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Garbage Disposals: What Can and Can NOT Go in Them

Sink with Water Flowing Down into a Garbage DisposalIf your Gallatin County rental housing has a garbage disposal, you might have strong feelings about it. Some folks appreciate them, while some resent the way the disposal always seems to break down, incessantly giving rise to yet immense setbacks. The pleasing news is that masses of these breakdowns can be avoided by acquiring how to use and clean garbage disposal properly, preventing damage and expensive repairs. So despite the truth that disposals are prone to bad smells and clogs if not used and cleaned regularly, by recognizing a few simple rules it is possible to keep yours clean and functional.

The garbage disposal is one of the prevailing helpful kitchen appliances when it is used satisfactorily. Food scraps can be safely disposed of in a kitchen garbage disposal, a much more ideal option than stinking up a garbage can. Several biodegradable food items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, scraps of meat, and small pieces of citrus rinds, can be put down garbage disposal free of any downsides.

Still, there are big exceptions to that rule. Anything hard, like eggshells, bones, and fruit pits should never be put in a garbage disposal. Similarly for coffee grounds and popcorn kernels, which will hurtle around over and over and get stuck in the disposal’s blades. Miscellaneous foods like celery, pasta, rice, and potato peels ought to be avoided because their stringy, starchy fibers can easily clog garbage disposal. Using anyof these components in your garbage disposal may cause your entire appliance to break down. Unequivocally, grease should never be poured into the disposal. It coats the pipes and can lead to clogs and bad odors in your galley.

Every so often, a garbage disposal may still end up smelling bad because of decomposing food and grease that can get trapped in and around the disposal. Mold and bacteria can also grow on rubber strainer flanges and other areas, causing odors. The pros at Mr. Rooter suggest keeping odors away by running cold water every time you use the disposal, which serves to flush out accumulating food matter. They likewise advise running the disposal a bit longer than when the grinding noises even out, about five extra seconds. To clean your disposal blades, try putting ice cubes and citrus peels in it periodically.  Either one will help clean the blades and make your disposal smell fresh. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can suitably abstain from expensive repairs and keep your rental property’s garbage disposal running well for a long time.

Even good preventative measures won’t help much unless you are cleaning the property’s garbage disposal regularly. To familiarize yourself, consider using a professional guide to clean your appliance, such as the one found on the Mr. Rooter website. In addition to this, if you have inquiries connected to garbage disposal use and maintenance, be sure to ask your landlord, property management company, or plumbing professional. Asking a question could mean the difference between a functional garbage disposal and a greasy, soupy mess in your sink.

Are you looking for a great new rental property? If so, look at our available listings. If you are a property occupant looking for help to manage your properties, contact us online or telephone us at 406-586-2226.

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