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How to Clean the Disposer on a GE Dishwasher

Kaye Wagner

Top-of-the-line dishwashers come equipped with disposers that grind up large food particles so that they don't clog up the pipes. This makes it possible to put dishes directly into the dishwasher without rinsing them. GE makes dishwashers with Piranha hard food disposers. Occasionally, food may build up in the disposer and cause a smell. To avoid this, regularly clean the disposer.

  1. Turn the dishwasher off.

  2. Remove the cap from the air gap. The air gap is a valve that controls the pressure inside the dishwasher and dishwasher hoses to control the flow of water. If the air gap is working properly, the dishwasher disposal will push the food through the correct hoses. The air gap's location will differ from dishwasher to dishwasher depending on the installer's preferences. It is normally located on the back of the counter that is above the dishwasher and is often near the sink faucets.

  3. Unscrew the top of the air gap.

  4. Pull out any excess food with your fingers or with a pair of long-handled tweezers.

  5. Replace the top and the cap of the air gap.

  6. Run the garbage disposal to ensure that all of the food has been properly ground up. Your sink's garbage disposal is attached to your dishwasher's disposal and will be able to clear up any blockages.