Garbage disposals are useful for getting rid of food scraps, but not all foods are equal. Some foods can damage the disposal or plumbing system. Some are too tough or fibrous to be broken down by the blades, while others can create a paste-like substance that clogs the drain. Tips for keeping the disposal and plumbing system in good working order are provided.
Fibrous Foods to Avoid
Celery and Asparagus
Celery and asparagus are both fibrous vegetables that should never be put down your garbage disposal. The strings in celery can wrap around the blades of the disposal, causing it to jam. Asparagus, on the other hand, can get tangled in the blades and cause damage to the motor.
To dispose of celery and asparagus, it is best to compost them or throw them in the trash. If you have a lot of celery or asparagus to dispose of, consider cutting them into small pieces before throwing them away.
Corn Husks
Corn husks are another fibrous food that should never be put down your garbage disposal. The tough fibres can get wrapped around the blades of the disposal, causing it to jam. Additionally, the husks can create a paste-like substance that can clog your pipes.
To dispose of corn husks, it is best to compost them or throw them in the trash. If you have a lot of corn husks to dispose of, consider cutting them into small pieces before throwing them away.
Starchy Foods to Skip
Potato Peels
Potato peels may seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. The starchy nature of potato peels can cause them to stick to the blades and create a thick paste that clogs up the disposal. It’s best to avoid putting potato peels down the garbage disposal altogether. Instead, consider composting them or throwing them in the trash.
Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice are other starchy foods that should be avoided when it comes to your garbage disposal. These foods can expand when they come into contact with water, which can cause them to clog up the blades and pipes. Additionally, the sticky nature of these foods can cause them to clump together and form a sticky mess in your disposal. It’s best to dispose of pasta and rice in the trash or compost them instead.
Non-Food Items Never to Dispose
Paper Products
When it comes to paper products, it’s best not to put any of them down your garbage disposal. This includes paper towels, napkins, and even tissues. While these items may seem harmless, they can quickly accumulate and cause clogs in your pipes. Instead, it’s best to dispose of these items in the trash or compost them if possible.
Plastic Wrappers
Plastic wrappers, such as those from candy or snack foods, should also never be put down your garbage disposal. These wrappers can easily get caught in the blades of your disposal and cause damage. It’s best to dispose of these items in the trash or recycle them if possible.
Grease and Oil: The Slippery Slope
Cooking Fats
Cooking fats such as bacon grease, lard, and vegetable oil may seem harmless when poured down the drain, but they can cause major clogs in your pipes. When these fats cool, they solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes, creating blockages that can be difficult to remove. It’s best to let cooking fats cool and then dispose of them in the trash.
Butter and Margarine
Butter and margarine may seem harmless enough, but they can also cause problems when put down the garbage disposal. While they may be soft and pliable at room temperature, they can harden and stick to your pipes when they cool. This can cause blockages that can be difficult to remove. It’s best to scrape any leftover butter or margarine into the trash before washing your dishes.
Hard Items That Can Cause Harm
Bones
Bones are one of the hardest items that can cause damage to your garbage disposal. They can easily get stuck in the blades, causing them to become dull or even break. Additionally, bones can damage the motor of your garbage disposal, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
It’s best to avoid putting any type of bones down your garbage disposal, including chicken bones, fish bones, and beef bones. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or compost them.
Fruit Pits
Fruit pits, such as those from peaches, plums, and cherries, are another hard item that can cause harm to your garbage disposal. They can easily get stuck in the blades, causing them to become jammed or even break.
To avoid damage to your garbage disposal, it’s best to dispose of fruit pits in the trash or compost them. Alternatively, you can use them for DIY projects such as making jewellery or bird feeders.
