Introduction
Garbage disposals are modern kitchen conveniences that make cleanup faster and easier — until something goes wrong. Many homeowners unknowingly misuse their disposals, leading to clogs, foul smells, and costly repairs. To keep your garbage disposal humming happily for years to come, it’s essential to know what should never go down the drain.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to garbage disposal no-nos every homeowner should keep in mind.
1. Grease, Fats, and Oils
It might seem harmless to rinse cooking grease down with hot water, but as grease cools, it solidifies, sticking to pipes and creating stubborn clogs. Over time, this can lead to serious blockages not only in your home but also in municipal sewer lines (a phenomenon known as “fatbergs”).
Tip: Instead, pour cooled grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Fibrous Vegetables
Celery, corn husks, onion skins, and asparagus have tough, stringy fibers that can wrap around the disposal’s blades, jam the motor, or clog the pipes.
Tip: Compost fibrous vegetable scraps instead of putting them down the disposal.
3. Coffee Grounds
While it’s tempting to wash coffee grounds away, they can clump together in your pipes and form a dense, sludgy mess.
Tip: Add used coffee grounds to your compost pile or toss them in the trash.
4. Eggshells
There’s a myth that eggshells sharpen disposal blades — but in reality, the thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around the grinder, and the shell fragments can contribute to clogging.
Tip: Compost eggshells to give your garden a calcium boost instead.
5. Bones
Garbage disposals aren’t designed to handle hard materials like chicken bones, pork ribs, or beef bones. Trying to grind them can damage the blades and motor.
Tip: Throw bones in the trash or save them for broth (then dispose of properly).
6. Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice expand with water, even after cooking, which can cause a gummy, sticky mess in your pipes. In a confined disposal environment, they clump together and form nasty blockages.
Tip: Scrape excess pasta and rice into the trash before rinsing dishes.
7. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Peach pits, avocado seeds, and similar items are too hard for your disposal to handle. They can jam the blades or burn out the motor trying to grind them.
Tip: Throw pits and large seeds directly into the trash.
8. Non-Food Items
Paper towels, napkins, plastic wrappers, and other non-food waste should never go into the garbage disposal. These items can severely clog or damage your system.
Tip: Keep a trash can nearby to encourage proper disposal of non-food items.
9. Large Amounts of Food at Once
Even if the food is “disposal-safe,” stuffing too much into the disposal at once can overwhelm the system and cause a backup.
Tip: Feed food scraps gradually into the disposal while running cold water.
Best Practices for Garbage Disposal Care
- Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help food scraps move smoothly.
- Clean the disposal regularly with a mixture of ice cubes and rock salt or a vinegar and baking soda combo.
- Use it regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Listen for unusual noises — grinding or humming sounds can indicate something is stuck.
Final Thoughts
Garbage disposals are workhorses when used correctly, but a little care and common sense go a long way. By avoiding these common disposal mistakes and following basic maintenance tips, homeowners can ensure their kitchens stay efficient and avoid expensive plumbing disasters.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out — your garbage disposal will thank you!
Recent Comments