Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen can make your life easier – and reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in your trash can or local landfill. But as with any type of household appliance, it is important to maintain your garbage disposal the right way.
Using your garbage disposal improperly or failing to care for it right could cause the appliance to break down before its time. Improper care of the garbage disposal could also cause a backup, filling your once-fragrant kitchen with some very unpleasant odors.
The Do’s and Don’t’s of Garbage Disposal Maintenance
If you want to keep your garbage disposal running properly and avoid unnecessary breakdowns, there are some things you need to do. Just as importantly, there are some things you should avoid doing. Here is a rundown of the do’s and don’ts of maintaining your household garbage disposal.
Things You Should Never Put In Your Garbage Disposal
It may seem like your garbage disposal can handle almost anything, but there are certain things you should never put in there. Placing any of these items in your garbage disposal could result in severe damage, or even destroy the appliance altogether.
You should never place cooking grease or oil down your garbage disposal. The appliance is simply not designed for that kind of waste. Rice and pasta should also be off-limits, since they can expand and cause clogs.
Vegetable peels and coffee grounds should also be kept out of your garbage disposal. Put vegetable peelings in your compost bin and use the coffee grounds in your garden. Bones and shells should also be kept out of your garbage disposal, since the mechanism may not be able to grind them up.
How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Great
Now you know what not to do, but there are things that are actually good for your garbage disposal. For starters, be sure to run the water each time you turn on the garbage disposal switch. The water will help the debris go down and allow the mechanism to run properly.
You can also protect your garbage disposal by using a cleaner made for the appliance. Regular use of a cleanser will reduce unpleasant odors and keep the appliance running the way it should.
Your garbage disposal has an important job to do, and how you care for it matters. Following the basic do’s and don’ts of garbage disposal maintenance can extend the life of your appliance and help you dispose of household waste the right way.
