Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
September 2nd, 2010
A kitchen sink garbage disposal is a convenient way to be rid of table scraps, but as with any motorized appliance, it requires regular care and maintenance. Luckily, there are 4 easy things you can do each month to keep it working properly.
Use Rid-X
Even though the disposal grinds up food waste, remnants can accumulate and clog pipes. The best way to keep the plumbing pipes clean is to use an organic enzyme like Rid-X to eat up the organic waste.
Rid-X is available at most home improvement stores and is sold as a cleaner for septic systems, but it also works as a safe and effective cleaning agent for all types of plumbing.
Once a month, pour the following mixture down the kitchen drain:
● 1 tablespoon of powder per 16 oz. of warm water
● Mix it like tea and pour it down the drain.
Click for more details about the maintenance powers of Rid-X.
Grind Ice Cubes
Once a month, pour a cup of ice cubes down the running disposal to clean the grinder blades. This will not sharpen the blades; dull cutters need to be replaced and it’s usually cheaper to buy a new unit than replace individual blades.
Get Rid of Odors
Even though you run cold water while grinding items, bad smells are inevitable. Nix the odors by grinding up lemon, lime or orange peels, which have natural cleaning properties and will make the entire kitchen smell great.
Keep the Water Running
You know to always have water running while grinding waste, but it’s also important to let the water run for 5-10 seconds after you’ve turned off the switch. This allows the water to push the waste further down the pipes. And only use cold water, as hot water can cause some food items to swell, which can clog blades or the pipes.
To get optimal performance from your garbage disposal, always cut up items into small chunks and feed them slowly into the drain while the cold water runs. As soon as the items have been ground (you’ll hear a difference in the operating sound) turn off the disposal.
Do Not Put These Items in the Garbage Disposal
Any one of the following can cause blades to lock up or the pipes to clog, even with regular maintenance:
● Non-food items
● Meat fat and bones
● Popcorn kernels
● Fruit seeds
● Rice and pasta
● Grease
● Egg shells
● Fibrous vegetables like corn husks, celery or banana peels
If you experience any problems with your garbage disposal, or feel it’s time for a new one, have Mosby Building Arts take care of the problem or install a new unit for you. Call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.
Related posts:
- KMOX Audio Tip: Kitchen Disposal Tips
- KMOX – January Home Maintenance Tips
- Tips on what to do when experiencing a winter power outage
- KMOX Tip: Summer Vacation House Tips
Learn the Art of Living at CallMosby.com.
