Garbage Disposal Care and Maintenence Tips

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal.

 

Your garbage disposal is an integral kitchen feature that enables proper waste management. Also known as a waste disposal unit or a garburator, this useful feature is strategically located below the kitchen sink. The device shreds food waste which makes it easier to be ferried by plumbing. This helps to keep old garbage smells away from the kitchen. Your disposal unit can serve you well for several years if well maintained. Below is a guide.

Step 1 – For Daily Clean

Pour a small amount of dish detergent into your sink. Run some water to make suds. Turn on the garburator and allow the soapy water to flush through the unit. It will clear most of the debris from the disposal unit. Let cold water run for about a minute after the disposal unit has cleared the food. It will push the food waste as far down the drain as possible. Once the water has flowed through, turn off the unit. Remove the screen and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse well and replace. For a more thorough clean, follow the steps below.

Step 2 – Flush the Disposal

Turn on the disposal unit. Flush plenty of cold water through the unit to clear as much of the food remnants as possible.

Step 3 – Use Ice Cubes

Pour ice cubes into the unit and run some water. Turn on the unit so that the crushed cubes   can clear food remnants from the grinders. Flush some more water after the cubes have passed through.

Step 4 – Clean with Detergent

Turn off the unit and remove the screen to the drain. Scrub the screen with an old toothbrush and some detergent. Rinse it well and put aside. Apply some detergent into the drain and scrub well with the toothbrush. Rinse the drain thoroughly.

Step 5 – Sanitize

Place half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the disposal unit. Allow about 10 minutes for the mixture to work. It helps to remove odors from the unit. Run plenty of cold water through the disposal.

Step 6 – Deodorize

Cut a lemon, lime or orange into small pieces. Place the citrus pieces into the disposal. Turn on the disposal and allow some water to run through for a minute. It will leave your disposal with a fresh and pleasant smell.

TipsIt is best to thorough clean your disposal unit once a week or every 2 weeks. This will help prevent blockages and jams.Cut large food remnants into smaller bits before you place in the unit. Feed food waste into the unit in small portions to prevent clogs.It is best not to place starchy and fibrous items in the disposal. These become thick and matted once in the unit and cause blockages.Do not pour grease into the disposal as this can clog the drain. Do not place hard items such as plastics, toys, glass or nails into the disposal.Keep a trash can beside your sink. It allows convenient disposal of material that shouldn’t go into the garburator.