Your garbage disposal eats a lot of food on the regular, and is quite a handy tool for easy clean up in the kitchen. Here are the top five foods to keep out of your disposal to eliminate any unpleasant smells from your sink and keep it working in tip top shape.
1.) “Stringy” foods
Celery, asparagus, corn husks and potato skins can wrap around the disposal blades causing it to potentially damage the motor. If you do chose to use these foods in the disposal, do so in small pieces and quantities.
2.) Hard foods
Hard parts of food such as fruit pits, seeds and bones can dull and blend the blades. These foods can cause a jam in the disposal which results in a clog.
3.) Greasy Foods
Avoid pouring grease, oil and fatty foods into the drain. The water cannot break down the base of these foods and a film will build on the blades causing them to function improperly. A clog can occur after the oils and greasy foods solidify.
4.) Expandable Foods
Pasta, rice and other starchy foods will expand when combined with water. The size increase can result in a blocked disposal.
5.) Egg Shells
It is a popular belief that egg shells sharpen disposal blades. The truth is quite the opposite. Egg shells will deteriorate into a grainy state, which, when combined with other foods, can cause a back-up in the disposal.
Staying away from discarding these foods in the disposal should help with its longevity. It is also important to always remember to run COLD water when using the disposal.
