Tips for Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

The Unsung Hero of Your Kitchen

As homeowners, we often take our garbage disposal for granted. This nifty device tucked away under our sink does a fantastic job of grinding up small food scraps and making dish cleaning a breeze. However, like any appliance, it requires maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape.

Keep reading to learn about:

• Cleaning your disposal,
• Deodorizing your disposal,
• Preventing fruit flies, and
• Troubleshooting disposal problems.

Tips for a Fresh and Functional Disposal

Keeping your garbage disposal clean is not just about maintaining a hygienic kitchen; it’s also about functionality and longevity. Over time,

Step-by-Step Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar:

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal.
2. Follow it with a cup of white vinegar.
3. Let the combination fizzle and sit for about 10 minutes to break down grime.
4. Boil a pot of water and pour it down the disposal to flush out any loosened debris.
5. For added freshness, grind some citrus peels or add a few drops of dish soap while running cold water through the disposal.

Preventive Measures and Fruit Fly Prevention

One frequent issue reported with garbage disposals and kitchen drains is the persistent presence of fruit flies. If you struggle to eliminate fruit flies, it could be an issue with how you care for your garbage disposal. Fruit flies are particularly drawn to garbage disposals due to the accumulation of food particles and moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for them.

Tips for keeping fruit flies away from your disposal:

• Run your disposal regularly
• Use vinegar and baking soda monthly
• Use drain covers
• Dispose of food waste immediately
• Maintain a clean sink
• Occasionally grind lemon or orange peels

If you are currently grappling with a fruit fly infestation, pouring boiling water down your kitchen drains several times a day is an effective strategy. Additionally, when your sink is not in use, cover your drains with drain covers. This process may take a few days, but the boiling water is instrumental in disrupting the breeding cycle of the fruit flies, ultimately helping to eliminate them from your kitchen.

Troubleshooting Disposal Problems & Knowing When to Call for Backup

One of the most common garbage disposal issues homeowners encounter is a humming noise without the disposal blades turning. This means that your disposal is likely jammed. Before attempting any fix, ensure the disposal is turned off and unplugged from its power source. You can then reach in and check for errant cutlery or other blockages.

A well-maintained garbage disposal can serve you reliably for many years. However, even with the best care, they do wear out. If you’re facing persistent issues with your unit or need a new installation, you are encouraged to contact our garbage disposal plumbers for help.

Here are signs that it’s time to reach out to Winters Home Services:

• Persistent odors that don’t fade with cleaning could indicate trapped food particles or deeper issues.
• Frequent resets may indicate electrical problems or a failing motor.
• An unusually loud operation or a non-functional disposal indicates that you need a pro’s attention.

Have questions about your garbage disposal? Contact us online to schedule a repair appointment.