Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

If your Coopersburg rental house has a garbage disposal, you could have wide-ranging feelings about it. Some people crave them, but some disfavour its use as the disposal always seems to break down, normally prompting even greater conflicts. The great news is that lots of these breakdowns can be avoided by first knowing how to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. So while it’s right that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by understanding a few simple rules it is possible to keep yours clean and functional.

Garbage disposal is amongst some of the most helpful kitchen appliances when it is used correctly. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much-improved route than stinking up a garbage can. Almost all biodegradable food items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, scraps of meat, and small pieces of citrus rinds, can be put down garbage disposal without any problems.

However, there are a few big exceptions to that rule. Anything hard, like eggshells, bones, and fruit pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. The same goes for coffee grounds and popcorn kernels, which will clatter across and get stuck in the disposal’s blades. Other foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels should also be evaded because their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Using any of these components in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Also, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your kitchen.

Frequently, a garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad as a result of decomposing food and grease that can get trapped in and around the disposal. Mold and bacteria can also grow on rubber strainer flanges and other areas, causing odors. The pros at Mr. Rooter suggest keeping odors away by running cold water every time you use the disposal, which aids flushing out accumulating food matter. They also advise running the disposal a bit longer than when the grinding noises even out, about five extra seconds. To clean your disposal blades, try putting ice cubes and citrus peels in it consistently. Both will properly clean the blades and make your disposal smell fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can better avoid expensive repairs and make your rental property’s garbage disposal running well for a long time.

Even good preventative measures won’t help much unless you are cleaning the property’s garbage disposal regularly. To determine how, consider using a professional guide to cleaning your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. Also, if you have uncertainties regarding garbage disposal use and maintenance, be certain to inquire with your landlord, property management company, or plumbing professional. Asking a question could mean the difference between a functional garbage disposal and a greasy, soupy mess in your sink.

Are you looking for a great new rental property? If so, check out our available listings. If you are a property owner seeking management services, contact us online or call us at 484-544-3351.