How to Get a Spoon Out of Your Garbage Disposal

We’ve all been there: That moment when you’re rinsing dishes and you hear the unmistakable clink of a spoon disappearing down the depths of the garbage disposal.

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But don’t worry, that spoon isn’t beyond rescue.

Can a Spoon in the Disposal Damage It?

The answer is yes: A spoon can damage your disposal unit. If it gets stuck in the mechanism, it prevents the blades from rotating. If you try to operate the disposal while it’s in this state, you risk burning out the motor or causing another type of mechanical failure, such as breaking the seals, which can cause leaks.

Also, the spoon can dull or break the blades, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it’s important you follow these step-by-step instructions for removing a spoon so you can clear the blockage without causing further damage.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Spoon Out of a Garbage Disposal

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight

• Pair of pliers (long-handled, preferably)

• Allen wrench (if that's appropriate for your type of disposal)

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

As with any other DIY job, your main priority should be your safety and those potentially affected by the job, so switch off the power to the garbage disposal. You should be able to unplug it under the sink or, if it’s hardwired, switch off the circuit breaker that powers the unit. Doing this prevents the unit from activating while you’re working on it.

Step 2: Confirm the Power Is Off

Don’t assume that just because you’ve disconnected the power source, the power is off. Double-check by flipping the switch to see if it comes on. If it doesn't, there’s no electricity source, so you’re safe to continue.

Step 3: Use a Flashlight

To locate the spoon, shine your flashlight into the garbage disposal. This makes it easier to see exactly what you’re dealing with without causing further damage.

Step 4: Remove the Spoon With Pliers

Grab your pliers and carefully reach into the garbage disposal to grab the spoon with them. Ideally, use long-handled pliers, as these will allow you to reach further into the unit without putting your hand inside. Grip the spoon firmly with the pliers, then gently wiggle it out, being careful not to damage the blades or the inner components while you’re doing so.

Step 5: Check for Additional Obstructions

Once you’ve removed the spoon, it’s a good opportunity to check if anything else is down there that shouldn’t be. Get your flashlight and take a look around. You might find other obstructions or debris that could be reducing your disposal’s effectiveness. Clear these out before moving onto the next step.

Step 6: Manually Rotate the Blades

At the bottom of most garbage disposals, you’ll find a manual crank or an Allen wrench slot. Using the appropriate tool for your garbage disposal, gently rotate the blades to make sure they’re moving freely. The reason for this step is to confirm that the spoon hasn’t caused any other issues.

Step 7: Restore Power and Test

Now that the spoon is removed and you’ve cleared away any other debris in the unit, it’s time to restore power. Plug it back in or flick the switch at the circuit breaker. Next, run the water and briefly activate the disposal to check it’s working as it should. If everything sounds normal, your job is done. If not, you might want to consider calling in a professional.

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Additional Tips: Avoiding Future Garbage Disposal Mishaps

Use a Sink Guard

A simple, inexpensive and effective way to stop utensils from finding their way into your garbage disposal is to get a sink guard or a disposal cover. They’re easy to install and provide an extra layer of protection.

Mindful Loading

Be mindful of what can happen when loading your sink, especially with utensils and other small items. As you may already know, it’s too easy to accidentally knock a spoon into the disposal when washing dishes.

Regular Maintenance

To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly, get into the habit of performing regular maintenance. Clean it with a mixture of ice and salt, or use a cleaning product developed for the task. Regular maintenance won’t only keep the unit operating effectively but can also extend its life span.

Educate Household Members

There’s no point in you learning everything we’ve gone through today only to find someone else in your house drops a spoon down the garbage disposal. Therefore, teach them what you now know so they can avoid the same mistakes in the future.

Dropped a spoon down your garbage disposal and don't know what to do? Now you know how to safely remove it and avoid further damage.