Safe: soft food scraps, small bones, most fruits and veggies, cooked meat.
- Avoid: fibrous waste, grease, coffee grounds, starchy foods, large bones.
- Always run cold water before, during, and after use to prevent clogs.
What Foods Are Safe to Put in a Garbage Disposal?
Most soft and small food scraps are fine. Cooked meat pieces, small bones, and fish skins grind easily. Citrus peels and apple cores are safe, and they help deodorize the unit. Eggshells are okay in small amounts, though some plumbers advise against them. Always cut larger items into smaller chunks before feeding. Run cold water throughout the process to move waste through the drain.
What Should You Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal?
Fibrous vegetables like celery, corn husks, and artichokes can wrap around the blades. Grease and oil solidify and clog pipes, so pour them into a container instead. Coffee grounds accumulate and form a thick sludge over time. Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand with water and create blockages. Large bones and non-food items can damage the motor or blades.
How to Use a Garbage Disposal Correctly
Turn on the cold water before you start the disposal. Feed scraps gradually, not all at once. Let the disposal run for a few seconds after grinding stops to flush everything. Avoid using hot water, as it can melt grease and cause clogs. Clean the unit weekly with ice cubes and a little dish soap. This sharpens blades and removes buildup.
Which Garbage Disposal Is Best for Your Kitchen?
Continuous feed models are common and allow you to add scraps while running. Batch feed units require a stopper and are safer for households with kids. Motor power ranges from 1/3 to 1 horsepower; choose at least 1/2 HP for average use. Consider noise levels and warranty length when comparing brands. Look for stainless steel grinding components for durability.
What Are Common Garbage Disposal Problems and Fixes?
A humming sound often means the impeller is jammed; turn off power and use an Allen wrench to free it. Persistent clogs may come from grease or fibrous waste, so check the drain trap. If the disposal resets, press the reset button on the bottom. Strange odors can be removed with citrus peels or baking soda. Call a plumber if problems persist after basic troubleshooting.