How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly

The garbage disposal is one of the unsung heroes of modern kitchens. It efficiently grinds up food scraps, making clean-up easier and keeping food waste out of landfills. However, it’s often overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance, which can lead to unpleasant odors, clogs, or even costly repairs. Here’s a guide to keeping your garbage disposal in tip-top shape.

1. Know What Goes In (and What Doesn’t)

Your garbage disposal isn’t a magic machine that can handle anything you throw at it. To avoid damage, follow these guidelines:

Safe for Disposal:

Soft food scraps (e.g., vegetable peels, fruit rinds, small amounts of leftovers)
Ice cubes (help sharpen blades)
Citrus peels (help freshen odors)

Avoid Putting These Items In:

Grease, oil, or fat (can solidify and cause clogs)
Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or artichokes (can tangle in blades)
Hard items like bones, fruit pits, or shellfish shells (can dull or break blades)
Starchy foods like rice or pasta (expand with water and cause blockages)

2. Run It Properly

Using your garbage disposal correctly can extend its life and prevent clogs:

Use Cold Water: Always run cold water while the disposal is on. Cold water solidifies grease, making it easier to chop and flush away.

Let It Run: Allow the disposal to run for 20-30 seconds after the grinding sound stops. This ensures all debris is flushed out of the system.

Avoid Overloading: Feed food scraps gradually rather than dumping in large quantities.

3. Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning prevents odors and keeps the blades working efficiently:

Daily Maintenance: Rinse the disposal with cold water after each use.

Deep Clean Weekly:

Pour a mixture of half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the disposal.

Let it foam for 5-10 minutes.

Flush with boiling water.

Scrub the Rubber Splash Guard: Food particles often get stuck under the rubber flaps. Remove the splash guard (if possible) and clean it with a scrub brush and soapy water.

4. Sharpen and Deodorize

Keep your disposal’s blades sharp and smelling fresh:

Sharpening Blades: Drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal and run it for 10-15 seconds.

Deodorizing: Grind citrus peels or freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays, then grind the cubes.

5. Know When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, even with proper care, your garbage disposal might run into issues. If you notice persistent clogs, unusual noises, or leaks, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.

Final Thoughts

A little care and attention go a long way in keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly. By following these tips, you can extend its lifespan, avoid unpleasant odors, and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will continue to make your kitchen clean-up a breeze!