Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

If your Hyrum rental property has a garbage disposal, you might potentially have contrasting judgment regarding it. Some individuals opt for them, but others have no liking for it because the disposal always seems to break down, generally causing troublesome repairs.  The positive news is that a plethora of these breakdowns can be avoided beforehand by apprehending how to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. So meanwhile it’s well-known that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by following 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 maintained well. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much better preference than stinking up the kitchen garbage can. Most biodegradable food items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, scraps of meat, and small pieces of citrus rinds, can be put down garbage disposal devoid of any problems.

In any event, there are infrequent big exceptions to that order. Anything hard, like eggshells, bones, and fruit pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. The same goes for coffee grounds and popcorn kernels, which will rattle around and get stuck in the disposal’s blades.  Different foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels need to be skipped out on because their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Forcing those in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Also, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your kitchen.

It is possible that the garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad as a result 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 aids in flushing out accumulating food matter. They also urge 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 infrequently. Both will assist in cleaning the blades and will make your disposal smell fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can easily avoid costly repairs and keep your rental property’s garbage disposal running well.

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 clean your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. Moreover, if you have concerns towards 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, have a look at our available listings. If you are a property holder searching for a management company contact us online or phone us at 435-753-5200.