10 Things You Should Not Put in Your Garbage Disposal
10 Things You Should Not Put In Your Garbage Disposal
11/09/2021
It can be challenging to keep your kitchen clean and tidy in the modern world, and owning a garbage disposal benefits homeowners who want to reduce kitchen odors and limit the risk of pests. If you are concerned about the environment, the use of garbage disposals limits the amount of waste passed into landfills. No matter why you have chosen to install a garbage disposal in your kitchen, there are a few items you should not try to dispose of in a garbage disposal unit.
1. Paint
Most homeowners have painted a room and cleaned rollers and brushes in the sink. If you have a garbage disposal unit, you should think about what you are doing with your excess paint. Excess paint poured down a sink with a garbage disposal unit will harden and clog the garbage disposal, blocking it in a matter of hours. Avoid making this mistake by either storing the extra paint or other methods of proper paint disposal.
2. Coffee Grounds
The myth that coffee grounds make your garbage disposal unit smell better is one that has caused multiple problems. Coffee grounds are small enough to slide through a garbage disposal unit and clog the trap beneath the sink. After the coffee grounds pass through the garbage disposal and become soggy and heavy. Instead of throwing coffee grounds in the disposal for a fresh scent, it is best to get garbage disposal cleaning products to remove nasty odors.
3. Pasta
Don't flush the pasta noodles down your sink or garbage disposal if you want to avoid clogging beneath your garbage disposal. Pasta noodles can expand and become soggy, which can build up and clog your disposal.
4. Bones
Homeowners believe their garbage disposal unit is made to cut down bones from chicken bones or rack of ribs. Avoid this by throwing out bones the traditional way, in the garbage bag.
5. Oatmeal
Much like pasta noodles, oatmeal expands when it gets hot. If you want to avoid clogged pipes, oatmeal should never be flushed through your garbage disposal system.
6. Onion Skins
Onions are a kitchen staple and are used in most dishes. A small amount of leftover diced onion is not a problem for your garbage disposal unit. The thin membrane sitting below the sink is a problem. If your flush the thin membrane, you can create a small net to catch the next few items thrown into the garbage disposal unit, which can build up over time.
7. Egg Shells
Another garbage disposal myth is the use of eggshells to sharpen the blades of the unit. This is untrue. Eggshells will not damage the blades of your garbage disposal. However, the thin membrane inside will cause problems.
8. General Trash
It's called a garbage disposal, but it does not mean you should put general trash in it. A garbage disposal cannot handle paper towels and grocery store bags. Blocked garbage disposal will be the result of stuffing trash into the system.
9. Potato Peelings
There are several ways potato peelings can damage your garbage disposal when flushed down in great numbers. A few potato peelings will not cause much damage, but several potato peelings can cause major problems similar to egg membranes. If these potato peelings build up, they can overload the garbage disposal, causing it not to function correctly.
10. Unclogging Chemicals
If you want to avoid clogs in your drains and garbage disposal, avoid the use of harsh chemicals. A good option for deodorizing your garbage disposal is a few ice cubes and a few drops of dish detergent. Another great option is finding products that are meant to clean your garbage disposal without very harsh chemicals.
When you believe there are problems with your garbage disposal, call to schedule an appointment with our team of technicians at Command Service Center. We specialize in performing appliance repairs from garbage disposals to refrigerators to ovens; we can do it all!