Wondering what can go down a garbage disposal without causing problems? This is a question that many people have. Garbage disposals are designed to break down food waste so it can easily be disposed of down the drain. However, there are some things you should never put down a garbage disposal. We’ll take you through some garbage disposal do’s and don’ts in this guide.
Here’s What Can Go Down a Garbage Disposal
There are quite a few things that can go down the disposal, that’s what makes them so convenient. Here is a list of some things that can go down your garbage disposal:
What to Put in the Garbage Disposal
Fruit and vegetable scraps: Almost all vegetables and fruits can be put down in the sink. There are a few exceptions like avocado pits and peels, but for the most part, anything goes!
Cooked meat scraps: Most meat scraps can also be put down the disposal. Just make sure that you don’t put any big bones down, as these can damage the blades.
Ice: Ice can go down the disposal and it can actually help clean it out and remove any bad smells.
Small amounts of rice or grains: Rice is another food that can go down the disposal in small amounts. With any small grains like this, it just needs to be very small bits at a time, as it can expand in the pipes and cause a blockage.
What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal
Now that we’ve gone over what can go down a garbage disposal, let’s talk about what cannot go down one. Here is a list of items that you should never put down your garbage disposal:
Grease and oil: These items can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs.
Bones: Bones should never be put down a garbage disposal. They can damage the blades and also get caught in the drain, causing clogs.
Nuts: Nuts can also damage the blades of your garbage disposal. Additionally, they can get caught in the drain, causing clogs.
Pasta and rice: These items can expand in water and cause clogs.
Peels: Large amounts of potato, carrot, and other peels can get stuck and even after being cut up can still cause clogs. If you put peels in the disposal, make sure it’s a very small amount at a time with a lot of water.
Large bones: Large bones can damage the blades of your garbage disposal and also get caught in the drain, causing clogs.
Cheese: Cheese is high in fats and can clog your garbage disposal and drain.
Beans: Beans can expand in water and cause clogs.
Fruit pits: Fruit pits can damage the blades of your garbage disposal.
What to Do When Your Garbage Disposal Breaks
As you can see, there are quite a few things on the list of what can go can down a garbage disposal. However, there are also quite a few things that you should never put down your disposal to prevent malfunctions. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not something can go down your garbage disposal, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it in the trash. And when you need fast appliance repair for a faulty disposal, Callahan’s is just a quick call away. And for more tips like how to fix a loud dishwasher or why your dryer stinks, check out our blog!
