Having a garbage disposal helps mitigate plumbing clogs, reduces food waste, and limits the amount of waste your home creates. However, without proper maintenance, you may need frequent garbage disposal repairs. Here are a few tips for using this piece of equipment efficiently.

How to Use the Garbage Disposal Properly

1. Use Cold Water

It’s critical to run cold water for a few seconds before adding food to the garbage disposal. Continue running water while the food is processing and for 10 seconds after the waste has moved down the pipes. This keeps everything moving and prevents grease or fat from clogging the plumbing.

2. Avoid Problematic Foods

You can’t put everything edible down the drain. To minimize the need for garbage disposal repairs, avoid placing starchy foods, fruit pits, bones, rice, or pasta in the sink, as they can create buildups or clogs and dull the blades. 

3. Clean With Citrus

One of the fastest, least-expensive ways to keep your system smelling good is to place a citrus peel in the disposal with water and let it run. As the blades cut the peel, they’ll release oils that smell fantastic and help cut through grease.

4. Skip Chemical Cleaners

Using chemical cleaners and clog removers can cause pipe and blade corrosion. Instead, use natural cleaning solutions like white vinegar and essential oils or run the disposal with some ice cubes to clear out food bits. Call for professional garbage disposal repairs if your system isn’t working properly to avoid using harsh chemicals that could cause further damage.

5. Don’t Process Nonfood Items

Always place a drain cover over the disposal when doing the dishes. This will prevent items like silverware from falling into the drain. If metal, wood, or other nonfood items go down the drain, they will possibly bend the blades and create the need for garbage disposal repairs.

 

Homeowners looking for appliance maintenance should contact Complete Appliance Service in the northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. The company has been in business for nearly 40 years and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau^® for top customer service. Call (513) 661-3708 or visit their website for more information on their washer, dryer, freezer, refrigerator, stove, oven, and garbage disposal repairs.