Is your garbage disposal clogged, making weird noises or smelling slightly off? If so, you are not alone. These modern conveniences have become indispensable fixtures in many busy kitchens, but they need attention to function efficiently and last longer. Neglecting your garbage disposal or using it incorrectly can lead to blockages and costly repairs. Fortunately, most garbage disposal problems can be avoided with a bit of know-how and regular cleaning.
Let’s review some garbage disposal best practices before exploring ways to keep your garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh.
Garbage disposals have become standard kitchen appliances, making the cleanup process easier and faster.
However, many people don’t know how to care for and operate garbage disposals efficiently. The following seven tips will help you optimize your disposal’s performance and ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Although it is okay to scrape most leftover foods into your garbage disposal, some should go directly into the trashcan or compost bin. Here are some foods you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal to keep it running smoothly:
Household chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner are too strong for garbage disposals. While pouring them in may seem like a quick cleaning solution, most are highly corrosive and can damage the blades and pipes over time.
When you have finished your usual garbage disposal cleaning routine, place a few lemon or lime halves in the disposal and run it. This will not only help to clean the disposal but will also give it a fresh, citrusy scent.
If your garbage disposal becomes clogged, don’t reach for the hot water knob. Hot water makes blockages worse by causing the clogged food to form a paste that is difficult to remove. Always opt for cold water unless you’re cleaning your system.
If your garbage disposal starts running slowly, it’s likely that the blades are dull or that there is some kind of electrical issue. An HB Home Service Team professional can sharpen the blades and ensure that every part of the disposal runs smoothly. If your disposal unit is more than a few years old, it probably needs this maintenance service.
Garbage disposals have reset buttons for a reason, and it may not be abnormal to have to flip the breaker to get your disposal to work occasionally, but these instances should be exceptions and not the rule. If you have to reset and flip the breaker switch all the time, then your disposal may not be wired correctly, or it may just be too old to work efficiently. Contact a friendly HB Home Service Team plumber to discuss replacement.
Always turn on cold water before you turn on the disposal and begin putting items down the drain. Additionally, you should keep the water running for a few minutes after you turn the disposal off to rinse out any excess food waste left in the disposal.
Household items, including baking soda, salt, vinegar, and ice, are all you need to clean your garbage disposal effectively without causing any damage. Here are two ways to use these ingredients to keep the inside of this handy kitchen appliance clean and ready to mince up kitchen scraps.
To start, fill the drain with at least two cups of ice cubes. Pour a cup of rock or coarse salt over the ice. Run the cold water and turn on the disposal unit until the mixture disappears. The icy salt mix loosens grime from the blades and cleans the system.
The first step is to pour in half a cup of dry baking soda. Next, add a cup of white vinegar and let the resulting chemical reaction fizz away the grime inside your garbage disposal. When the mixture has worked through the system, pour hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining residue.
Yes, but only when you are cleaning it. Always use cold water for grinding waste, as it keeps fatty material solid so it moves through the system more efficiently. Hot water should only be used occasionally after cleaning when flushing the empty system. Be careful not to use boiling water as it can damage plastic components inside the unit or pipes if they are made from PVC.
Remove lingering odors from your garbage disposal quickly and easily with the naturally powerful combination of baking soda and vinegar. For extra freshness, follow up with a few pieces of citrus.
Lemons work wonders for freshening the inside of garbage disposals. Citric acid is a natural cleaning agent, and as the fruit breaks down, it releases a delightful lemony aroma. All types of citrus can be used, but remember to always run cold water while grinding any solid material to keep your garbage disposal in good condition.
Using these tips will prolong the life span of your disposal unit, although even the best-kept garbage disposals eventually need replacing. HB Home Service Team serves homes throughout Central Pennsylvania and Baltimore (Baltimore County, Carroll County and Howard County). Our 24/7 service is available to take care of any residential plumbing emergencies, and we also offer heating and cooling services such as installation, repair and maintenance.
If you have questions or concerns about your garbage disposal, contact HB Home Service Team. Schedule an appointment or call us today!
