Your Guide to Properly Using Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a convenient and essential kitchen appliance that helps manage food waste efficiently. However, improper use can lead to clogs, malfunctions, and unpleasant odors. To ensure your garbage disposal remains in top condition, follow these guidelines on what foods to dispose of, how to maintain it, and tips to prevent rusting.
What Foods to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
While your garbage disposal can handle many types of food waste, not everything should go down the drain. Here’s a guide to what’s safe and what to avoid:
Safe to Dispose:
- Soft Foods: Fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and small amounts of cooked meat.
- Liquids: Soups, sauces, and other liquid-based foods.
- Small Bones: Fish bones and small chicken bones can be ground up, but only in moderation.
Avoid Disposing:
- Fibrous Vegetables: Celery, asparagus, and corn husks can wrap around the blades.
- Starchy Foods: Pasta, rice, and potatoes can expand and cause blockages.
- Grease and Oil: These can solidify and clog your pipes.
- Coffee Grounds: They can accumulate in pipes and create a sludge.
- Large Bones: Beef, pork, and large poultry bones are too tough and can damage the disposal.
Running Water: The Key to Effective Use
Always run cold water while operating your garbage disposal and for a few seconds after turning it off. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils, allowing the disposal to chop them up before they reach your pipes. Running water also ensures that all food particles are flushed down, preventing buildup and odors.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain a fresh and efficient garbage disposal. Here are some cleaning tips:
Weekly Cleaning:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a half cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
- Citrus Peels: Grinding citrus peels (like lemon or orange) not only cleans but also deodorizes your disposal.
Monthly Deep Clean:
- Ice Cubes and Salt: Fill the disposal with ice cubes and a cup of rock salt. Run the disposal with cold water. The ice helps sharpen the blades, and the salt scrubs away residue.
- Dish Soap and Brush: Turn off the power, then use a brush and dish soap to scrub the rubber flaps and inside of the disposal.
Preventing Rust
Rust can damage your garbage disposal, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. To keep rust at bay:
- Drying Out: After use, run the disposal with cold water for a minute, then let it dry with the cover off.
- Regular Use: Use your garbage disposal regularly to prevent rust from forming on idle blades.
- Citrus Peels: As mentioned earlier, the natural oils in citrus peels help prevent rust.
Keeping Your Garbage Disposal Happy and Healthy
Ready to keep your kitchen running smoothly and odor-free? Follow our handy tips to ensure your garbage disposal stays in tip-top shape. But if you run into any trouble, don’t stress! Call Charlotte Plumbing
to handle the mess so you don’t have to.
Contact us today for top-notch plumbing services that will leave your kitchen (and your garbage disposal) in perfect working order.
