Having a garbage disposal at your disposal, for lack of a better word, is a modern convenience like no other. Whenever you have food scraps or leftovers, you can use this nifty kitchen appliance to discard them without worry. This process is quick, effortless, and prevents countless plumbing disasters from rearing their ugly heads. However, this ease of use can make some people forget that this trusty appliance isn’t invincible. To ensure your garbage disposal lives a long and prosperous life, this blog will show you some garbage disposal dos and don’ts so your culinary companion can continue grinding to perfection.
Garbage Disposal Dos
There are many ways to use your garbage disposal the right way. Here are some garbage disposal dos:
Run Cold Water While Grinding
To give your garbage disposal some assistance while it’s grinding away, you should run some cold water over the food scraps. This refreshing flow of water will be like a much-needed cool breeze that gives your appliance a breather. Running cold water at the same time will also help solidify any grease or oils, preventing them from congealing in your pipes.
Cut Items into Small Pieces
Although it may seem like your garbage disposal is indestructible, it isn’t designed to chop up larger items. You’ll realize this when clogs occur. To prevent this, you should cut certain foods into small pieces before throwing them in.
Use Citrus for Freshness
Sometimes there can be a lingering stench around your kitchen after using the garbage disposal. To keep your kitchen smelling fresh, toss a few citrus peels down the disposal. This natural deodorizer will give your kitchen a burst of freshness while also cleaning the blades of your disposal.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is always a necessity, no matter what appliance is the topic of discussion. To give your garbage disposal the right care, let it grind a handful of ice cubes to sharpen the blades. Then, add a dash of baking soda to neutralize odors. By doing this regularly, it will keep your disposal in tip-top shape.
Dispose of Soft Items
You don’t only have to dispose of solid waste; you can also toss in soft, fibrous items. By disposing of items like banana peels and cooked vegetables, you will simultaneously be adding natural cleaners while cleaning the blades and pipes effortlessly, contributing to a healthier plumbing system.
Garbage Disposal Don’ts
To stop yourself from throwing dangerous foods into your garbage disposal, here are some garbage disposal don’ts
Avoid Hard Objects
You don’t want to feel confident that your garbage disposal will handle anything, only for a plumber to come over and fix your broken appliance. That is why you should avoid throwing hard objects into your disposal, whether it be a bone, fruit pits, or something entirely different. If you do, your blades will become damaged, or they won’t have the effectiveness you are used to.
No Fats, Oils, or Grease
A clogged garbage disposal will be in your future if you continue to pour fats, oils, or grease into it. Put your garbage disposal on a health-conscious diet and only give it non-fatty food waste. Otherwise, those oils will solidify and cause blockages.
Keep Stringy and Fibrous Foods Away
Although it may be tempting to hear the sound of celery crunching in your garbage disposal, it won’t end well. Stringy and fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins will create a tangled mess in your disposal, causing blockages and potential damage. Spare your disposal the frustration and toss these items in the compost or trash.
Coffee Grounds Beware
It may seem like a good idea to throw coffee grounds into your garbage disposal, but this isn’t exactly the case. These tiny particles can accumulate and form a dense sludge over time, leading to potential blockages. Dispose of them elsewhere to avoid a caffeine-fueled plumbing nightmare.
Minimal Starchy Foods
You don’t have to outright ban putting starchy foods into your garbage disposal, but we do suggest that you limit their presence. Foods like pasta or rice can expand in water and create a gluey mess. Lower the carb intake for your appliance and toss these items in the trash instead.
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Get Your Garbage Disposal Up And Running With ASAP Plumbing Experts
And there you have it. With these garbage disposal dos and don’ts, you will be able to keep your appliance in excellent condition. If your garbage disposal ever needs a quick repair, give ASAP Plumbing Experts a call. We have expert technicians that will ensure your appliance is back up and running in no time.