Top foods to not put down your garbage disposal
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and avoid potential issues, it's important to avoid putting certain items down it. Here are some top things you should never put down your garbage disposal:
Grease and Oils: Fats can solidify and clog the pipes over time.
Stringy or Fibrous Foods: Fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, and onion skins can get tangled in the disposal blades.
Bones: Hard materials like bones can damage the disposal blades.
Coffee Grounds: They might seem harmless, but they can accumulate and create a sludgy mess.
Eggshells: The membrane inside the shell can wrap around the disposal blades.
Fruit Pits and Seeds: Hard pits and seeds can damage the disposal blades.
Starchy Foods: Pasta, rice, and potato peels can turn into a paste and cause blockages.
Non-Food Items: Never put non-food items, plastic, metal, or glass down the disposal.
Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the disposal and harm the environment.
Large Quantities of Food at Once: Overloading the disposal can lead to inefficiency and clogs.
Remember, always run cold water while using the disposal and let it continue running for a few seconds after turning it off to ensure everything is flushed away properly. If you're ever unsure, consult your appliance's manual or a professional for guidance.