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What Are the Do’s and Don’ts of a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal is an essential kitchen tool that makes cleaning up after meals a breeze. However, it’s easy to forget that it’s not a catch-all for food scraps. 

Knowing what to put in and what to keep out of your garbage disposal can prevent clogs, damage, and unpleasant odors. Let’s go over the do’s and don’ts to keep your disposal running smoothly.

The Do’s Of Garbage Disposal

  1. Soft, Liquid Foods
    Foods that are soft or have a lot of moisture can go to your disposal. Items like fruits (without pits), vegetables (without skins), and even small portions of pasta or rice are safe, as long as they are chopped into smaller pieces.
  2. Ice Cubes
    Yes, you can safely drop a few ice cubes at your disposal! Ice helps clean the blades, removing any food residue that might stick to them. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your disposal fresh.
  3. Citrus Peels
    Throwing in a few citrus peels like lemon, lime, or orange can help keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh. The natural oils in the citrus peel work to clean and deodorize the disposal. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to avoid overloading the system.
  4. Cold Water
    Always run cold water when operating your garbage disposal and for at least 30 seconds after use. This helps food scraps move through the pipes easily and prevents greasy residue from sticking to the walls of your pipes.

The Don’ts Of Garbage Disposal

  1. Grease, Oil, or Fat
    Never pour grease, oil, or fat down your garbage disposal. These substances can solidify inside your pipes, leading to major blockages that can result in expensive repairs.
  2. Hard Items Like Bones or Shells
    Bones, eggshells, and seafood shells are too hard for the blades to handle and can cause the disposal to jam or break. Always dispose of these in the trash.
  3. Starchy Foods
    Starches, like pasta, rice, and bread, expand when wet. If these end up in your disposal, they can form a sticky paste that can clog your pipes. Always throw these items away in the trash instead.
  4. Fibrous Foods
    Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus have long strings that can tangle around the disposal blades. This can lead to a jam that requires professional help to fix.
  5. Non-Food Items
    It’s easy for small objects like utensils, plastic wraps, or napkins to slip into the disposal. Always check that only food scraps are going down the drain to avoid damaging your unit.
  6. Harsh Chemicals
    Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners to clean your garbage disposal. These chemicals can corrode the metal parts of the unit. Instead, opt for natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.

Need help with your garbage disposal or plumbing? Call SWAN Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, INC. for expert service and maintenance!