What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Ever wonder why your garbage disposal in Fruita, CO, keeps clogging or making strange noises? The answer might lie in what you’re feeding it. While this handy kitchen appliance makes waste cleanup easier, not everything belongs inside. Understanding what not to put in your garbage disposal can save you from costly repairs, foul odors, and plumbing headaches while keeping your kitchen running smoothly. Let’s dive into the essential tips every Fruita resident should know.
Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods
One of the biggest culprits behind garbage disposal damage is putting hard or fibrous foods inside. Items like bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, and tough vegetable peels wreak havoc on your disposal’s blades. Hard materials can blunt or even break the blades, while fibrous foods such as celery stalks, corn husks, and onion skins tend to wrap around the blades, causing jams.
For example, coffee grounds don’t dissolve properly and often settle in drain pipes, leading to clogs over time. Bones, especially from large cuts of meat, can damage the grinding mechanism or get stuck, resulting in motor strain.
If you want your garbage disposal in Fruita, CO, to last years without trouble, dispose of these items in your outdoor compost or regular trash. This step will help keep your unit functioning smoothly and avoid costly service calls.
No Grease, Fats, or Oils
It might be tempting to pour leftover cooking grease or oil down the drain, thinking the garbage disposal can handle it. However, grease, fats, and oils solidify quickly once they cool, coating the inside of your pipes and the garbage disposal unit itself. This buildup reduces drainage, creates nasty odors, and eventually causes blockages that require professional intervention.
To properly dispose of grease and oils, pour them into a sealable container and throw the container in the trash once it solidifies. Many local municipalities, including Fruita, offer recycling programs for cooking oils—check with your local waste management service for options. Avoiding grease in your garbage disposal is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen plumbing free of clogs.
Keep Non-Food Items Out
Your garbage disposal is designed for food scraps only, period. Non-food items like plastic wrappers, glass shards, metal utensils, rubber bands, and paper towels pose significant risks. When these objects accidentally go down the drain, they can jam the disposal’s motor or damage blades, resulting in expensive repairs or a need for a full replacement.
Even small bones can cause problems by lodging inside the disposal. Avoid grabbing scraps or peels hastily without checking what you’re throwing away, and keep magnets or other small metal items away from the sink area.
If you’re unsure whether something belongs in the disposal, it’s best to err on the side of caution and toss it in the bin. Caring for your garbage disposal in Fruita, CO, is all about proper use and preventing unnecessary wear.
Avoid Large Amounts of Starchy Foods
Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, and potato peels might seem harmless, but they can create issues when ground in large quantities. These foods tend to swell with water and form a sticky paste that can accumulate inside pipes, causing blockages.
To prevent problems, throw these scraps directly into the trash or compost bin. If you do use your disposal for small amounts, make sure to run cold water for at least 15 seconds after grinding to flush debris properly.
The Importance of Running Water and Routine Cleaning
Simply knowing what not to put in your garbage disposal isn’t enough; proper use and maintenance are equally vital. Always run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and after operating the disposal. Cold water helps solidify fats and oils so the blades can chop them up before flushing away.
Routine cleaning also helps prevent buildup and odors. Consider grinding small pieces of citrus peel (like lemon or orange) or ice cubes with a bit of salt once a week. This cleans the blades and freshens the unit naturally.
What Happens If You Ignore These Tips?
Ignoring these essential guidelines can lead to serious consequences:
- Clogged drains that back up into your sink or even your home
- Permanent disposal blades damage or motor burnout
- Costly emergency plumbing repairs and disposal replacement
- Unpleasant odors caused by trapped food waste
Taking the time to care for your garbage disposal in Fruita, CO, by avoiding harmful items lets you enjoy the convenience of your kitchen without hassle.
Protect Your Kitchen Today With Expert Garbage Disposal Support
Should problems arise or you need guidance with your garbage disposal, Haining Home Services is here to help you navigate the best solutions for your home.
Don’t wait for an emergency to call for help. Contact Haining Home Services at (970) 242-4429 or visit our contact page to speak with our friendly team. Keep your garbage disposal and entire kitchen running smoothly with trusted support right here in Fruita, CO!
