Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts

The garbage disposal, which enables us to get rid of waste quickly, simply, and without having to drag bags of rubbish to the curb each week, is one of the most practical technological achievements. However, the garbage disposal’s function isn’t to take the place of the trash can or recycling bin, and it’s simple to neglect garbage disposal maintenance, which may mean you need a replacement sooner than you anticipated.

Garbage Disposal Dos:

• Use cold water: Although it may seem counterproductive because hot water breaks down food more effectively, using cold water can damage your garbage disposal drain. Greasy things can break down and flow down the drain with the help of hot water, but those shattered pieces may coagulate and cause a clog farther down the line. Using cold water can help oily items solidify and go more readily down the garbage disposal drain as opposed to clinging to the pipe’s walls.
• Use it frequently: It can sound strange to be urged to use your waste disposal, but occasionally we could believe that using it sparingly will extend its lifespan. The exact opposite, though, is true. Without consistent use, the garbage disposal is susceptible to corrosion and rust, which may necessitate its replacement earlier than anticipated. Additionally, doing so keeps the disposal’s components moving and prevents waste from building up and clogging the mechanisms.
• Use your recycling and garbage bins as usual: The presence of a garbage disposal does not permit the removal of a trash can or recycling container. Despite being a useful appliance for any kitchen, a garbage disposal should never be used in place of a traditional trash can and recycling container. The amount of garbage in your recycling containers shouldn’t change, and your trash can is still the ideal location to put anything that isn’t food that can biodegrade.
• Keep it clean: A clean garbage disposal will continue to function effectively and will keep any unpleasant odors at bay in addition to helping to prevent blockages and clogs. In order to avoid trash building up inside the mechanics, it’s also necessary to keep it clean by emptying it or periodically running some diluted dish soap and water through it.
• Cut up large foods: Make sure the waste you throw into your garbage disposal is in little pieces to prevent clogging or blocking. Although a garbage disposal’s mechanisms are excellent at dissolving food, they are not intended to dissolve large pieces of food, so it is best to chop or tear up bigger pieces of food before placing them in the disposal.

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Garbage Disposal Don’ts

• Don’t try to sharpen the blades: Contrary to popular belief, a garbage disposal’s impellers are blunt, so there is no need to attempt to sharpen them with big chunks of ice or eggshells. These things might damage your garbage disposal, causing problems and unneeded repairs.
• Avoid using hot water: As previously noted, hot water might be able to dissolve any grease or fat that finds its way into your garbage disposal, but the grease and fat will harden as it travels further down the pipe, perhaps causing more trouble in the future.
• Don’t shut off the motor too quickly: Until all the food has been ground up, you should ideally leave both the motor and the cold water running. It is fine to switch off the motor once the grinding has stopped, but make sure the water is still running for at least 15 seconds. This will decrease the likelihood of buildup and clogs since the garbage disposal will be able to thoroughly break down all the food, and the running water will remove any leftover pieces.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals: Despite what it may seem like, pouring bleach in a garbage disposal is not a smart idea. Harsh chemicals have the potential to damage your garbage disposal’s internal workings, resulting in subpar performance.
• Don’t put too much at once down the disposal: Avoid pouring huge quantities of anything into the garbage disposal since, despite their capacity, they are designed to handle lesser amounts of food waste. If you have a lot of rubbish to get rid of, feed it into the garbage disposal gradually, ideally in smaller bits or pieces.

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Depending on the problem, there are three ways to empty your garbage disposal or unclog a jammed garbage disposal:

• Check for clogs and clear obstructions: If you believe your garbage disposal is clogged, there are several techniques to clear the blockage. Simply shut off the garbage disposal and remove the obstruction using pliers or kitchen tongs — never your hands alone.
• Clear the drainpipe: If there is an impediment in the drainpipe, a clog in the garbage disposal can result in a clogged sink. Plug the disposal, add some dish soap and water to the sink, and then empty the sink while using the disposal. Any recalcitrant waste particles that may have been attached to the pipe should be removed with the help of gravity and the water pressure.
• Use a plunger: To remove a really stubborn clog that is too deep to reach with tongs or pliers, try using a toilet plunger. After then, you have the option of pulling it out or letting it fall.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: One cup of baking soda should be run via the garbage disposal. It should be pushed through the aperture using a rubber spatula. Pour Pour a cup of vinegar down the garbage disposal.

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