With crisp temperatures and the scents of cinnamon, pumpkin, and apples everywhere, your garbage disposal is probably the last thing on your mind this fall. However, there are specific things you should be cautious about during the autumn months – especially if you want to keep your disposal in working order. We’re sharing some quick fall garbage disposal tips to help you avoid a service call.
Give It a Seasonal Scrub
Citrus + Salt + Ice
Every three months, it’s a good practice to “exfoliate” your garbage disposal. Add 3-4 large ice cubes and a half tablespoon of salt to your disposal. Turn it on to crunch the ice cubes, then run hot water down the drain. Then, repeat the first step, adding in 2 thinly sliced lemons or oranges with the peel. Run the disposal until the pieces are gone, rinsing with hot water again. Not only will these items scrub out your disposal, they’ll leave your kitchen with a fresh, citrusy scent.
Some Autumn Trash Shouldn’t Go Down the Drain
Fall is a prime time for cooking delicious, hearty meals. However, there are some things you shouldn’t ever put in your garbage disposal. Items include:
- potato or apple peels, which can cause drain clogs;
- fibrous vegetables such as celery, rhubarb, pumpkin, and some squashes can get caught around the blades;
- coffee grounds create a sludgy, mud-like mess in your sink.
Set Up a Seasonal Check
Before the heavy-duty holiday cooking begins, it’s a good idea to have a professional give your garbage disposal a tune-up. Removing grime, testing the pipes, and its overall function can help save you a crisis when you’ve got a house full of guests. It also helps to know if you need to replace your appliance before the more budget-conscious holidays arrive.
Who knew that fall was such an important time of year for garbage disposal tips? The professional plumbers of D&D encourage you to take care of your disposal – and advantage of the beautiful fall weather. If you need service on a misbehaving appliance, contact our experienced team now.