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The Dos and Don’ts of Garbage Disposal Maintenance

May 22, 2024 Under the sink Garbage Disposal

Food scraps, peels, bones, oils, and rice—keeping track of what is safe for your garbage disposal and what isn’t can indeed be a bit confusing. There are a lot of rules to remember when using this kitchen appliance. It is crucial, though, that you follow certain guidelines when it comes to your garbage disposal. Follow along as Hansons Plumbing & Heating discusses the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal maintenance.

Garbage Disposal Dos

When it comes to your garbage disposal, there are many important things to do to help keep it properly maintained and working efficiently. This appliance is a sanitary and convenient solution to dispose of food waste and effectively eliminate unwanted odors that would otherwise linger in your household. Below is a list of dos that you can follow to optimally maintain your garbage disposal:

Cold water: Always run cold water while you are using your garbage disposal. Cold water will help solidify fat or grease, which makes it easier to chop up and flush away. It also helps to keep the blades cool and prevent them from overheating.

Citrus peels: If you smell an unpleasant odor coming from your sink, it is more than likely your garbage disposal. Grabbing a piece of citrus fruit, citrus peels, or citrus juice and running it through the disposal will help take away those unwanted odors and freshen up your garbage disposal.

Cut food into small pieces: The food you are putting down your garbage disposal should be small in size. This will reduce the risk of jams and ensure smoother operation.

Grind ice cubes: Every now and then, grinding up a few ice cubes in the disposal will help to clean the blades and remove any buildup.

Clean on a regular basis: Cleaning your garbage disposal on a regular basis will help remove any odor or residue. An effective method for cleaning is to use a simple mixture of ice cubes and baking soda or vinegar.

Foods: Here are some foods that are fairly safe to go down the garbage disposal: fruit scraps, ice cubes, soft food leftovers, veggie scraps, dairy products, stale bread, and more.

Garbage Disposal Don’ts

Do this and do that, but what about the don’ts of maintaining your garbage disposal? Knowing the don’ts is just as important as learning the dos when using your disposal. You want your appliance to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. By avoiding certain practices, you can keep your garbage disposal in optimal health. Below, we have listed a few of the don’ts when it comes to using your disposal.

Hot water: Hot water can do more harm than good in your garbage disposal. It can melt any fat or grease still inside, which can lead to clogging and unpleasant odors.

Fibrous food: Because of their consistency, foods like celery, corn husks, and onions can lead to a clog or jam in your disposal. Avoid putting them in your garbage disposal at all costs.

Overloading: Giving your disposal too much food waste at once can cause it to jam and overload. Instead, try to gradually feed small amounts into the appliance to prevent straining its operation.

Avoid hard materials: Hard items such as fruit pits, bones, and other large chunks of food can potentially destroy your garbage disposal. They can cause jams, damage to the blades, and even put strain on the motor. This can lead to costly repairs or the need for replacement.

Foods: Here are a few foods that should never go in your garbage disposal: banana peels, pasta, rice, potatoes, cooking oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more.

Contact Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating

Adhering to the dos and don’ts of garbage disposal maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your appliance and cut down on any costly repairs. By following our guidelines, like running cold, not hot water, avoiding fibrous materials, and cleaning it regularly, you can keep your garbage disposal running in optimal condition. If your garbage disposal isn’t working or emits a terrible smell, it may indicate a problem. The experts at Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating can help diagnose and resolve any issues. If you’re having issues, contact us today to inspect or repair your garbage disposal!

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