You probably don’t think about your garbage disposal unless there’s a problem with the appliance. Nothing can put a damper on your day like a broken garbage disposal. It can bring your daily routine to a halt, turn your kitchen into a frustrating mess, and even create unpleasant odors that linger throughout your home. The good news is, proper maintenance can help you extend your garbage disposal’s lifespan and save you money in the long run.
In this article, we’ll share weekly maintenance tips that will help extend your garbage disposal’s lifespan. Regular care not only extends the life of your disposal but also keeps a wide range of problems at bay. If you’re looking for a plumbing repair service providing garbage disposal installation or repair, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita.
Run Cold Water Before and After Use
Run cold water for about 15 seconds before and after you use your garbage disposal. Cold water helps solidify any grease or oils so they can be chopped up and flushed through the drain line instead of coating the inside of your pipes. Hot water may seem like a better idea, but it can soften fats and allow them to stick to the blades and plumbing.
Clear Out Residue with Dish Soap
Squirt a small amount of dish soap into the disposal while it's running with cold water. This helps remove greasy residue, washes down any remaining food particles, and keeps the chamber cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage your disposal's internal components over time.
Freshen Up with Natural Cleaners
To keep odors at bay, pour a mixture of half a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz and work its way through for about 10–15 minutes before flushing the system with cold water. This natural combo not only neutralizes odors but also helps break down organic buildup that can accumulate on the blades and walls.
Use Ice Cubes for Blade Cleaning
Ice cubes are a fantastic tool for scrubbing the disposal's grinding components. Once a week, toss in a handful of ice cubes and run the disposal with cold water. As the blades chop the ice, it helps remove gunk from hard-to-reach areas and sharpens the grinding surfaces slightly. For added freshness, freeze vinegar in ice cube trays and use those for an extra deodorizing effect. If you need help from a qualified plumber, reach out to the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita.
Avoid Feeding the Wrong Foods
Take time each week to remind yourself or family members of what not to put in the garbage disposal. Avoid stringy vegetables like celery, banana peels, potato skins, coffee grounds, bones, eggshells, and starchy leftovers like rice or pasta. These items can either wrap around the blades, expand in the drain, or overwhelm the system.
Check for Leaks and Strange Sounds
While you’re doing your weekly cleaning, take a quick moment to inspect the disposal and pipes underneath the sink for any signs of leaking water. Listen for unusual grinding or rattling sounds during use. These could be signs of a foreign object in the chamber or worn parts that may need attention. Call a nearby plumbing repair service to inspect your garbage disposal when you notice signs of disrepair.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for Garbage Disposal Installation and Maintenance
If you ever have trouble with your garbage disposal, reach out to the knowledgeable and experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita. We hope that your disposal stays in peak condition and trouble-free, but if anything goes wrong, we are here to provide effective repairs. Call us today for professional garbage disposal installation and repair.
