Garbage disposals are a convenient and time-saving addition to any kitchen, allowing you to easily dispose of food waste with the flick of a switch. However, many homeowners overlook the importance of regular maintenance for their disposal, which can lead to costly repairs and unpleasant odors. Proper care extends the life of an in-sink disposal, helps prevent clogs, and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. Here are a few tips and tricks for garbage disposal maintenance. Following these steps, you can keep the appliance in good condition and enjoy hassle-free food waste disposal for years.

What Not to Do

Proper garbage disposal maintenance includes knowing what it cannot handle. Several items should never be put down the disposal, including fibrous foods such as celery and corn husks, grease and oils, and non-food items like glass, metal, and plastic.

Additionally, there are common misconceptions about what can go in a garbage disposal, for instance, eggshells and coffee grounds. These items can cause damage to the appliance over time. Instead, throwing these items in the trash or compost bin is better. By keeping these items out of your garbage disposal, you prevent clogs and extend the life of the device.

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Regularly cleaning the disposal is essential to keep it running smoothly and to prevent unpleasant odors from developing. To clean the appliance, turn it off and unplug it from the power source. Use tongs or pliers to remove large debris stuck inside. Then, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal. After letting it sit for a few minutes, rinse the mixture down with hot water. Finally, run cold water and turn on the disposal to flush out the remaining debris.

Clean the garbage disposal at least once a week or more often if it’s heavily used. Use a garbage disposal brush or foaming cleaner to make the process easier.

Regular Garbage Disposal Maintenance to Keep it Running Smoothly

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your disposal working well and preventing costly repairs. One important aspect of care is keeping the blades sharp. You can do this by grinding ice cubes in the disposal to sharpen the blades and clean them at the same time.

Regularly look for leaks that could cause damage to your cabinets and flooring. To check for leaks, run water and turn on the disposal, then look for any signs of water dripping or pooling around the base. If you find a leak, fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Keeping the garbage disposal smelling fresh is easy. Grind citrus peels or use baking soda and vinegar to freshen the drain and eliminate unpleasant odors. By performing regular maintenance, you extend the life of the garbage disposal and prevent problems before they occur.

Don’t neglect your garbage disposal if you want it to work reliably. By avoiding some materials and regularly cleaning and sharpening the blades, you’ll extend the life of the appliance and avoid clogs. Additionally, checking for leaks and keeping your disposal smelling fresh are effective ways to maintain its condition. Implement these tips to enjoy hassle-free garbage disposal for years to come.

MD Inspections provides professional inspection to homebuyers and sellers in Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, and most surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.