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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garbage Disposals

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.

[navdad]

on 8/31/2007 Are garbage disposals safe for septic systems and leaching fields?

[navdad]

on 8/31/2007 Are garbage disposals safe for septic systems and leashing fields?

[Kevin1231]

on 4/27/2007 Malodors are created by bacteria, yeast and mold in the disposal chamber. Makes sense; warm, moist and full of decaying food particles. Lemons and other home remedies mask the odor, but do not address the root cause. Spring Again and Disposer Care are two products that address the problem. In S.A.'s case, about $1/month insures success (less expensive than lemons).

on 6/30/2006 Don't forget to clean the rubber 'mouth' of the disposal, especially the part you don't see - all sorts of bacteria collect there. Use a long-handled brush with some cleaner with bleach, and see all the smelly black stuff come out!

on 3/2/2006 Put the plug in and fill the sink up with hot water. Add half a table spoon of baking soda and mix in. Turn on the disposer and quickly pull out the plug. This fills the entire disposer and pipe up with water, so the baking soda can clean everywhere!