What died in your sink?
Where is Mr. Obvious when you need him?
I wouldn’t touch that splash guard if you paid me! On second thought, got a Franklin?
Have you heard any of these questions when someone uses the single or double basin kitchen sink?
If so, it may be a good time to do some maintenance on that garbage disposal of yours. That Badger5 or InSinkerator is an integral piece of equipment for cleanliness and first world existence.
Though it’s first name is garbage, it’s a grinder not a trash can. If those burs and teeth have food stuck to them, well a decomposing organic body is going to waft from the kitchen.
Granted there are some adhesive materials that are difficult to remove with regular use:
- Grease, processed oils and margarine
- Organic fats, oils and butter
- Food particles that stick under the splash guard
- That piece of celery that has been hanging around, literally, since Thanksgiving
- Or just general daily use from an active family
Here are some ways to clean that little piece of food waste wonder.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
- Squirt some soap into the disposal, and keep from turning it on.
- Use a brush or wash cloth with some warm/hot water, don’t scald yourself, and clean the underside of the splash guard.
- There may be a gag reflex, avoid looking at what may appear on the brush.
- Keep running the water for a few seconds and then run the disposal to remove the particles that WERE hanging out.
- Make sure your hands are far away from the disposal.
- Run hot water for at least 20 seconds to clear the drain.
- Use a brush or wash cloth with some warm/hot water, don’t scald yourself, and clean the underside of the splash guard.
Ice and Coarse Salt
- Grab a handful or two of ice and a few tablespoons of coarse salt.
- Place inside the disposal and turn on for 5-10 second then run the water.
- The ice will clean off any sticky debris.
- The salt acts as a mile abrasive to clean the blades further.
- Place inside the disposal and turn on for 5-10 second then run the water.
The Middle School Science Fair Method – Food Coloring Optional
- Grab the following:
- ¾ to 1 cup of baking soda.
- 1 to 1 ½ cups of vinegar.
- A few drops of food coloring as a surprise.
- Any small children and stools so they can watch.
- Especially if this is a new experience.
- How to lightly clean the disposal, while surprising your niece and nephew:
- Pour the Baking Soda into the disposal.
- Add the food coloring.
- Slowly pour in the vinegar.
- Let it bubble for a few moments.
- Run hot water for approximately 30 seconds to flush the system.
Keep it Fresh with a Twist! Add a small lemon or orange peel on occasion to freshen up in between cleanings.
Run water for at least 20 seconds after running the disposal to flush out the pipes.
What items should NOT be tossed into the disposal?
- First, plates, bowls, pots and pans should be scraped into the trash
- Think like the disposal is your friend that cleans up the items that remain and rinsed.
- Your disposal is not a fan of that tablespoon of butter and remaining baked potato.
- Even if you have city sewer but especially if on a septic system.
- Grease, oils or fats
- Fibrous vegetables
- Corn husks
- Celery
- Onion skins
- Lettuce and cabbage
- Coffee grounds and tea
- Starches
- Pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Eggshells
- Other items
- Bones
- Beans
- Utensils
- Small toys
- Gravel
It may not be glamorous, but it is a gracious little machine. Treat the disposal as an indispensable part of your kitchen, and it will last for many years.
Should a new disposal be needed, our professional plumbers are ready to replace that 8-year-old unit that’s processed more scrap than a local junk yard.
Just call 317-927-7186 or schedule at ldsmithplumbing.com.
Keep flushing America!
– Lance Smith, Owner and The Man that Skis the White River Barefoot
L.D. Smith Plumbing and Drains