4 Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

The first tip for maintaining your garbage disposal is to use it. Even if you don't have a lot of food scraps to dispose of, it's still a good idea to run the disposal every few days. This will help keep the impellers from freezing in place. It can also help prevent any food particles from building up inside the unit.

The second tip is to be careful about what you send down. Many units can’t handle large pieces of food or tough items like bones, shellfish shells, or grease. Those items can damage the impellers or clog the drain. Instead, it's a good idea to cut large items into small pieces first. And avoid putting anything that's tough or greasy into the disposal.

The third tip is to clean your disposal regularly. Over time, food particles and other debris can build up inside the unit. That can lead to unpleasant odors and the potential for clogs. To clean your disposal, you can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar.

The fourth tip is to avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your disposal. Many drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage your disposal. They can even harm the environment with extended use. Instead, stick to using baking soda, vinegar, and a stiff brush to freshen the disposal.