What not to put in the Garbage Disposal

Is your Garbage Disposal Clogged?

The garbage disposal seems like a great place to get rid of food and table scraps instead of tossing them in the trash. While the disposal can handle most things in small portions, there are a few things you should never put in your garbage disposal.

Any kind of stringy or tough-peeled vegetable such as asparagus, lettuce, celery, corn husks, artichokes and potato peels shouldn’t be put in the garbage disposal. Their string materials wrap themselves around the blades and prevent the motor from turning.

Egg shells don’t belong in the garbage disposal.

Never put grease in a garbage disposal, as it will eventually solidify and clog some or all of the drain.

A disposal is not strong enough to break down animal bones, either. While the blades might break them down some, they will never be able to get them small enough to fit down the drain.

Rice and pasta have the same problem—they can never be broken down small enough. And since they swell with water, smaller pieces will get bigger and gather in the trap until it is closed.

Pits or seeds from fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be put down the garbage disposal, as they can’t be broken down.

Tips For Trouble-Free Operation

The most common problem with Disposals is that they get stuck and will make a humming noise. Unplug it and try to turn it with a screwdriver. Some times this will get it working again. To maintain it – dump about 3 glasses of ice in it every 90 days. This will keep it from getting stuck and sharpen the blades. If this doesn’t help give us a call!