How to Use a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is one of those appliances that most people don't think about very often - but what a hard worker this powerful tool is. Here's how to use it properly and safely.

Things You'll Need

• Garbage Disposals

Instructions

1. Turn on the cold water.

2. Turn on the garbage disposal.

3. Feed the disposal a little at a time. Take care to keep utensils and your hands out of the drain.

4. Let the food clear the disposal - you can hear when it's clear.

5. Turn the disposal off.

6. Let the water run for 15 to 30 seconds more to flush the pipe.

7. Turn the water off.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to put bones and other hard things into the disposal. It's made for that and the extra roughage is good for it.

• Toss some citrus peels in once in a while to keep the disposal smelling good.

• Run the disposal after draining the dish water.

• Corn husks and other high-fiber items shouldn't be put into the disposal as they may clog the drain.

• Garbage disposals are dangerous. Keep your hands far from moving parts.