7 Items To Never Put Down A Garbage Disposal, According To Experts

The convenience of a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink cannot be overstated. It’s a great tool for dealing with food waste and keeping your kitchen clean. However, not everything is meant for the disposal. In fact, certain items can cause significant damage to your disposal system or create plumbing issues.

Here’s a list of seven items that experts advise you should never put down your garbage disposal.

1. Coffee Grounds

While it might seem harmless, coffee grounds can accumulate and form a sediment-like consistency in your pipes, leading to clogs. Instead, consider adding them to a compost pile.

2. Eggshells

The myth that eggshells sharpen disposal blades is just that—a myth. Eggshells can break into tiny pieces, and their membrane layers can stick to the sides of the disposal, causing blockages.

3. Grease and Oils

Pouring grease or oil down your disposal is a big no-no. They can solidify inside your plumbing, causing blockages. It’s best to let them cool and dispose of them in the trash.

4. Pasta and Rice

These foods expand when soaked in water and can swell inside your pipes, causing clogs. It’s better to throw them in the trash or compost them.

5. Potato Peels

Potato peels can create a starchy paste inside your disposal, leading to clogs. Composting them or throwing them in the trash is a safer alternative.

6. Fibrous Vegetables

Vegetables like celery, asparagus, or corn husks have long fibers that can tangle around your disposal’s blades. It’s safer to compost them or dispose of them in the trash.

7. Bones and Hard Objects

Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to grind hard objects like bones or fruit pits. These can blunt the blades and potentially damage the disposal mechanism.

Conclusion

Taking care of your garbage disposal is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. Avoiding these seven items can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your disposal continues to run smoothly.

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to use the trash can!

Leave a Comment