The Dos and Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances that often goes unnoticed—until it stops working. When it’s functioning properly, it can make cleanup after meals a breeze. However, if you’re not careful, your disposal can quickly become clogged, damaged, or even broken. At Westside Appliance Repair, we want to help you keep your garbage disposal in top shape. Here’s a guide to the dos and don’ts of using your garbage disposal.

The Dos of Using Your Garbage Disposal

1. Run Cold Water While Using It

Always run cold water when using your garbage disposal. Cold water helps to solidify any grease or fats, making them easier to grind up and send down the drain. Hot water can cause grease to liquefy and coat the pipes, potentially leading to clogs. Cold water also helps to keep the motor in your disposal running smoothly.

2. Feed Small Amounts of Waste at a Time

Don’t overload your disposal. Feed small amounts of food scraps at a time and give the disposal a few seconds to grind each batch before adding more. Overloading can strain the motor and cause clogs or mechanical failure.

3. Use the Disposal Regularly

Use your garbage disposal regularly to keep the blades sharp and the components functioning properly. If you leave your disposal unused for long periods, food particles and waste can harden and create blockages. Running the disposal at least once a week with a little water and waste can help prevent this.

4. Clean Your Disposal Regularly

To keep things running smoothly, give your garbage disposal a good cleaning once a month. You can clean it by grinding up a handful of ice cubes and a small amount of rock salt. This helps to clear debris, sharpen the blades, and prevent buildup that can cause unpleasant odors.

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The Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal

1. Don’t Put Hard Items Down the Disposal

Avoid putting hard objects like bones, fruit pits, or even corn cobs into the disposal. These items can easily damage the disposal’s blades and motor, causing it to malfunction. Instead, toss them into your compost or trash.

2. Don’t Put Grease, Oil, or Fat in the Disposal

While it might seem convenient to dispose of cooking grease or oil through the garbage disposal, this is a major no-no. Grease can solidify in the pipes, leading to serious clogs over time. Always dispose of grease by letting it cool and then pouring it into a sealed container for disposal in the trash.

3. Don’t Put Fibrous or Stringy Foods in the Disposal

Fibrous foods like celery, asparagus, or onion skins are difficult for garbage disposals to process. These items can wrap around the blades, causing jams and reduced efficiency. Avoid these items and instead compost them or throw them in the trash.

4. Don’t Use Your Disposal as a Trash Can

Garbage disposals are not designed to handle all types of waste. Avoid putting items like coffee grounds, eggshells, or large quantities of food scraps down the drain. These can clog the disposal and lead to serious drainage issues.

5. Don’t Use Citrus Peels as a Natural Deodorizer

A common mistake our customers make is to grind up citrus peels in their disposal to leave it smelling fresh. We do not recommend this, because citrus leaves an oil that can cause bacteria to grow in your disposal.

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Final Thoughts

Taking care of your garbage disposal is key to keeping your kitchen running smoothly. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll prolong the life of your appliance and avoid costly repairs. However, if you ever find yourself dealing with a clogged, noisy, or malfunctioning disposal, don’t hesitate to reach out to Westside Appliance Repair. Our expert technicians are always here to help!