foul odors.
* ✅ Made in the USA: For those who prioritize buying American-made products, Glisten is proudly made in the USA.
* ✅ Very Fresh Lemon Scent: The lemon scent is bright, clean, and does a fantastic job of cutting through greasy smells, leaving the kitchen smelling fresh.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Packet Form is Slightly Messy: You have to put the whole paper packet in, which feels a little less “clean” than a hard, dry tablet, though the packet dissolves completely and harmlessly.
* ❌ Requires a Trickle of Water: The instructions specify using a slow trickle of water, which is a slightly more specific process than other products that just use hot water beforehand. It’s a minor difference but requires more attention.
* ❌ Blue Foam Can Stain: The blue foam can temporarily stain porous or unsealed grout if it splashes out. Workaround: Simply wipe up any splashes immediately with a damp cloth to prevent any staining.

Expert’s Experience
Foaming & Cleaning Power: The visual “show” from the Glisten foam is the most impressive on this list. I could literally see the blue cleaning foam pushing up through the flaps of the splash guard, which gave me a strong sense of confidence that it was cleaning everywhere. After it subsided, I lifted the splash guard and could see that it had visibly scrubbed away a significant amount of dark residue. It’s very effective at removing visible gunk.

Scent & Odor Control: The lemon scent is very fresh and potent in the best way. It effectively eliminated odors from my disposal rather than just covering them up. The freshness lasted for a solid 48 hours, making it one of the more long-lasting scents I tested.

Application Process: The process is slightly more involved than a drop-in tablet. You turn on a slow trickle of hot water, put the entire packet into the disposal, and then turn the unit on. It’s still very easy, but it does require paying a bit more attention for that minute to ensure the water flow is correct. The results, however, are well worth this tiny extra step.

Most Trusted Brand (Annual Supply): Affresh Disposal Cleaner (12-Pack) Review

For those who are loyal to the Affresh brand and want the convenience of a year-long supply, the Affresh Disposal Cleaner 12-Pack is the perfect choice. This package contains the exact same fantastic, expert-recommended formula as my “Best Overall” pick, just in a convenient 12-tablet box designed to last a full year with monthly use.

You get the unmatched peace of mind that comes with the #1 recommended brand, the safety of an EPA-certified formula, and the proven performance that consistently powers away odor-causing bacteria and grime. It’s the ideal choice for brand-loyal users who want to stock up and save a trip to the store.

Specification:
* Product Form: Tablet
* Pack Size: 12 Tablets
* Scent: Fresh Citrus
* Key Action: Foaming Cleaner
* Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Certified
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Annual Supply from a Top Brand: You get the reliability and confidence of the #1 recommended brand in a pack that lasts a full year. It’s the ultimate combination of trust and convenience.
* ✅ Proven, Consistent Performance: This product delivers the exact same powerful, grime-cutting, and odor-eliminating performance as the smaller pack. You know exactly what you’re getting.
* ✅ Certified Safe Formula: It’s EPA Safer Choice Certified and septic-safe, confirming its status as a responsible and highly effective cleaner you can use without worry.
* ✅ Excellent Odor Elimination: The formula is scientifically formulated to power away the odor-causing bacteria deep within the disposal, ensuring it eliminates smells at their source.
* ✅ Convenient Bulk Purchase: Buying the 12-pack is more convenient and often more cost-effective than purchasing smaller 3-packs throughout the year.
* ✅ Clean, Mess-Free Tablets: The hard-pressed tablets are easy to handle and create no mess, making the cleaning process quick and tidy.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Higher Price Per Tablet: Compared to generic bulk options like ACTIVE, you are paying a small premium for the Affresh brand name and its third-party certifications.
* ❌ Simple Tablet Form: While highly effective, it doesn’t provide the intense visual “scrubbing” show of the Glisten foam packets, which some users might find more satisfying.
* ❌ Basic Packaging: The box is functional but very simple. It’s not a major issue but lacks the robust feel of some other products.

Expert’s Experience
Performance & Reliability: This product performs identically to my “Best Overall” pick, which is a great thing. The Affresh 12-pack is reliable, effective, and consistently leaves the disposal smelling fresh and looking cleaner. There are no surprises here, which is precisely what you want from a trusted brand for routine maintenance. It just works, every single time.

Value & Convenience: While not the absolute cheapest per tablet on the market, the value comes from the powerful combination of performance, safety certifications, and brand trust. The convenience of buying a full year’s supply in one go is a significant benefit for anyone with a busy schedule.

Scent & Freshness: The fresh citrus scent is a consistent winner across the Affresh line. It’s a clean and natural-smelling fragrance that effectively neutralizes bad odors from the drain and leaves the whole sink area smelling noticeably fresher for several days after use.

Best for Trial Use: Glisten Disposer Cleaner Packets Review

If you’re new to the world of disposal cleaners or skeptical about whether they really work, this small 4-pack of Glisten Disposer Cleaner Packets is the ideal entry point. It’s an affordable, low-commitment way to experience the brand’s powerful foaming action without having to purchase a large package.

This pack provides enough cleaner for a month of weekly cleanings, which is perfect for tackling a particularly stubborn odor problem or simply for testing its effectiveness. You get the full power of Glisten’s deep-scrubbing foam in a budget-friendly trial size.

Specification:
* Product Form: Packet with dissolvable inner pouch
* Pack Size: 4 Packets
* Scent: Lemon
* Key Action: Foaming Action
* Recommended Use: Weekly
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect Trial Size: The 4-packet count is ideal for trying out the product for a month. You can see if you like the performance and scent before committing to a larger box.
* ✅ Full-Strength Cleaning Action: Even in this small pack, you get the same powerful, deep-scrubbing foam that Glisten is famous for. It effectively cleans the blades, chamber, and splash guard.
* ✅ Budget-Friendly Entry Point: It’s a very affordable way to test a high-quality, specialized cleaner and see the results for yourself. It’s a minimal investment for a potentially huge improvement.
* ✅ Quickly Freshens a Smelly Disposer: It’s highly effective at quickly tackling existing bad smells. Using it weekly for a month can “reset” a neglected disposal and get it back to a fresh state.
* ✅ Great for Occasional Deep Cleans: Even if you use another product monthly, keeping a small pack of Glisten on hand for a quarterly deep clean is a great strategy.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Poor Long-Term Value: The cost-per-packet is significantly higher than buying the larger 16-packet Glisten box. This is strictly a trial or occasional-use product.
* ❌ Packaging Waste: Buying multiple small boxes over time creates more cardboard waste than a single bulk container. If you like the product, it’s better to upgrade to the larger size.
* ❌ Same Minor Application Hassles: Like its larger counterpart, it uses the dissolvable packet and requires a trickle of water, which is slightly more fussy than a tablet.

Expert’s Experience
Performance in a Small Package: This pack delivers the exact same deep-cleaning experience as the larger Glisten box. The blue foam is impressive, and it leaves the disposal visibly cleaner and smelling lemon-fresh. It’s an excellent demonstration of the product’s capabilities, proving its effectiveness in just one use.

Ideal Use Case: I see this as the perfect “try before you buy” option. If you’ve been using DIY methods like lemon peels and are skeptical that a commercial product is any better, this is the perfect, low-risk way to see the difference for yourself. After using these four packets, you’ll know for sure if you want to upgrade to the more economical 16-pack of Glisten.

Weekly Maintenance: The recommendation for weekly use is great for those with heavy disposal usage or persistent odor problems. This small pack can act as a one-month “deep clean” treatment to get a smelly disposal back under control.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner Comparison Chart

This chart summarizes the key differences to help you quickly find the perfect match. While all my picks are effective, they excel in different areas, from pack size to cleaning action.

Feature	Affresh (9-Pack)	ACTIVE (24-Pack)	Glisten (16-Pack)	Affresh (12-Pack)	Glisten (4-Pack)
Category	Best Overall	Best Value	Best Foaming Action	Most Trusted Brand	Best for Trial Use
Form Factor	Tablet	XL Tablet	Packet	Tablet	Packet
Pack Size	9 Tablets	24 Tablets	16 Packets	12 Tablets	4 Packets
Scent	Citrus	Orange-Lemon	Lemon	Citrus	Lemon
Septic Safe	Yes (EPA Certified)	Yes	Yes	Yes (EPA Certified)	Yes
Best For	Overall performance & trust	Maximum value & supply	The deepest scrub	Brand loyalists	First-time users
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐

This comparison shows the clear trade-offs. The Affresh cleaners offer certified safety and brand trust, making them a worry-free choice. ACTIVE provides unbeatable value for bulk buyers who want to stock up. And Glisten delivers the most powerful visual cleaning foam for those who want to see their cleaner in action.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cleaner for Your Garbage Disposal

Choosing the right garbage disposal cleaner isn’t just about picking the one with the best smell. It’s about matching the product’s form, function, and safety features to your specific needs and household. Here’s what I recommend you consider:

• Form Factor: Tablets vs. Packets: Tablets, like those from Affresh and ACTIVE, are hard-pressed, dry, and completely mess-free. They are incredibly easy to handle. Packets, like those from Glisten, contain a powder in a dissolvable pouch that can create a more voluminous and colorful foam. I find tablets slightly more convenient, while packets can give a more satisfying visual clean.

• Cleaning Action: Foaming vs. Enzyme-Based: All the products I reviewed use a powerful foaming action to physically scrub the disposal chamber. This is great for immediate results and removing existing gunk. Other products on the market use enzymes to chemically break down organic matter over time. Foaming cleaners offer a quick, deep clean, while enzyme cleaners are better for ongoing maintenance and preventing clogs further down in your pipes.

• Scent & Odor Elimination: A good cleaner should eliminate odors, not just mask them. Look for formulas that specifically target odor-causing bacteria. Citrus scents (lemon, orange) are popular because their natural acidity helps cut through grease and they leave a universally fresh smell. Choose a scent you enjoy, but prioritize one that smells clean and natural over one that is overly perfumed.

• Septic System Safety: This is non-negotiable if you have a septic system. Using harsh chemicals like bleach can kill the beneficial bacteria your system relies on to break down waste. Always choose products explicitly labeled “septic safe.” Third-party certifications, like the EPA’s Safer Choice logo found on Affresh products, provide an extra layer of confidence and are a strong signal of a safer formula.

• Pack Size & Value: Consider how often you’ll use the cleaner. For routine monthly maintenance, a large pack like the 24-count ACTIVE tablets offers the best long-term value. If you have a particularly smelly disposal or use it very heavily, you might want to clean it weekly, making a mid-size pack like the 16-count Glisten a good balance. For first-timers, a small trial pack like the 4-count Glisten is always the smartest start.

• Compatibility: While most modern cleaners are designed to be universal, it’s always wise to double-check that a product is compatible with your disposal brand (e.g., InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, GE). All the products on my list are universally compatible, so you don’t have to worry about this with my recommendations.

FAQs About Garbage Disposal Cleaners

What is the best cleaner for a garbage disposal?

The best cleaner depends on your specific needs. For the best combination of overall performance, safety, and brand trust, I recommend the Affresh Disposal Cleaner. It’s EPA Safer Choice certified and backed by major appliance manufacturers. If your top priority is value, the ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner Tablets offer an unbeatable cost-per-cleaning.

How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

For average household use, cleaning your garbage disposal once a month is sufficient to prevent odors and buildup. If you use your disposal heavily every day, cook with a lot of strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions, or notice smells returning quickly, you may want to clean it every one to two weeks for best results.

What causes garbage disposal odors?

Odors are typically caused by tiny particles of food that get trapped and decompose. This buildup occurs in the grinding chamber, on the blades, and especially under the rubber splash guard. As this food debris rots, it creates a breeding ground for smelly bacteria, which produces the foul odor you notice coming from your sink.

Are foaming cleaners better than other types?

Foaming cleaners are excellent for a deep, mechanical scrub of all the disposal’s internal surfaces. They are very effective for immediate cleaning and rapid odor removal. Other types, like enzyme-based cleaners, work more slowly by digesting organic waste but are great for maintaining clear pipes downstream from the disposal. For a quick refresh and clean, foaming cleaners are superior.

What is the safest garbage disposal cleaner for septic systems?

The safest options are those specifically labeled “septic safe” and, even better, those with third-party certifications like the EPA Safer Choice logo. Both the Affresh and Glisten products on this list are septic-safe. The Affresh cleaners have the added assurance of the EPA certification, making them my top choice for septic system owners.

Can I use bleach in my garbage disposal?

No, I strongly advise against ever using bleach in your garbage disposal. Bleach is highly corrosive and can damage the metal and plastic parts of your disposal and connecting pipes over time. Most importantly, it will kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank if you have one, which can lead to major and expensive system failures.

Are lemons good for cleaning garbage disposals?

Lemon or other citrus peels are great for temporarily freshening your disposal, but they don’t actually clean it. Grinding citrus peels releases oils that create a pleasant scent, masking bad odors for a short time. However, they don’t scrub away the gunk and bacteria that are causing the smell. Think of them as a good supplement, but not a replacement for, a proper cleaning product.

How do I clean the rubber splash guard on a garbage disposal?

The splash guard is a major source of odors and is best cleaned manually or with a powerful foaming cleaner. You can scrub the top and underside with a long-handled brush using hot, soapy water. For a less hands-on approach, the foam from a product like Glisten is specifically designed to expand up and scrub the underside for you.

What is the difference between a deodorizer and a cleaner?

A deodorizer (like grinding citrus peels) simply masks or covers up bad smells, while a true cleaner removes the source of the smell. The cleaners reviewed here contain surfactants and foaming agents that physically scrub away or chemically break down the food particles and bacteria. A cleaner solves the problem; a deodorizer just hides it temporarily.

How do I use disposal cleaning tablets effectively?

For the best results, first run hot water into your sink for about a minute to warm up the disposal unit and pipes. Then, reduce the water to a slow trickle. Drop the tablet directly into the disposal, and immediately turn the disposal on. Let it run until the grinding and foaming sounds stop (usually 15-30 seconds), then turn it off and flush with hot water for another few seconds.

My Final Verdict

After 3 weeks of testing, running smelly foods through my disposal, and comparing foaming action, scents, and safety, my final recommendation is clear. All five products on this list are effective, but two stand out as the best choices for most people.

For its unbeatable mix of trusted performance, brand backing from appliance experts, and the critical EPA Safer Choice certification, my top recommendation is the Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner. It’s the most reliable, effective, and worry-free solution you can buy.

• Perfect for you if… you value brand trust, want a certified-safe product for your family and plumbing, appreciate a natural citrus scent, and want a cleaner that simply works every time.
• Not ideal for… those on a strict budget who prioritize the absolute lowest cost per cleaning.

If your primary goal is getting the most cleanings for your dollar without a major drop in performance, you cannot go wrong with the bulk pack of ACTIVE Disposer Cleaner Tablets.

• Perfect for you if… you love buying in bulk, want a year or more of supply in one box, and are looking for the absolute best value on the market.
• Not ideal for… users who strongly prefer products with third-party environmental certifications or endorsements from appliance brands.

Ultimately, keeping your garbage disposal clean and fresh is a simple maintenance task. Choosing either the trusted and certified performance of Affresh or the outstanding value of ACTIVE will solve your odor problems and leave your kitchen sink smelling great.

Last update on 2026-02-14 at 17:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API