Owning a home or managing a property comes with its fair share of responsibilities; among these, ensuring the optimal function of your appliances is paramount. Garbage disposal is a critical but often overlooked component of home maintenance. This article will guide you through a simple, yet comprehensive monthly checklist to keep your garbage disposal in top shape, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
Understanding Your Garbage Disposal
Before diving into maintenance, it’s essential to understand what your garbage disposal does and why it’s important. This appliance is designed to grind food waste into small pieces that can be easily washed away through your plumbing system. Not only does this make kitchen cleanup easier, but it also helps to prevent plumbing issues and keeps your home smelling fresh.
- Run Cold Water and Grind: Turn on cold water: Start by running cold water for about 30 seconds before activating the disposal. Cold water helps to solidify grease and prevents it from clinging to the blades. With the cold water running, turn on the disposal and gradually feed small food scraps. Avoid overloading the disposal, as this can cause jamming. After grinding the food scraps, let the cold water run for an additional 30 seconds. This helps flush out any remaining particles and prevents them from accumulating in the disposal unit.
- Deodorize and Clean: Once a month, use natural deodorizers to combat unpleasant odors. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps to deodorize and loosen any buildup. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing with cold water.
- Alternatively, you can use citrus peels from lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. Grind the peels with cold water to freshen the disposal naturally.
- Grind Ice Cubes: Sharpen the blades: Once every two months, grind a cup of ice cubes with cold water running. The ice cubes act as a natural abrasive, helping to sharpen the disposal blades and remove any accumulated grease.
- Check for Leaks and Jams: Regularly check for any leaks around the disposal unit and connections. Look for signs of moisture damage or water pooling under the sink. If the disposal jams, locate the reset button (usually located on the underside of the unit) and press it firmly. If the jam persists, do not force it and consider consulting a professional.
What NOT to Put Down the Garbage Disposal
- Fibrous materials: Avoid putting stringy or fibrous materials like celery, corn husks, and banana peels down the disposal. These can wrap around the blades and cause them to jam.
- Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are not only difficult for the disposal to grind, but they can also contribute to grease buildup and clogging.
- Eggshells and bones: These hard materials can dull the blades and even damage the disposal unit.
- Fats and oils: Fats and oils solidify when they cool, leading to clogs and hindering the disposal’s performance. Instead, wipe them off with a paper towel and discard them in the trash.
Why Choose Kaminskiy Care and Repair Service?
At Kaminskiy Care and Repair, we understand the importance of a functioning garbage disposal in your home. Our team of experienced professionals is proficient in diagnosing and repairing all types of garbage disposal issues, ensuring your kitchen stays efficient and odor-free.
We offer Upfront pricing because we believe in transparency, so you’ll know the full cost of repairs before we begin any work.
Additionally, We stand behind our work and offer a satisfaction guarantee on all services performed.
Don’t let a faulty garbage disposal disrupt your daily routine.
Contact Kaminskiy Care and Repair Service today for a free consultation and let our experts help you maintain a smooth-running and odor-free kitchen.
