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For people who cook often, garbage disposals are one of their best friends in the kitchen. This handy appliance not only makes getting rid of food scraps manageable, but it helps keep landfills from overflowing with unnecessary organic waste. However, it’s important to distinguish garbage disposals from garbage bins — the latter simply holds trash, while the former attempts to grind things up into smaller, convenient particles.

Unlike bins, garbage disposals require specific maintenance to avoid costly appliance repairs. With 30 years of service experience under the owner’s belt, Expert Appliance Solutions in Elyria, OH, believes good maintenance can save you valuable money and time. Below, the experts list the do’s and don'ts of using a garbage disposal.

Grind Easy, Soft Materials

Grind biodegradable matter, such as fruits, meats, and vegetables, so long as they’ve been cut down to small pieces first. Large chunks of any material can cause annoying clogs. When you’re grinding food, use cold water to solidify potential grease and help it slip through the system without wreaking havoc on the drain.

Don’t Grind Fibrous, Starchy Foods

Fibrous materials such as artichokes, celery, or onion skin can tangle up the motor and make it impossible to grind up any foods. Starchy foods such as potatoes can turn into a sticky paste when ground up, which easily clogs the drain and get the blades stuck. Pasta and rice are also culprits of clogged drains because they can expand with water. Avoid unnecessary appliance repair by keeping these foods away from the drains.

Clean Well & Regularly

The best way to clean a garbage disposal is by placing a few drops of dish detergent into the drain and letting it run with cold water on its own after every use. This helps clear away any leftover particles that might otherwise stick and cause problems in the future. Using or running the unit frequently also helps prevent rust and corrosion.

Don’t Put in Bleach or Harsh Chemicals

Any harsh chemical you expose your disposal to can lead to irreparable corrosion. Instead, use natural cleaners that won’t damage the blades or pipes.

Grind Small, Sharp & Biodegradable Materials

Egg shells, small bones, and small pits are safe to put in the disposal. In fact, their edges can help scrape off any buildup in the pipes, aiding in the overall cleaning process.

Don’t Grind Non-Biodegradable Materials

appliance repairPaper towels, glass, plastic, and metals are all materials that cannot be easily broken down, which means they’re more susceptible to damaging and clogging the drain pipes of the disposal. A good rule of thumb to remember is if you can’t eat it, trash it.

Whether you’re looking for excellent appliance repair for your garbage disposal or general dishwasher repair, Expert Appliance Solutions is ready to meet your demands. Their handy experts will make efficient repairs and replace any parts for a fraction of the price of buying a whole new unit. Call (844) 423-9737 or visit their website for a list of their services.

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