Your garbage disposal is your kitchen’s workhorse. It quietly takes care of leftover food scraps, peels, and other organic waste, making your cleanup tasks simpler and your trash less smelly. But if not properly maintained or used, it can act up, leading to costly garbage disposal repair. Now, you don’t want that, do you? Here, you’ll find five easy tips to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and efficiently. Stick around, and you might pick up a trick or two that could save you a future headache!
Use Cold Water When Running The Disposal
While it may seem counterintuitive, using cold water when running your garbage disposal is a must. Cold water solidifies grease or oil accumulated in the disposal, making it easier to chop and push these substances down the drain. On the other hand, hot water liquefies grease and oils, causing them to coat pipes and clog up your disposal. So remember to always run cold water while using your garbage disposal.
Avoid Putting Non-Food Items Down The Disposal
Your garbage disposal is designed to handle leftover food scraps and peelings, not non-food items. So make sure to never put any plastic, paper, or metal objects down the disposal. These can damage the blades and cause a breakdown. Also, avoid dumping fibrous foods like celery or corn husks, as they can wrap around the blades and create clogs. Remember, when it comes to your garbage disposal, only food should go in!
Keep It Clean & Fresh
Like any other appliance, your garbage disposal needs regular cleaning and freshening. You can use a combination of ice cubes, salt, and lemon or orange peels to give it a deep clean. This will help remove any buildup on the blades while leaving a fresh scent. Another quick and easy way is to pour some dish soap down the disposal while running cold water. The soap’s foaming action helps dislodge any stuck food particles and keeps your disposal smelling nice.
Know When To Call A Professional For Garbage Disposal Repair
Despite your best efforts, your garbage disposal may still need repair at some point. Signs of a malfunctioning disposal include strange noises, leaks, and difficulty grinding food. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional for garbage disposal repair. Attempting to fix the problem yourself can lead to further damage or injury. A trained technician will also have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle the repairs safely and effectively.
Practice Disposal Etiquette
Last but not least, it’s essential to use your garbage disposal responsibly. This means avoiding dumping large amounts of food at once and gradually feeding it in small portions. It also means running cold water for a few seconds after turning off the disposal to flush out any remaining debris. And always remember, if something is too tough to grind, don’t force it or use your hands!
So there you have it: five easy tips to make your home garbage disposal more efficient and functional. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your disposal lasts longer and saves you from costly repairs. So go ahead and give your trusty kitchen workhorse some TLC today!
