How to Get a Spoon Out of a Garbage Disposal (Safely & Easily)
Accidentally dropping a spoon into your garbage disposal is one of the most common kitchen mishaps. The good news? It’s usually simple to fix. The bad news? Trying to remove it the wrong way can seriously damage your disposal or even injure you.
This guide will walk you through how to get a spoon out of a garbage disposal safely, step-by-step. Whether the spoon is stuck, rattling, or wedged between the blades, you can fix it quickly if you follow the right process.
Why You Should Never Run the Disposal With a Spoon Inside
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the risks of running the disposal with a spoon stuck inside:
- You can damage the disposal blades or bend the impeller arm.
- You can burn out the motor if it jams or hums too long.
- You can crack the disposal chamber in severe cases.
- You could injure yourself if you reach in while it’s powered.
Don’t panic — as long as you turn the power off first and follow the steps below, you’ll be fine.
Step 1: Turn the Power Off Completely
This is absolutely the most important step.
- Turn off the wall switch.
- Unplug the garbage disposal under the sink (most units have a plug).
- If you can’t find the plug, turn off the breaker that powers the disposal.
Do not reach into the disposal until it has been fully disconnected from power.
Step 2: Shine a Flashlight Into the Disposal
You need to see where the spoon is stuck before trying to remove it. Use a bright flashlight to locate:
- Whether the spoon is lying flat at the bottom
- If it’s jammed between the blades and the wall
- If it’s wedged sideways
- If it’s dented or bent
The angle tells you exactly what tool you’ll need next.
Step 3: Use Tongs or Pliers — Never Your Hand
Even with the power off, you should never put your hand inside a garbage disposal. The grinding chamber has sharp edges that can cut you badly.
Instead, use:
- Long kitchen tongs
- Needle-nose pliers
- Locking pliers (ideal for a wedged spoon)
Gently grip the spoon and pull upward. If it lifts freely, great — you’re done. If it won’t budge, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Wiggle the Spoon Free
If the spoon is trapped between the impeller blades, it may need to be repositioned before removal:
- Rotate the spoon gently using your pliers or tongs.
- Try to angle it so the narrow end lifts out first.
- Lift slowly to avoid scratching the disposal chamber.
Still stuck? No problem — most spoons get lodged because the disposal’s internal plate is locked. That means we need to rotate it manually.
Step 5: Use the Allen Wrench to Loosen the Disposal’s Flywheel
Most garbage disposals come with a small hex (Allen) wrench. If you don’t have the original, any standard 1/4-inch Allen wrench usually works.
Under the disposal, find the small hex-shaped hole in the center. This is the flywheel reset port.
- Insert the wrench.
- Turn it back and forth firmly.
- This will free the jam and rotate the internal plate.
Once the flywheel loosens, the spoon will often fall into a position where pliers can easily grab it.
Step 6: Try the Wooden Spoon Trick (If Still Stuck)
If you don’t have pliers or the spoon is wedged tightly, a wooden spoon can help.
- Insert the handle of a wooden spoon into the chamber.
- Use it as a gentle lever to push or rotate the stuck metal spoon.
- Never use anything metal — it can damage the disposal.
This method is especially effective for spoons that are wedged behind the impeller arm.
Step 7: Remove the Spoon Carefully
Once the spoon is loose, use pliers or tongs to remove it completely. Make sure nothing else is inside before restoring power.
After removal, rotate the internal plate again with the Allen wrench to ensure it spins freely.
Step 8: Restore Power and Test the Disposal
Reconnect everything:
- Plug the disposal back in.
- Flip the breaker back on (if you turned it off).
- Turn the wall switch on briefly.
If the disposal runs smoothly and without noise, you’re all set.
If it makes grinding sounds or vibrates heavily, turn it off immediately — the spoon may have bent an internal component.
What If the Spoon Damaged the Garbage Disposal?
Sometimes a spoon can cause:
- Bent impeller arms
- Damaged flywheel
- Humming motor from overload
- Dented grinding chamber
If the disposal still doesn’t work properly after the spoon is removed, you will likely need repair or replacement. Most modern units last 8–12 years.
How to Prevent This From Happening Again
The best way to avoid dropping silverware into the disposal is simple:
- Install a sink guard or upgraded splash guard.
- Never rinse dishes with silverware still on them.
- Keep large utensils on the counter instead of in the sink.
- Use a sink strainer when not actively grinding food.
These small habits prevent the most common kitchen disposal mishaps.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to get a spoon out of a garbage disposal safely is simple as long as you follow a few essential rules: turn the power off, use the right tools, and loosen the flywheel if necessary. In most cases, you can remove the spoon in just a few minutes without calling a plumber or damaging the appliance.
If your disposal continues to hum, vibrate, leak, or refuse to spin even after removing the spoon, you may need professional repair. But in most cases, the fix is quick, safe, and DIY-friendly.