Your garbage disposal is like a silent hero in your kitchen, efficiently tackling food scraps and keeping your sink clean. But to keep this workhorse running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns, you need to give it the TLC it deserves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore nine essential tips for maintaining your garbage disposal and extending its lifespan. Plus, we’ll highlight the do’s and don’ts to ensure you’re making the right choices.
Table of Contents
9 Tips in Garbage Disposal Care that You Can’t Ignore
DO run the garbage disposal every few days, even if you don’t have food scraps to grind. Running it with cold water prevents the blades from rusting due to lack of use and helps wash away any lingering residue.
DON’T send fibrous, starchy, or hard leftovers down the drain. Avoid foods like banana skins, broccoli, celery, corn husks, and potato peels, as well as bones and eggshells. Stick to ice cubes and softer foods, but always cut them into small pieces.
DO power down your garbage disposal before performing any repairs or maintenance. Unplug the unit or turn off the kitchen’s power at the circuit breaker to prevent accidents while working around the blades.
DON’T use your fingers to remove clogs. Protect yourself from the sharp blades by using pliers or tongs to extract any unprocessed scraps.
DO use the wrench that came with your garbage disposal to untangle any fibers wrapped around the blades. Simply turn the nut at the base of the unit, press the small red reset button, and flip the switch to restart.
DON’T use bleach or commercial drain cleaners to unclog your disposal. These harsh chemicals can splash back when the unit is turned on, posing a safety hazard.
DO ward off odors naturally by pouring warm water down the disposal while it grinds cut-up lemons. The citric acid in lemons has antibacterial properties, and the peels help scrub away residue.
DON’T pour hot water into a clogged disposal. Heat can melt fats, making unclogging more challenging.
DO clean your garbage disposal every two weeks. Fill it with ice cubes and rock salt, then run it for a minute to scrape away built-up residue. Follow up with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, scrubbing the flaps with an old toothbrush.
Call Dovis Plumbing at (954) 516-1078 for maintenance and professional cleaning.
Key Takeaways
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your garbage disposal remains a reliable kitchen companion, preventing clogs and costly repairs.
If your garbage disposal is slowing down, clogging, or making unusual noises, don’t wait for it to fail.
Call Dovis Plumbing at (954) 516-1078 today for expert repair and maintenance to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
