A garbage disposal is a kitchen appliance that can make kitchen chores like cleaning up after a meal much more manageable. However, these appliances can also be rather frustrating to operate when they become temperamental and refuse to work properly. Blaming the appliance for its stubbornness is what many people do, but the truth is that most garbage disposals stop working due to misuse.

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, learning how to use it properly and care for the appliance will help extend its lifespan and help you avoid unnecessary, costly repairs.

The Dos and Don’ts of Operating Your Garbage Disposal

How often do you use your garbage disposal? Most people run their disposal periodically throughout the day after meals, but there are some people that rarely use their disposal because they are under the impression that too much use will damage the motor. This is a myth. A disposal needs to be frequently run; at least once a day will suffice for the blades to avoid rusting or corroding.

While you should feel free to use your disposal as often as you like, it is important that you pay close attention to what you put in the appliance. For example, putting too much food waste at one time into the disposal can cause it to jam and stop working.  Also, when putting food in the appliance, limit the waste to leftovers from your breakfast, lunch, or dinner plate. The average household garbage disposal is not intended to be used for scraps from food preparation or to grind up things like chicken bones, coffee grounds, etc.

You don’t need to purchase drain cleaners or harsh chemicals from the store to keep your disposal smelling fresh. You can keep the disposal smelling clean by slicing up whole citrus fruits and running them through the disposal. You may also want to freeze vinegar in ice cube trays and once or twice a month put these ice cubes in the disposal to kill bacteria and sharpen the blades.

The above examples are just a few ways to maintain your disposal. For more tips, we encourage you to call Downey Pronto Plumbing and Rooter and speak with a qualified plumbing expert. We offer a variety of plumbing service options for Downey, California residents that include other services such as toilet repair and replacement.

Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with one of our contractors.