Your garbage disposal plays a critical role in managing kitchen waste, making cleanup faster and easier. But with frequent use, it can take a beating. Over time, worn components, clogs, and buildup can affect its performance. The good news? A little awareness and regular maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your unit.
Understand What Shouldn’t Go Down the Drain
Not everything belongs in the disposal. While it’s designed to handle food scraps, certain items can damage the blades or lead to clogs. Be cautious and avoid putting the following down your disposal:
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Cooking oils or grease
- Fruit pits or seeds
- Bones
- Fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks)
These materials can either dull the blades, create clogs, or gum up the inner workings of the unit. Teaching everyone in your household what’s safe (and what’s not) can prevent avoidable damage and help keep things running as they should.
Easy Cleaning Tips for Better Performance
Like any other appliance in your home, your garbage disposal needs regular upkeep. With just a few simple steps, you can clean the unit and help maintain peak efficiency:
1. Hot Water Flush
Start by rinsing out any trapped debris. Plug the sink and fill it with hot, soapy water. Then unplug it and allow the water to drain through the system. This helps rinse the disposal and drainpipes.
2. Ice & Salt Scrub
Next, take a couple of handfuls of ice cubes and about a cup of coarse salt. Drop them into the drain, run cold water, and turn the disposal on. The grinding action helps clear out built-up gunk while also cleaning the blades.
3. Deep Clean with a Brush
For a deeper clean, use a long-handled scrub brush to carefully clean the inside of the disposal chamber. Be sure to turn off the power and never reach your hand inside the disposal.
Add these steps to your monthly maintenance routine and your disposal will stay cleaner, smell fresher, and operate more efficiently.
Schedule a Plumbing Checkup
If your garbage disposal is slow to drain, making unusual noises, or not turning on, it may be time for a professional inspection. At Birmingham Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide fast, honest service throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.
Our licensed technicians can repair or replace faulty disposals and inspect your plumbing to make sure everything is working as it should. Contact us today to schedule your service and keep your kitchen running smoothly all year long.
