25 Sep Garbage Disposal Maintenance: Essential Do’s and Don’ts
Your garbage disposal might seem like the superhero of your kitchen, but even heroes need a little help to stay in top shape. A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your disposal working its best and avoiding those inconvenient clogs or funky
smells. Ready to be the hero your garbage disposal needs?
Do: Run Cold Water While Using the Disposal
Think of cold water as your garbage disposal’s sidekick. Always turn on cold water while the disposal is running. Cold water solidifies any fats and grease, making it easier for the blades to break them down. Let the water flow for a few seconds before and after to make sure everything washes away cleanly.
Don’t: Use Hot Water
Hot water might feel great on your hands, but it’s bad news for your disposal. It melts fats, which then solidify further down your pipes, creating clog nightmares. Stick with cold water—it’s a win-win for you and your disposal!
Do: Feed Waste Slowly and in Small Amounts
Your garbage disposal isn’t a magician—it can’t make giant food scraps disappear in one go! Feed it small amounts of food waste at a time and give it a chance to work its magic before adding more. Trust us, your disposal will thank you.
Don’t: Put Fibrous or Starchy Foods in the Disposal
If you’re tempted to throw things like celery, corn husks, or potato peels down the drain, stop right there! These guys are notorious for wrapping around the blades or expanding and causing clogs. It’s best to toss them in the compost or trash instead.
Do: Use Citrus Peels for a Fresh Smell
Want a natural way to freshen up your disposal? Toss in some lemon or orange peels! The citrus oils not only smell great, but they also help clean the blades and fight off lingering odors.
Don’t: Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are like kryptonite for your garbage disposal. They can corrode the parts inside and damage your pipes. Instead, opt for a natural solution like a baking soda and vinegar combo, or try running ice with dish soap through the disposal. And if you’re facing a serious blockage, call in the pros at Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating.
Do: Clean Your Disposal Regularly
Keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape by cleaning it regularly. One simple trick is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz, then rinse with cold water. This keeps things fresh and free of buildup.
Don’t: Ignore Strange Noises or Slow Draining
If your garbage disposal starts sounding like it’s auditioning for a horror movie or you notice slow draining, it’s time to act. These signs usually mean something’s off, and it’s best to get ahead of the problem before it turns into a bigger issue.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Doesn’t Have To Be A Struggle
Maintaining your garbage disposal is easy when you know the do’s and don’ts, but sometimes things happen that are out of your control. If your disposal is acting up or if you just want peace of mind, the team at Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC and Heating is here to help!
We’ll get your garbage disposal running like new in no time, whether it’s unclogging a stubborn jam, fixing strange noises, or performing a thorough maintenance check. Give us a call today and let our experts handle it—you’ve got better things to do than worry about kitchen clogs!