Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

If your Brookline rental residence has a garbage disposal, you could potentially have different mentality regarding it. Others approve of them, but others also disapprove of them because the disposal always seems to break down, commonly causing yet larger dilemmas. The wonderful news is that a great number of these breakdowns can be avoided by researching the methods to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. So even though it’s accurate that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by observing 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 used correspondingly. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much more efficacious substitute than stinking up a garbage can. Some biodegradable food items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, scraps of meat, and small pieces of citrus rinds, can be put down garbage disposal.

Having said that, there are certain big exceptions to that rule. Anything hard, like eggshells, bones, and fruit pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. Just the same for coffee grounds and popcorn kernels, which will clatter on all sides and get stuck in the disposal’s blades. Different foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels should also be shunned because their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Putting several of these items in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Undoubtedly, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your cooking area.

Normally, a garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad because of decomposing food and grease that can get 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 assists to flush out accumulating food matter. They also encourage 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 now and then. Both will assist to clean the blades and make your disposal smelling fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can logically shy away from costly expenditures and keep your rental property’s garbage disposal running well for ages.

Even good preventative measures won’t help much unless you are cleaning the property’s garbage disposal regularly. To become aware, consider using a professional guide to cleaning your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. Furthermore, if you have setbacks concerning garbage disposal use and maintenance, be sure to ask 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 so, check our available listings. If you are a property homeowner seeking supervision support, contact us online or reach us at 617-996-0708.