Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts Every NJ Homeowner Should Know

A garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working parts of your kitchen — and one of the most abused. A few simple habits keep it running smoothly for years and prevent clogs down the line.

Do

• Run cold water before, during, and after use
• Feed food in gradually, not all at once
• Grind citrus peels occasionally to freshen it
• Keep it clean with a mix of ice and coarse salt

Don't

• Pour grease or oil down it — it hardens in the pipes
• Grind fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins
• Put in starchy items like potato peels, pasta, or rice
• Use hot water while grinding (it melts grease into the line)
• Put in coffee grounds, bones, or eggshells

If it jams

Turn off the power, never put your hand inside, and use the hex wrench (in the slot underneath) to manually turn the blades free. Then press the reset button on the bottom.

If it smells

Grind ice cubes and citrus peel, then flush with cold water. Persistent odors may mean buildup in the drain line — a good candidate for professional cleaning.