How to Use a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a convenient appliance that can help you keep your kitchen clean and free of food waste. However, it's essential to use it correctly to ensure its longevity and safety. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a garbage disposal, from proper operation to maintenance and cleaning tips.

Understanding Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are electric motors connected to a grinding chamber with blades. When you turn on the disposal, the blades spin rapidly, chopping up food waste into small particles that can then be safely flushed down the drain with running water.

What Can You Put in a Garbage Disposal?

While garbage disposals are designed to handle a variety of food scraps, it's crucial to avoid putting certain items down the drain. Here's a breakdown of what's safe and what's not:

Read Also: How to Make a Delicious Soup Stock

Safe to Dispose:
Fruit and vegetable peels
Coffee grounds
Eggshells
Meat scraps
Pasta
Rice
Bread crusts

Do Not Dispose:
Bones (chicken, fish, etc.)
Grease and oil
Large pieces of food (such as whole potatoes or onions)
Starchy foods (such as corn husks)
Fibrous foods (such as celery stalks or artichoke leaves)
Non-food items (such as plastic, metal, glass, or paper)
Chemicals (such as bleach, drain cleaners, or paint)

Remember, if you're unsure about whether a specific item is safe for your garbage disposal, it's always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the trash.

How to Use a Garbage Disposal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Run cold water: Before turning on the disposal, turn on the cold water tap to a steady stream. This provides lubrication for the blades and helps flush the ground-up food waste down the drain.
Turn on the disposal: Once the water is flowing, turn on the disposal unit. Most units have a switch on the wall or a button on the disposal itself.
Feed in the scraps: Gradually feed small pieces of food waste into the disposal opening. Don't overcrowd it, as this can cause the motor to overload.
Keep the water running: Continue running the cold water while the disposal is operating. This ensures that the food particles are efficiently flushed down the drain.
Run for a few seconds after the disposal is done: After the food waste has been ground up, keep the disposal running for a few more seconds to ensure all the particles are flushed away.
Turn off the disposal: Turn off the disposal and then turn off the water tap.

Garbage Disposal Safety Tips

It's essential to follow these safety precautions when using your garbage disposal to prevent injuries and damage:

Never put your hands into the disposal opening: This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries.
Always use the disposal with cold water: Hot water can melt grease, causing it to solidify in the drain and potentially clog the disposal.
Don't overload the disposal: Feeding too much food waste at once can strain the motor and lead to damage. Feed small pieces of food into the disposal one at a time.
Avoid running the disposal for extended periods: If the disposal runs for too long, the motor can overheat. Give it a break if you need to dispose of a large amount of food waste.
Don't use the disposal as a trash can: Only dispose of food waste in your garbage disposal. Don't put any other items, such as plastic, metal, glass, or paper, down the drain.
Keep children away from the disposal: Never allow children to operate the garbage disposal. It's a dangerous appliance that should only be used by adults.
Be mindful of the sound: If you hear any unusual noises, such as grinding, screeching, or rattling, stop the disposal immediately and unplug it. This could be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly. Here's how to clean and care for it:

Run ice and salt: Once a week, fill your disposal with ice cubes and salt. Run the disposal for a few seconds with cold water. The ice will help to clean and sharpen the blades, while the salt will help to deodorize the unit.
Use a disposal cleaner: You can purchase specialized disposal cleaners from hardware stores or online. These cleaners are designed to remove grease, grime, and odors. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Check for clogs: If the disposal starts to drain slowly, it could be clogged. Use a plumber's snake or a disposal cleaning tool to remove any obstructions.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals, such as drain cleaners or bleach, in your garbage disposal. These can damage the unit and create harmful fumes.
Inspect the rubber ring: The rubber ring around the disposal opening helps to prevent leaks. Check it regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Problems

Here are some common garbage disposal problems and solutions:

The disposal won't turn on: Check the power switch, the circuit breaker, and the outlet to make sure they're working properly. You may also need to check the motor's fuse.
The disposal runs but doesn't grind: There could be a blockage in the disposal, or the blades may be dull. Use a plumber's snake or disposal cleaning tool to remove the blockage. If the blades are dull, you may need to sharpen them or replace them.
The disposal makes a grinding noise: This could be a sign that the blades are dull, there's a blockage in the disposal, or there's something wrong with the motor. Check for blockages, and if the blades are dull, sharpen or replace them.
The disposal smells bad: This could be caused by food waste buildup or a clog. Clean the disposal using ice and salt or a disposal cleaner. You can also try pouring baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar to deodorize the unit.

If you're unable to resolve the issue yourself, contact a qualified plumber for assistance.

Conclusion: Using Your Garbage Disposal Like a Pro

By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can use your garbage disposal safely and effectively. Remember to avoid putting inappropriate items down the drain, clean your disposal regularly, and seek professional help if you encounter any problems. With proper care and maintenance, your garbage disposal will continue to serve you well for years to come.

FAQs

What happens if I put something I shouldn't in my garbage disposal?

Putting inappropriate items down the drain can damage your disposal, clog your drain, or even require a plumber to fix it. It's best to always err on the side of caution and only dispose of approved food waste in your disposal.

Why is my garbage disposal making a strange noise?

Strange noises from your disposal could indicate a few issues, such as a blockage, dull blades, or a problem with the motor. If you hear any unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling, stop the disposal immediately and unplug it. Seek professional help if you can't identify and fix the issue.

How often should I clean my garbage disposal?

It's a good practice to clean your disposal at least once a week. This helps to prevent buildup of food waste and maintain optimal performance. Using ice and salt or a disposal cleaner are both effective methods for cleaning your unit.

Can I use a disposal cleaner every day?

While a disposal cleaner can be helpful for removing grease and odors, it's not recommended to use it every day. Overuse can lead to damage and potential harm. Stick to a weekly cleaning routine with ice and salt, and only use a disposal cleaner occasionally as needed.

Should I use hot or cold water with my disposal?

Always use cold water with your disposal. Hot water can melt grease, causing it to solidify in the drain and potentially clog the disposal. Cold water helps to keep the grease solid and allows it to be easily flushed away.

What should I do if my garbage disposal is clogged?

If your disposal is clogged, try using a plumber's snake or a disposal cleaning tool to remove the obstruction. If that doesn't work, you may need to call a plumber to fix the clog.