How To Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal may seem like a very small piece of your home, but it is incredibly helpful and used very often. Maintaining your garbage disposal will help to ensure it works efficiently and lasts a long time. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your garbage disposal:

Keep it clean

Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal can help prevent odors and clogs. Pouring a mixture of ice and rock salt down the disposal and then running cold water for a few seconds can help remove buildup and debris.

Avoid putting certain items in the disposal

Do not put fibrous, hard, or sticky items such as bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, and grease down the disposal, as they can damage the blades and clog the drain. Also be aware of items falling into the disposal, such as silverware.

Run it regularly

Running your garbage disposal regularly can help keep it in good working condition. If it’s not used frequently, the blades can become dull, and the motor can seize up.

Use cold water

When running the disposal, use cold water, as it helps solidify any grease or fat that might be in the drain and helps the disposal chop up food more effectively.

Use a natural cleaner

To clean and deodorize your disposal, consider using a natural cleaner like baking soda and vinegar. Simply sprinkle baking soda down the disposal, add vinegar, and let the mixture foam for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water. You can also grind citrus peels in the garbage disposal to help freshen it up and eliminate any unpleasant odors.

Check for leaks

Periodically check under the sink for any leaks or moisture around the garbage disposal. If you notice any leaks, have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent water damage.

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Remembering these few tips, you can help ensure your garbage disposal works efficiently and lasts for a long time, as well as avoid costly repairs or replacements.

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Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/garbage-disposal-maintenance-5222594

Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/industrious-boy-cleaning-the-dishes-6481586

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