Garbage Disposal Do’s & Don’ts

Your garbage disposal makes cooking and cleaning up a lot easier. And while you may think your garbage disposal is an indestructible machine, the fact is that it is a delicate instrument that requires a little TLC. The better you take care of your garbage disposal, the more reliable the performance it will deliver. To that end, the following are some do’s and don’ts we recommend to keep your system in top condition.

Disposal Do’s

1. Use cold water. While hot water will break grease down, the bits left behind can clog the drain. Cold water will cause the grease to solidify, thus allowing the blades to chop them up and move them down the drain.
2. Allow the water to run for 10 to 15 seconds after you use the disposal. This will help flush any debris from the unit and will help it cool down.
3. Use your disposal regularly. Once a day is sufficient to help ensure that debris doesn’t build up within the unit. When you use it, be sure to cut up large food items to protect the system from overloading, which can cause the blades to grind to a halt.
4. Clean your disposal every week. You can do this quickly and easily by pouring baking soda and vinegar into the drain. This will loosen up grease and debris. Once loose, you can drop in some ice cubes, salt, and lemon peels. These will help scrub the interior of the unit and will leave it with a pleasant, lemony scent.

Disposal Don’ts

1. Don’t attempt to force the disposal to do more than it can. Your garbage disposal doesn’t have the power of a car compactor. Most garbage disposals have a one-half to three-fourths horsepower engine. While powerful, that’s not sufficient to crush bone or metal or slice through seeds and shells. If you do, you can break blades or cause irreparable damage to the unit.
2. Avoid running your disposal for too long. Ten to 15 seconds is usually sufficient for most items. At most, 30 seconds is all it should take to break food waste down thoroughly and flush it down the drain. However, if you run your unit too long, your disposal may overheat, and the motor can seize.
3. Don’t try to sharpen the blades. The blades are blunt for a reason, and if you sharpen them, you can diminish the performance of the disposal.
4. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaners. These chemicals can cause the internal mechanisms to break down, and regular use can lead to premature system failure.
5. Don’t stick your hands down the garbage disposal. If your system jams or clogs, use a plastic or wooden tool to try and gently dislodge debris. If you’re unable to clear the clog, hire a professional plumber to remove it for you and perform any necessary garbage disposal repairs.

Do you have more questions about the do’s and don’ts of using your garbage disposal? Contact the team at Penguin Air online or call (480) 550-9943. We are happy to give you the answers you need to get the most out of the garbage disposal in your Phoenix, AZ, home!