The rumbling sound of a garbage disposal working its magic is the unsung hero of a clean kitchen. But when it stops doing its job, things can get messy, quick. Can’t imagine a day without it? You’re not alone! That’s why it’s crucial to know a few handy-dandy tips to keep your disposal running smoothly and avoid a costly garbage disposal repair.
Here’s your ultimate guide to garbage disposal maintenance:
Use Cold Water
When using your garbage disposal, it’s important to use cold water. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oil that may have entered the disposal and makes it easier for the blades to break down food particles. Avoid using hot water as it can melt fats, clogging your pipes and causing foul odors.
Run Water Before and After Use
Before using your disposal, run cold water for a few seconds. This helps flush out any debris that may have accumulated in the disposal. After using your disposal, run cold water for at least 15 seconds to ensure all food particles are washed away.
Avoid Hard or Stringy Foods
Hard foods such as bones, fruit pits, and seeds can damage the blades of your garbage disposal. Similarly, stringy foods like celery, asparagus, and corn husks can get tangled in the blades and cause clogs. It’s best to avoid putting these types of items into your disposal.
Use Dish Soap
Regularly pouring dish soap down your garbage disposal can help keep it clean and odor-free. Squirt a small amount of soap into the disposal while running cold water. The soap will help break down any grease or food particles, keeping your disposal smelling fresh.
What to Do If Your Garbage Disposal Stops Working
If you find yourself with a broken garbage disposal, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:
- Use the Reset Button: Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the unit’s bottom. Pressing this button often fixes any minor issues causing your disposal to malfunction.
- Try the Hex Key: Many garbage disposals have a hex key that allows you to manually turn the blades if they get jammed. Insert the hex key into the bottom of the disposal and turn it back and forth a few times to loosen any debris.
By following these maintenance tips and knowing what steps to take if your garbage disposal stops working, you can keep this essential appliance running smoothly for years. And if you do encounter a problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Items To Refrain From Disposing In Your Garbage Disposal
Food scraps can be conveniently disposed of with a garbage disposal, but not everything fits down there. Keep the following things away from your garbage disposal to avoid damage, clogs, and other problems:
Grease and Oil:
When you pour grease and oil down your garbage disposal, they may appear liquid at first but can solidify in your pipes over time. This can lead to clogs and blockages, potentially causing plumbing issues. It’s best to let grease and oil cool and then dispose of them in the trash. Alternatively, you can collect and recycle used cooking oil.
Bones:
Garbage disposals are equipped with blades that are designed to handle softer organic materials. Hard bones from meat or poultry can be too tough and abrasive, potentially dulling or damaging the blades. It’s advisable to dispose of bones in the trash or use them for making broth or stock.
Fruit Pits and Seeds:
The hard pits and seeds found in fruits like peaches, cherries, and avocados can be problematic for garbage disposals. They can damage the blades, leading to reduced efficiency or even malfunction. To avoid such issues, it’s better to throw fruit pits and seeds in the trash.
Fibrous Vegetables:
Vegetables with fibrous textures, such as celery, artichokes, and corn husks, can get tangled around the disposal’s blades. This can hinder the blades’ rotation and affect the appliance’s performance. To prevent this, it’s recommended to cut these vegetables into smaller pieces or compost them.
Starchy Foods:
Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels have the tendency to swell and absorb water, forming a thick, gluey paste. This can easily clog your drain and create blockages. It’s better to dispose of starchy foods in your trash can to avoid these issues.
Coffee Grounds:
Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but when they accumulate in your plumbing, they can form a sludgy residue. This can lead to slow drainage and potential clogs. Instead of rinsing them down the disposal, consider disposing of coffee grounds in your trash or using them as a beneficial addition to your compost pile or garden soil.
