A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that helps manage food waste efficiently. However, like any other appliance, it needs proper care and maintenance to keep functioning smoothly. When you live in a bustling city like Los Angeles, a well-operating garbage disposal can make your kitchen chores much easier.

In this article, we’ll dive into some easy tricks to keep your Los Angeles garbage disposal working at its best. From understanding what not to put down the drain to learning how to clean and deodorize it with natural methods, these tips will help you avoid common problems. 

Know What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

To keep your garbage disposal working smoothly, it’s important to know what not to put down the drain. Certain materials can cause clogs, damage the blades, or even harm the disposal unit itself. By avoiding these items, you can keep your disposal in good shape for longer.

1. Fibrous Foods: Foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks can wrap around the blades and cause jams. These fibrous materials can also block the drain.

2. Grease and Oil: Pouring grease, oil, or fat down the disposal might seem harmless at first. However, these substances can solidify and clog your pipes, leading to drainage issues.

3. Bones and Hard Items: Bones, pits from fruits, and other hard items can dull the blades and even damage the motor. These items are too tough for most garbage disposals to handle.

4. Coffee Grounds: While some people think coffee grounds help clean the disposal, they actually create a sludge that can clog your pipes. It’s best to compost coffee grounds or throw them in the trash.

5. Eggshells: Eggshells can create a similar problem as coffee grounds. The membranous lining can also wrap around the blades and cause jams.

6. Pasta and Rice: These foods expand when soaked in water and can expand further in your pipes, causing blockages. Always throw them in the trash instead.

7. Non-Food Items: Never put items like paper, plastic, or metal down the disposal. These can cause serious damage to the blades and motor.

Regular Maintenance Tips for a Smooth-Running Disposal

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garbage disposal in top shape. With a few simple steps, you can prevent clogs, reduce odors, and ensure your disposal functions properly.

1. Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up and flush it away.

2. Use Ice Cubes: Grinding a few ice cubes in your garbage disposal can help keep the blades sharp and remove any build-up inside the unit. Do this once a month for the best results.

3. Clean the Rubber Baffle: The rubber baffle—the flap that sits at the top of the disposal—can collect food particles and grime. Clean it regularly by scrubbing it with an old toothbrush and some dish soap.

4. Avoid Overloading: Avoid putting too much food into the disposal at once. Feed the waste slowly to help the disposal chop it up more effectively.

5. Grind Citrus Peels: Grinding small pieces of citrus peels like lemon or orange can freshen up your disposal and help eliminate odors. The natural oils in the peels also help clean the blades.

6. Flush with Dish Soap: Every week, squirt a little dish soap into the disposal and run cold water. This helps clean out any grease, oils, or food particles that may have accumulated.

7. Inspect Regularly: Take a look under your sink every few months to ensure there are no leaks or signs of wear and tear. Catching small issues early can prevent bigger problems down the line.

Natural Ways to Clean and Deodorize Your Disposal

Keeping your garbage disposal clean and odor-free can be simple and natural, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are some effective and eco-friendly methods to maintain a fresh-smelling disposal:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: One of the best natural cleaners is a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. This helps to break down grease and deodorize your disposal.

2. Citrus Peels: Grinding up citrus peels, like those from lemons, limes, or oranges, can freshen up your disposal. The natural oils in the peels act as a deodorizer, leaving a pleasant scent. For extra cleaning power, freeze the peels in ice cubes before grinding them.

3. Salt and Ice Cubes: A combination of ice cubes and coarse salt can be used to clean the disposal blades. The ice helps to remove stuck-on food, while the salt acts as a scrub. Just pour a handful of ice cubes and a few tablespoons of salt into the disposal and run it with cold water for 10-15 seconds.

4. Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or tea tree oil, to your disposal for an extra boost of freshness. Oils with antibacterial properties can help tackle any lingering germs.

Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues

Even with proper care, garbage disposals can sometimes run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Disposal Won’t Turn On: If your disposal isn’t working, first check to see if it’s plugged in. Next, check the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If it’s popped out, press it back in. If this doesn’t work, ensure that your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

2. Clogs: If your sink is draining slowly or is completely clogged, try using a plunger to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you might need to manually remove the clog. Turn off the power to the disposal and use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris.

3. Strange Noises: Unusual noises like grinding or metallic sounds could mean there’s something stuck in the disposal. Turn off the unit and carefully inspect the inside. Remove any foreign objects with tongs or pliers.

4. Leaks: If you notice water leaking from your disposal, inspect the unit’s seals and plumbing connections. Check if the mounting bolts are tight and look for any cracks in the unit. Depending on the source of the leak, a seal or the entire unit may need replacing.

5. Odors: Persistent bad smells might require a deeper cleaning. Use the baking soda and vinegar method or grind citrus peels to tackle stubborn odors.

Conclusion

Keeping your garbage disposal in top working condition doesn’t have to be complicated. By knowing what not to put down your disposal, regularly maintaining it, cleaning it with natural solutions, and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure it runs smoothly for years. Using these easy tricks will help you avoid costly repairs and maintain a fresh and efficient kitchen environment.

If you’re experiencing persistent problems with your garbage disposal or need professional maintenance, look no further than Coast to Coast Plumbing and Rooter. Our plumbers in Los Angeles are ready to help you keep your kitchen running smoothly. Call us today!