Know What Your Garbage Disposal Can and Can’t Handle
Let’s be clear: your garbage disposal is not a catch-all for kitchen waste. One of the most common ways people ruin their units is by stuffing in things they think are okay (when they’re absolutely not).
Yes, it’s designed to break down food scraps, but it’s not a wood chipper.
✅Safe to toss: soft vegetables, small fruit scraps, and non-greasy leftovers in moderation.
❌Strictly avoid: fibrous vegetables (like celery, corn husks, and onion skins), bones, grease, pasta, rice, coffee grounds, and eggshells. These items either tangle the blades, clog the pipes, or build up into a sludge that can shut the entire system down.
📌 If you’re unsure, throw it in the trash or compost. Better safe than calling a plumber at 10 PM.
Run Cold Water During and After Use
This is non-negotiable. Cold water keeps fats and oils solid, which makes them easier for the blades to break down and less likely to coat your pipes. Warm or hot water may seem like the better choice, but it actually melts grease, sending it down the drain where it can re-solidify and cause clogs.
📌 Always run cold water for at least 15 seconds before, during, and after disposal use. It helps flush debris through the pipes and prevents build-up.
Clean the Disposal Regularly
Think of your garbage disposal like any other kitchen appliance – it needs cleaning, and often. Left unchecked, food residue builds up, leading to bad odors, bacteria, and a dull, underperforming unit.
Here’s how to clean it right:
- Quick clean: Squirt some dish soap into the unit, run cold water, and let it run for 30 seconds.
- Deeper clean: Drop in a few ice cubes and a handful of rock salt – this scrubs the blades and removes gunk.
- Natural deodorizer: Pour in ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with cold water.
📌And don’t ignore the rubber splash guard. Food particles love to cling to it, so scrub it down with a brush or old toothbrush every few days.
Use It Frequently
Just like a car that sits too long in the driveway, a garbage disposal that isn’t used regularly can start to deteriorate. Regular use helps prevent rust, keeps parts moving, and stops leftover food from hardening inside the unit.
Even if you don’t generate much food waste, it’s a good idea to run the disposal with cold water and a small amount of soft scraps or even just soapy water a few times a week. This keeps everything in working order and helps flush the system clean.
📌Think of it as routine exercise for your kitchen appliance.
Freshen with Natural Deodorizers
Bad smells coming from your sink? That’s usually a sign of trapped food particles inside your disposal. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners (which can damage your unit), go the natural route.
Try these freshening methods:
- Citrus peels: Drop in a few slices of lemon, lime, or orange and run the disposal with cold water. The oils help clean the blades and leave a fresh scent.
- Baking soda + vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal, then 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
- Ice cubes + salt: Clean and deodorize at the same time by grinding a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt.
📌Use one of these methods weekly to keep odors in check and your kitchen smelling clean.
Avoid Overloading the Unit
Overfeeding your garbage disposal is a fast track to clogs and mechanical strain. It’s not built to handle a mountain of scraps all at once, and stuffing in too much can jam the blades or stall the motor.
Here’s how to play it safe:
- Feed food waste gradually, not in large batches.
- Cut large pieces into smaller chunks before tossing them in.
- Let the unit grind everything up before adding more.
- Always run cold water while disposing of food, and for several seconds after you turn it off to fully clear the drain.
📌 If you’re hosting a party or cleaning out the fridge, resist the urge to dump everything in. When in doubt – trash it or compost it.
Know When to Reset or Call a Pro
Even a well-maintained garbage disposal can occasionally act up. When it does, it’s important to know the difference between a quick fix and a bigger problem.
If the unit stops working altogether, first check the reset button (usually located on the bottom of the disposal unit). Press it once, wait a few seconds, and try turning the disposal on again.
Other quick checks:
- Make sure the unit is plugged in.
- Look for a tripped circuit breaker if there’s no power.
Call a professional if you notice:
- A persistent humming noise without blade movement (could mean a jammed impeller or motor issue).
- Leaks under the sink.
- Frequent clogs, even with careful use.
- A foul odor that doesn’t go away with cleaning.
📌Attempting to fix internal parts yourself can be dangerous, especially if the power isn’t properly shut off. When in doubt, let a licensed plumber or technician handle it.
Conclusion
A garbage disposal is one of the most convenient tools in the kitchen, but only if it’s treated with a little care. By knowing what to put in it, cleaning it regularly, and following simple usage rules, you can extend the life of your unit and avoid messy, expensive problems.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Be mindful of what goes in.
- Run cold water before, during, and after use.
- Clean and deodorize regularly with natural ingredients.
- Use it often, but never overload it.
- Know when to DIY and when to call for help.
📌Take a few extra minutes each week to give your disposal the attention it needs – and it’ll keep your kitchen running smoothly for years to come.