Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

If your Christiansburg rental house has a garbage disposal, you may have a certain point of view about it. Some people prefer them, but others don’t appreciate the way the disposal always seems to break down, oftentimes creating even enormous difficulties. The good news is that numerous of these breakdowns can be avoided by first figuring out how to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. So while it’s natural that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by following a few simple rules it is possible to keep yours clean and functional.

Garbage disposal is one of the most helpful kitchen appliances when it is utilized correctly. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much superior preference than stinking up a garbage can. A great number of 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 hassles.

But in spite of that, there are limited 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 hurtle all over and get stuck in the disposal’s blades. Other foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels should also be avoided because their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Leaving any of these goods in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Irrevocably, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your kitchen.

Customarily, a garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad owing to decomposing food and grease that can become 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 further flushes out accumulating food matter. They likewise indicate 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 every so often. Both will benefit by cleaning the blades and making your disposal smell fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can better brush off pricey repairs and keep your rental property’s garbage disposal running well for the long term.

Even good preventative measures won’t help much unless you are cleaning the property’s garbage disposal regularly. To comprehend more, consider using a professional guide to cleaning your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. Furthermore, if you have questions about garbage disposal use and maintenance, be sure 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 that’s the case, take a look at our available listings. If you are a property owner looking for management services, contact us online or call us at 540-998-6917.