Welcome back to our home inspection blog! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of garbage disposals. These handy kitchen appliances are designed to make meal cleanup a breeze by grinding up food waste and sending it down the drain. However, it’s important to remember that not everything can go down the disposal. In this article, we’ll explore what you can safely put in a garbage disposal and what items you should avoid, ensuring your disposal stays in tip-top shape and your plumbing remains clog-free.
Acceptable Items:
Garbage disposals are designed to handle small amounts of food waste. Here are some common items that can safely go down the disposal:
a. Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Soft fruits like berries and vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and celery can be safely disposed of. However, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent clogs.
b. Cooked Food Scraps: Leftover cooked food, such as pasta, rice, and small meat scraps, can be disposed of. Again, it’s essential to cut larger pieces into smaller ones to avoid overloading the disposal.
c. Citrus Peels: Citrus peels like lemon, lime, and orange can help freshen up the disposal and eliminate odors. They also help to clean the blades as they are ground up.
d. Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds are safe to dispose of and can even help eliminate unpleasant odors. Just remember to use them in moderation to avoid clogs.
Questionable Items:
While some items may be acceptable in small quantities, it’s generally best to exercise caution when dealing with these:
a. Eggshells: Eggshells can be controversial. Some believe they help sharpen the disposal blades, while others argue they can cause damage. To be on the safe side, it’s best to limit the number of eggshells you put in the disposal.
b. Small Bones: Small, soft bones like fish bones are generally safe to dispose of. However, larger or harder bones should be avoided, as they can damage the disposal blades.
c. Starchy Foods: Foods like potato peels, pasta, and rice can expand and create a gluey paste, leading to clogs. It’s better to dispose of these items in the trash or compost bin.
Items to Avoid:
Certain items should never be put down the garbage disposal, as they can cause serious damage to the appliance or lead to plumbing issues:
a. Grease and Fat: Pouring grease or fat down the disposal can result in clogs and blockages. Instead, collect and dispose of these substances in a separate container.
b. Fibrous Foods: Fibrous foods like corn husks, onion skins, and artichokes can tangle around the disposal blades, causing damage and clogs. Dispose of these items in the trash.
c. Non-Food Items: Never put non-food items like glass, plastic, metal, or paper down the disposal. These can damage the blades, clog the drain, and potentially cause leaks.
Your garbage disposal can be a valuable asset in your kitchen, but it’s important to use it wisely. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your disposal operates smoothly, minimizes the risk of clogs, and extends its lifespan. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to dispose of questionable items in the trash to avoid potential issues. Keep your kitchen clean, your plumbing healthy, and enjoy the convenience of a well-maintained garbage disposal.
