Garbage disposals are a convenient and efficient way to dispose of food waste in your kitchen. They are installed under the sink and work by grinding up food scraps into small particles that can easily be flushed down the drain. This not only helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but it also helps to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Garbage disposals are a popular feature in many modern kitchens, and they can make meal clean-up a breeze. However, it’s important to use your garbage disposal properly in order to avoid damaging it or causing clogs in your plumbing.
Dos of Using Your Garbage Disposal
When using your garbage disposal, there are a few key dos to keep in mind. First and foremost, always run cold water while using the disposal. This helps to solidify any grease or oil that may be present in the food scraps, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up. It’s also important to use the disposal regularly, as this helps to prevent rust and corrosion from building up. Additionally, be sure to cut large food scraps into smaller pieces before putting them down the disposal, as this will help to prevent clogs and ensure that everything gets ground up properly. Finally, it’s a good idea to use a disposal cleaner or deodorizer on a regular basis to keep your disposal smelling fresh and clean.
Don’ts of Using Your Garbage Disposal
While there are several important dos when it comes to using your garbage disposal, there are also some key don’ts that you should be aware of. One of the most important don’ts is never putting non-food items down the disposal. This includes things like paper, plastic, metal, or glass, as these can damage the disposal and cause clogs in your plumbing. It’s also important to avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods down the disposal, as these can wrap around the blades and cause them to become dull or damaged. Additionally, it’s best to avoid putting large bones or pits down the disposal, as these can also damage the blades and cause clogs. Finally, never pour grease or oil down the disposal, as these can solidify and cause clogs in your plumbing.
Common Misconceptions About Garbage Disposals
There are several common misconceptions about garbage disposals that are important to address. One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that you can put any type of food waste down the disposal without any consequences. In reality, there are many foods that should be avoided, as they can damage the disposal or cause clogs in your plumbing. Another common misconception is that garbage disposals don’t need any maintenance. In fact, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your disposal in good working order and preventing clogs and damage. Finally, some people believe that garbage disposals are bad for the environment, when in fact they can help to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills.
Can You Really Put Egg Shells Down There?
One common question that many people have about garbage disposals is whether or not it’s okay to put egg shells down the disposal. The answer is yes, you can put egg shells down the disposal, but it’s important to do so carefully. Egg shells are actually beneficial for your disposal, as they can help to clean the blades and remove any built-up residue. However, it’s best to crush the egg shells into small pieces before putting them down the disposal, as this will help to prevent clogs and ensure that they get ground up properly. Additionally, be sure to run plenty of cold water while grinding up the egg shells, as this will help to flush them through the plumbing and prevent any potential clogs.
Other Items to Avoid Putting Down Your Garbage Disposal
In addition to egg shells, there are several other items that should be avoided when using your garbage disposal. One of the most important things to avoid is putting coffee grounds down the disposal, as these can build up and cause clogs in your plumbing. It’s also best to avoid putting pasta or rice down the disposal, as these can expand when they come into contact with water and cause clogs. Additionally, it’s important to avoid putting fruit pits or large bones down the disposal, as these can damage the blades and cause clogs in your plumbing. Finally, it’s best to avoid putting fibrous foods like celery or corn husks down the disposal, as these can wrap around the blades and cause them to become dull or damaged.
Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
In order to keep your garbage disposal in good working order, there are several key tips for maintenance that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to use your disposal regularly in order to prevent rust and corrosion from building up. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use a disposal cleaner or deodorizer on a regular basis to keep your disposal smelling fresh and clean. It’s also important to avoid putting non-food items down the disposal, as these can damage the blades and cause clogs in your plumbing. Finally, be sure to run plenty of cold water while using the disposal, as this helps to solidify any grease or oil that may be present in the food scraps and prevent clogs. By following these tips for maintenance, you can help to ensure that your garbage disposal remains in good working order for years to come.