Garbage disposals are handy kitchen appliances that help us dispose of food scraps efficiently. However, not everything is meant to go down the disposal. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your garbage disposal, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you toss down the drain. Here’s a list of 10 things you should never put down a garbage disposal.
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You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category. Today, we will look at things you should never put down a garbage disposal.
You can find my Free Printable Home Maintenance Record here. Also, you can read my Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklists here. Now, let’s look at my list of things you should never put down a garbage disposal.
10 Things You Should Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal
1. Grease and Oils
Grease is the first thing on the list of things you should never put down a garbage disposal. Pouring grease or oils down the disposal might seem convenient, but it can lead to clogs and unpleasant odors. As grease cools, it solidifies and can create blockages in your pipes. Instead, let grease solidify in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Fibrous Vegetables
Stringy vegetables like celery, asparagus, and artichokes can wrap around the disposal blades, causing them to jam. Dispose of these items in the trash or compost them instead.
3. Coffee Grounds
While it might be tempting to rinse coffee grounds down the disposal, they can accumulate and create a sludgy mess over time. Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them in your garden as a natural fertilizer.
4. Eggshells
Contrary to popular belief, eggshells can actually contribute to the wear and tear of your disposal blades. The membrane inside the shell can wrap around the blades, leading to potential issues. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or compost.
5. Pasta and Rice
These expand when exposed to water, and over time, they can lead to blockages in your pipes. Dispose of leftover pasta and rice in the trash or compost.
6. Bones
Garbage disposals are not equipped to handle bones. They can dull the blades and cause damage to the disposal unit. Dispose of bones in the trash or consider composting them if possible.
7. Non-Food Items
Avoid putting non-food items like paper, plastic, or metal down the disposal. These can damage the blades and lead to costly repairs. Use the trash for proper disposal of non-food items.
8. Potato Peels
Potato peels can form a starchy paste when ground up, leading to clogs. It’s best to dispose of potato peels in the trash.
9. Fruit Pits
Hard fruit pits can damage the disposal blades. Dispose of fruit pits in the trash or consider composting if suitable.
10. Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your garbage disposal, as they can damage the unit and harm the environment. Opt for natural cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar.
By being mindful of what goes down your garbage disposal, you can prevent clogs, reduce the risk of damage, and extend the lifespan of this essential kitchen appliance. Remember, when in doubt, it’s better to dispose of items in the trash or compost them instead of risking damage to your disposal unit.
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