A garbage disposal is an easy way to get rid of peels, clippings, and other general “trash” that falls into our sinks. Who wants to scoop all that stuff out with our hands? It’s a garbage disposal, after all, right?
But this handy appliance is not a trash can. There are quite a few surprising items that should never be put down the disposal. Avoiding these items should prolong the life and quality performance of your unit.
1-RICE AND PASTA
It doesn’t matter if it is cooked… it will not breakdown and will continue to swell as more water runs down your sink and will eventually clog the trap.
2-ANIMAL/POULTRY BONES:
The disposal is not sharp enough or strong enough to break the bones down enough to go through the drain and are the most common cause of jams and failures.
3-GREASE:
Grease will solidify and clog the drain line.
4-BANANAS, LETTUCE, POTATO PEELS:
No, these should not be put down the disposal. Their fibrous, tough, stringy peels and consistency will jam up or clog the grinder.
5-EGG SHELLS:
They do not sharpen the blades. The shells will continue to bit grind small enough and build up eventually clogging the drain line.
6-FINGERS:
It just doesn’t pay to stick your fingers in the disposal to fish that bottlecap or spoon out. Unplug the unit from under the sink and then retrieve the item.
Take care of that disposal and don’t treat it as a trash can and it will take care of you for a long time!
