A garbage disposal is a useful kitchen tool that grinds up food scraps into little pieces that fit through your plumbing system with ease. But not everything is safe to put in a garbage disposal, and using one incorrectly can cause damage, jams, and blockages. To help you get the most out of this useful device, we’ll go over what may be put in a garbage disposal safely, important maintenance advice, and frequently asked questions in this in-depth guide.
Table of Contents
Understanding Garbage Disposal Basics
Let’s go over some general rules for correct use and upkeep before getting into what products are safe for your garbage disposal:
How Garbage Disposals Work
- Grinding Mechanism: Food waste is chopped into tiny bits by impellers or sharp blades in garbage disposals.
- Water Flow: When utilizing a garbage disposal, running water helps flush waste down the drain and avoids obstructions.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Bones, fruit pits, and other hard materials are not intended for disposal in garbage disposals.
Safe Items for Garbage Disposal
Let’s now examine a thorough list of things you can put in your garbage disposal without risk:
Food Waste
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: It is fine to dispose of things like cucumbers, lettuce, and citrus peels.
- Cooked Pasta and Rice: Cooked rice or pasta in small amounts can be disposed of securely.
- Eggshells: Eggshell powder can be used to clean and recondition disposal blades.
Liquids
- Cold Water: When utilizing a garbage disposal, always run cold water to help flush and solidify food waste.
- Liquid Soap: A few drops of liquid dish soap added aids in the breakdown of food residue and oil.
Ice Cubes
The disposal’s blades can be sharpened and debris accumulation can be eliminated by periodically grinding a few ice cubes in it.
Items to Avoid
Even though a lot of different kinds of food waste can be processed by garbage disposals, several things should never be put in the disposal:
Hard Objects
- Bones: Meat or poultry bones shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage disposal since they can harm the blades.
- Fruit Pits: Pits from hard fruits, such avocados and peaches, should be thrown in the trash.
Fibrous Foods
- Corn Husks: Corn husk fibers are tough and can become tangled in the disposal blades, jamming them.
- Celery Stalks: Additionally, celery’s stringy fibers may tangle around the disposal device.
Grease and Oil
Grease, oil, or fat poured down the disposal can cause blockages and backups into the sewer system. Instead, throw these things in the trash.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I put coffee grounds in a garbage disposal? Yes, you can safely dispose of tiny amounts of coffee grounds to help freshen your drain.
How often should I clean my garbage disposal? Once a week, you should use a solution of vinegar, baking soda, and ice cubes to clean your garbage disposal.
What should I do if my garbage disposal gets jammed? Turn off the disposal first, then attempt to manually rotate the blades and remove any debris with an Allen wrench. Seek assistance from a licensed plumber if the jam continues.
Is it safe to put citrus peels in the garbage disposal? Yes, citrus peels can aid with odor removal and disposal freshening.
Can I use bleach to clean my garbage disposal? Steer clear of bleach and other strong chemicals since they might corrode the pipes and harm the disposal. Use vinegar and baking soda as natural cleaning agents.
How long does a garbage disposal typically last? A garbage disposal can endure up to ten years or more with the right upkeep.
Conclusion
You may minimize the danger of damage and clogs while ensuring safe and effective use of your garbage disposal by adhering to the instructions provided in this handbook. To ensure that your garbage disposal functions well for many years to come, bear in mind to dispose of only allowed things and to do routine maintenance.
