A garbage disposal unit is one of those modern conveniences many of us simply can’t do without. It allows you to eliminate waste easily and quickly without having to carry out garbage bags for the collectors to pick up every week.
But it is important to note that garbage disposal units aren’t meant to take the place of garbage or recycling bins. They should be used only for the specific purposes for which they are intended and should be subjected to periodic repair and maintenance.
The good news is that most modern garbage disposal units are quite durable and designed for years of service. Even so, it is crucial to use them properly and not subject them to materials and conditions that could cause undue wear and tear.
The Do’s and Dont’s of Using Your Garbage Disposal Unit
So how do you take care of your garbage disposal unit? What factors could cause them to break down sooner than expected? Here are the most important do’s and don’ts of garbage disposal usage:
Do’s
Use only cold water. Pouring cold water down the drain might not seem like a good idea, but that’s actually what most modern garbage disposal units are designed for. Hot water will cause fat and grease to melt and break down, possibly causing costly problems in the future.
Use your garbage disposal unit often. Most manufacturers recommend using your garbage disposal unit as frequently as possible. Doing so keeps the movable parts moving and functioning optimally and prevents the accumulation of wastewater that can obstruct the system.
Continue to use your garbage bins. A garbage disposal unit is undoubtedly convenient, so much so that many people are tempted to use it exclusively to get rid of garbage. But continuing to use your trash and recycle bins is the way to go, as your garbage disposal system won’t replace these other options. There are many things you shouldn’t put in there, so you will still need some place to store your non-biodegradable trash.
Keep your garbage disposal unit clean. It is vital to keep your garbage disposal unit clean to keep it functioning optimally. Food waste and debris can accumulate in the system over time, resulting in foul smells and impaired performance. Periodically emptying the receptacle and running diluted liquid dish soap through it should be enough to clear it out.
Cut large pieces of garbage. Clogged or blocked garbage disposal units are often the result of pushing large pieces of food down the drain. It is always best to cut food waste into smaller chunks that the blades can manage more easily. Doing so will help ensure the longevity of your system.
Dont’s
Don’t sharpen the blades. There’s no need to sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal unit. The impellers in these machines are actually blunt, which might surprise most users. They do a great job of cutting up food matter in any case, so there’s no reason to sharpen them by placing ice chunks or eggshells down the drain.
Do not use hot water. Using hot water with your garbage disposal unit might seem like a good idea, but this is one of the worst things you can do. While hot water does break down grease and fat, that only makes it easier for them to course through the pipes. That could cause more problems when they harden later.
Do not turn off the motor right away. Most people are accustomed to turning off the water and then the garbage disposal unit immediately afterward. But it is better to keep the water and the motor running until all the garbage is ground up. The water should also be left running for at least 15 seconds after grinding all the food.
Do not use strong chemicals. Bleach and other strong chemicals should never be used with a garbage disposal unit. Although these substances seem to help clean the machine’s interior, they can hasten wear and tear and eventually affect the unit’s performance.
Do not stuff your garbage disposal unit. No matter how powerful the cutting mechanism of a garbage disposal unit might seem, stuffing it full of garbage is never a good idea. Most systems are designed to handle only small portions of waste at a time and can become clogged when you try to put too much in at once.
Conclusion
A garbage disposal unit from a reputable manufacturer should last a long time with proper care and maintenance. It is also important to know what they are designed for and what they can safely handle. Remember the do’s and don’ts of garbage disposal usage as described above, and your unit should give you years of reliable service.
