Garbage disposals are the unsung heroes of our kitchens, tirelessly tackling our food scraps year after year. But just like any part of your home, they need a little tender loving care to keep them running smoothly. Here are 7 essential maintenance tips to ensure your disposal keeps churning without a hitch.
1. Run it Daily
Turn on your garbage disposal regularly, even if you don’t have a large amount of waste to get rid of. Allowing it to sit idle for too long can cause rust and corrosion. A quick run with cold water keeps the parts moving and can prevent odors from developing.
2. Use Plenty of Cold Water
Always run cold water when you’re using your disposal. It helps solidify any fats or oils so that the grinder can chop them up more easily, and it prevents the mechanism from overheating. Hot water can cause grease to liquefy, sticking to the sides of the drain, which could lead to clogs.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Cleaners
Many chemical drain cleaners can be too harsh and can actually corrode the metal parts of your disposal. Instead, consider natural alternatives. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by warm water, is often a safe and effective way to keep things flowing.
4. Kill Bacteria Every 2 Weeks
Bacteria build-up can lead to unpleasant odors. To combat this, every couple of weeks, pour a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar down the disposal. After letting it fizz for a few minutes, rinse through with warm water to clean and sanitize.
5. Freshen with Chopped Citrus
The acidic juice from lemons, limes or oranges not only helps break down food particles but can also leave your disposal smelling fresh. Cut a citrus fruit into quarters and run them through the disposal one at a time, along with cold water, for a quick deodorizer and cleaner.
6. Clean and Sharpen Blades with Ice Cubes
Ice can help keep the blades clean and sharpened. Drop a few ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on. As they’re chopped up, the ice helps remove debris from the blades, and the cold water helps to solidify grease for better efficiency.
7. Avoid Blade-Damaging Foods
Not everything should go down the disposal. Foods like banana peels, celery, eggshells, bones, coffee grounds, potato peels, corn husks, and fats can damage the blades or create clogs. When in doubt, throw it out in your regular trash or consider composting as an eco-friendly alternative.
Taking the time to maintain your garbage disposal can save you from unnecessary repairs down the road and ensure it runs efficiently for years to come. If you do end up having an issue with your garbage disposal, Carolina Cool’s expert plumbers can help! We have 24/7 service and expert plumbers on staff to help with any plumbing conundrum.
