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Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

Sink with Water Flowing Down into a Garbage DisposalIf your Prosper rental home has a garbage disposal, you may have varying judgments concerning it. Well, there are people like them, but some hate the way the disposal always seems to break down, most of the time resulting in even a bigger hassle. The superb news is that a good deal of these breakdowns can be avoided by first comprehending how to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. Though it’s correct that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by obeying a few simple rules it is possible to keep yours clean and functional.

Garbage disposal is one of the utmost helpful kitchen appliances when it is operated to its full ability. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much preferable solution than stinking up a garbage can. Majority of the biodegradable food items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, scraps of meat, and small pieces of citrus rinds, can be put down a garbage disposal without any predicaments.

Anyway, there are exceptions to that norm. Anything hard, like eggshells, bones, and fruit pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. The same goes for coffee grounds and popcorn kernels, which will rattle everywhere and get stuck in the disposal’s blades. Other foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels must also be avoided as their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Sticking any of these in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Categorically, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your kitchen.

From time to time, a garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad as to result of decomposing food and grease that can get eventually get trapped in and around the disposal. Mold and bacteria can also grow on rubber strainer flanges and other areas, causing odors. The pros at Mr. Rooter suggest keeping odors away by running cold water every time you use the disposal, which helps flush out accumulating food matter. They also advise running the disposal a bit longer than when the grinding noises even out, about five extra seconds. To clean your disposal blades, try putting ice cubes and citrus peels in it every once in a while. Both will benefit by cleaning the blades and making your disposal smell fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can better elude costly repairs and keep your rental property’s garbage disposal running well forever.

Even good preventative measures won’t help much unless you are cleaning the property’s garbage disposal regularly. To learn how, consider using a professional guide to cleaning your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. Furthermore, if you have queries about garbage disposal use and maintenance, remember to seek an answer from your landlord, property management company, or plumbing professional. Asking a question could mean the difference between a functional garbage disposal and a greasy, soupy mess in your sink.

Are you looking for a great new rental property? If so, check out our available listings. If you are a property owner looking for management services, contact us online or call us at 214-721-0727.

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