Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts

Dinner is over, and you're cleaning up the gunky dishes and leftovers. With a garbage disposal, it's a lot easier to tackle dish duty after meals. But if you're not sure how to use a garbage disposal properly, you could end up with major plumbing issues.

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How Do You Use a Garbage Disposal Properly?

Figuring out how to use a garbage disposal properly isn't too difficult. However, you do have to follow some basic garbage disposal dos and don'ts to avoid damage to the appliance and your plumbing system. Follow these tips on how to use a garbage disposal.

DO Run Water While Your Disposal Is On

When your garbage disposal is running, your water should be running, too. Turn the water on first before you start the garbage disposal. Keep the disposal and water running until all the food is ground. Shut off the disposal first, allowing the water to run for another 15 seconds or so. This helps push the food particles out of the disposal.

DON'T Use It for Large Volumes of Food

A garbage disposal is meant to be used, but you don't want to overwhelm the equipment. Putting a large amount of food in at once makes the disposal work harder, which can cause it to overheat. Plus, you increase your chances of creating a jam in the disposal from so much food going in at once.

If you have a lot of food to throw away, you can toss it in your trash. To put it down the disposal, portion it out into smaller quantities. Send it down the disposal a little at a time so it doesn't get jammed.

DO Use the Garbage Disposal Regularly

Even though you don't want to put a lot of food down the disposal at once, you also don't want to let it sit unused for long periods. Running it regularly can keep the parts moving to help with lubrication and prevent rust from developing. Even if you don't have anything to dispose of, turn the machine on occasionally with the water running to keep it in good working order.

DON'T Put the Wrong Food in the Disposal

Not all types of food are safe for your garbage disposal. Fibrous foods can jam up the blades. Hard food items can damage the internal components. Items that expand when they get wet can increase the risk of clogs. To keep your equipment in good working order, avoid putting these items in it:

• Bones

• Pasta

• Rice

• Bread

• Oatmeal

• Potato peels

• Eggshells

• Celery, onion skins and other fibrous vegetables

• Coffee grounds

• Popcorn kernels

• Nuts

• Peanut butter

• Grease or fat

DO Clean the Garbage Disposal

As the garbage disposal grinds up the food, it's possible for some particles to stick around on the blades and inside components of the equipment. That can create a stinky odor and could affect how well it operates. Occasional cleaning helps clear out the food particles to freshen the garbage disposal and help it work efficiently.

The combination of baking soda and vinegar causes a bubbling reaction that helps clean away food remnants. Put the baking soda in first, followed by the vinegar, and give it several minutes to work its magic. Another option is to grind up some ice cubes with dish soap to help clean out the inside. To freshen the disposal easily, toss a few citrus fruit peels down it.

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DON'T Put Nonfood Items Down

Garbage disposals aren't meant to handle nonfood items. Be careful to avoid getting plastic, paper towels, labels, string and other nonfood items in the disposal. These items could fall in with food while you're running the disposal. Avoid chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaner, and other nonfood liquids, such as paint, as those items can damage the disposal.

DO Check for Items Before Turning the Disposal On

It's common for small items, such as silverware, to slip down into the garbage disposal. When you turn it on, those objects can cause damage to the blades. Peek into the garbage disposal every time before you use it to make sure it's clear of unexpected items.

DON'T Reach Into the Garbage Disposal

Even if you're careful, it's possible for items to fall into the disposal that shouldn't be there. It's tempting to reach in and grab those items with your hands, but it's safest to use tongs. The blades can cut your fingers even when they're not moving. Make sure the disposal is off and the blades have stopped turning before you stick the tongs in to retrieve the item. Following these garbage disposal dos and don'ts can keep the equipment running smoothly and keep you safe.