How to Properly Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

As a homeowner, you most likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen cooking and preparing food. And, with preparing food comes dirty dishes and time spent at the sink washing things down the drain.

As a homeowner, you most likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen cooking and preparing food.  And, with preparing food comes dirty dishes and time spent at the sink washing things down the drain.  Over time, your garbage disposal will see a lot of wear and tear, especially if you tend to put a lot of food down your sink.  With frequent use, your garbage disposal may even begin to smell.  By properly maintaining your garbage disposal you can avoid nasty smells or, even worse, your garbage disposal breaking.  Regular maintenance of your garbage disposal will prevent problems from arising and help you avoid needing costly repairs or replacements.  Follow the tips below to properly maintain your garbage disposal and keep everything running smoothly.

• Put the Right Things Down Your Garbage Disposal

Fruit peelings, egg shells, and small pieces of food can and should be put down the garbage disposal.  Fruit peelings, specifically citrus fruits, will even give your garbage disposal a pleasant scent will helping to clean the blades.

• Avoid Putting The Wrong Things Down Your Disposal

Bones, glass, paper, fibrous vegetables and grease should never be put in your garbage disposal.  These items are too difficult to properly break down and often clog a garbage disposal.  Anything that is not biodegradable should not be put in your garbage disposal.  Grease will cool and solidify which will build up and cause clogs over time.

• Use Cold Water

While it may seem like a better idea to use hot water when rinsing food down the drain and washing dishes, when using your garbage disposal you should always use cold water.  Cold water will help any small amounts of grease solidify and be chopped up by the blades in yoru garbage disposal.

• Use Ice

Ice cubes are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your garbage disposal clean and running properly.  Grinding ice in your garbage disposal will not only help clean your disposal but will also help sharpen the blades in your disposal. To give your ice an extra cleaning boost, freeze white vinegar in ice cube trays (and label them so you do not accidentally use them in your water) and use the vinegar cubes to clean your disposal and also deodorize.

• Call a Handyman If Necessary

If a clog does happen with your garbage disposal, as it often does at one point or another, determine whether or not you think you can fix it.  You may be able to turn off the garbage disposal power underneath the sink and using a flashlight, peer into the garbage disposal to see if there is a visible clog.  Ensuring the garbage disposal is completely turned off and unplugged is the most important step.  Never reach your hand into a garbage disposal if possible.  Use pliers or another tool to attempt to remove the clog.  If you cannot see what the problem is or if there is a clog, it is likely time to call in the professionals.  Hire an experienced handyman who can properly repair your garbage disposal and get your sink back in proper running order in no time.