Make your garbage disposal even quieter with Sorbothane

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A garbage disposal is an electrically-powered device installed under a kitchen sink that helps grind up and dispose of food waste. It is also known as a waste disposal unit or garburator. When turned on, the device uses sharp blades or impellers to break down food scraps and other organic waste into small particles, which can then be safely sent down the drain and into the sewer system or septic tank. Garbage disposals can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and can also help prevent clogged drains and foul odors in the kitchen.

Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen can offer several benefits, including:

Reducing waste: A garbage disposal can help reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills. This waste can take up valuable space and produce harmful greenhouse gases as it decomposes.
Convenience: A garbage disposal can make cleaning up after meals quicker and easier by allowing you to dispose of food scraps right in the sink. This can save time and effort when washing dishes.
Reducing odors: Food waste left in the trash can produce unpleasant odors that can linger in your kitchen. A garbage disposal can help reduce these odors by disposing of food scraps quickly and efficiently.
Preventing clogs: Food scraps and other debris can cause drainpipes to clog over time, leading to slow-draining sinks and other plumbing issues. A garbage disposal can help prevent clogs by grinding up food scraps and sending them down the drain, reducing the amount of debris accumulating in the pipes.

Overall, a garbage disposal can be a convenient and environmentally friendly addition to your kitchen. Still, it’s important to use it properly and only dispose of food scraps that are safe for the unit to handle.

But garbage disposals are noisy. Even the highest-end units still have room for improvement. In this article, we'll show you how to quiet your disposal, plus share an extra tip at the end for an even quieter kitchen sink!

For this application, we will use a sheet of our Sorbothane anti-vibration film with 3M pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. This ultra-soft rubber film can be used in the same way that you would use acoustic mat in a car for soundproofing. In this way, we bond the Sorbothane to surfaces to deaden the resonance and absorb acoustic vibration. In the case of a garbage disposal, we'll apply one 40 Durometer 6x12" sheet of Sorbothane to the outer plastic/metal shell of the garbage disposal. You can use more, but one sheet should have a major impact on deadening the acoustic resonance.

For this application, I recommend using the 40 Durometer 1/8" thick Sorbothane 6" x 12" Sheet (With and With out 3M Adhesive Backing) (SKU 0206112-40). Here are the steps you can take to make your garbage disposal quieter using Sorbothane:

Turn off the power to your garbage disposal and unplug it from the electrical outlet for safety.
Clean the unit with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to ensure that the adhesive has a clean and dry surface to bond to.
Using sharp non-stick scissors, cut a piece of Sorbothane to fit the size of the large flat surfaces around the center of the disposal. Depending on the shape of your unit, you can cut strips, squares, or other shape to best fit the flat circumference of the unit.
Attach the Sorbothane to the flat surfaces around the disposal using the strong 3M adhesive side. Be sure to apply the adhesive evenly to avoid any gaps or air pockets.
Allow the adhesive 24 hours to rest to ensure a good and stable bond.
Turn the power back on to your garbage disposal and test it to ensure that it is working properly.

By using Sorbothane to dampen vibrations and reduce noise, you can make your garbage disposal operate more quietly and efficiently. However, it's important to follow all safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions when working with electrical appliances.

Bonus Tip: You can also use Sorbothane thin film sheets to deaden the resonance of your sink. Since your garbage disposal is attached to your sink, it can transfer vibrations to the sink where they are amplified into audible noise. Apply sections of 30 Durometer 1/4" Sorbothane Film with 3M adhesive to the bottoms and sides of your sink to reduce the resonance. This will also deaden the noise while you are doing the dishes!

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