Garbage disposals are an essential part of any modern kitchen, but they are often neglected when it comes to maintenance. Neglecting your garbage disposal can lead to foul odors, clogs, and even damage to the disposal itself. In this article, we will provide you with useful tips to help you maintain your garbage disposal and avoid potential problems.
Use Cold Water When Running the Disposal
When using your garbage disposal, always use cold water. The cold water helps to solidify any grease or oils that may be in the disposal, making it easier to chop up and dispose of. Hot water, on the other hand, can liquefy grease and make it more likely to stick to the disposal blades, which can cause clogs.
Run the Garbage Disposal Regularly
To keep your garbage disposal in good working order, it’s important to run it regularly. Running the disposal every time you use the sink helps to prevent any buildup of food particles or debris, which can lead to clogs and foul odors.
Cut Large Food Items into Smaller Pieces
While garbage disposals are designed to handle most food waste, it’s a good idea to cut large food items into smaller pieces before placing them in the disposal. This helps to prevent clogs and keeps the disposal blades from becoming overloaded.
Don’t Put Non-Food Items in the Garbage Disposal
It’s important to remember that garbage disposals are designed to handle food waste only. Putting non-food items in the disposal can damage the blades and lead to clogs. Items such as plastic, metal, and glass should never be placed in the disposal.
Clean the Garbage Disposal Regularly
To keep your garbage disposal clean and odor-free, it’s important to clean it regularly. You can do this by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal, followed by boiling water. This helps to remove any buildup of food particles and debris.
Use Citrus Peels to Freshen the Disposal
If your garbage disposal is emitting foul odors, try using citrus peels to freshen it up. Simply place a few peels in the disposal and run it with cold water. The citric acid in the peels helps to break down any food particles and eliminate odors.
Make Use of Eggshell
Eggshells are often recommended as a safe and effective way to help sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. When ground up, the sharp edges of the eggshells can help to remove any buildup on the disposal blades, which can help the disposal to work more efficiently. Additionally, eggshells can help to break down any food particles that may be lingering in the disposal, which can help to prevent clogs and foul odors. However, it’s important to note that eggshells should be ground up in small pieces and not in large chunks, as larger pieces can damage the disposal blades.
Know When to Call a Professional
If you notice any unusual noises or vibrations coming from your garbage disposal, it’s important to stop using it and call a professional. Attempting to fix the disposal yourself can lead to further damage and potential injury.
In conclusion, maintaining your garbage disposal is crucial to ensure its longevity and efficient functioning. By following the tips we have provided in this article, you can keep your garbage disposal clean, odor-free, and free from clogs. Remember to always run cold water, cut large food items into smaller pieces, and clean the disposal regularly. Also, avoid putting non-food items, bones, and bleach down the disposal, and know when to call a professional for garbage disposal repair Mesa if you notice any unusual noises or vibrations.
With proper maintenance, your garbage disposal can serve you for many years and save you from the inconvenience of clogs, odors, and costly repairs. By incorporating these simple tips into your kitchen routine, you can keep your garbage disposal in top shape and avoid any potential problems.
