There are some things you should never throw in your garbage disposal! Let’s take a look!
Your garbage disposal is handy, helping you quickly eliminate food scraps and clean your kitchen faster. As easy as it might be to put everything you no longer want in there, there are some things you should never throw in your garbage disposal because you risk ruining it. And the repair costs might not be cheap or convenient.
Some foods can make it through your device just fine, but this practice isn’t safe, considering they could clog or damage your pipes. So, if you want to easily use your gadget for as long as possible, there are some rules you should respect. You might be surprised by some of the everyday items that can clog, dull, or damage your garbage disposal.
Don’t worry, we’re here to make your job easier and give you all the tips you need. From coffee grounds to pasta, we’ll walk you through what to avoid so you can keep it running smoothly. So, without further ado, here are all the things you should never throw in your garbage disposal:
1. Veggie peelings
As tempting as it might be to get rid of veggie peelings in a matter of seconds, they’re part of the things you should never throw in your garbage disposal. Carrot peelings and potato skins, for instance, can form a thick paste that can easily build up on the blades, potentially ruining them.
According to plumbers, if vegetable peelings make it past the blades, they can form buildup on the pipe walls. If you peel more than two veggies, it’s best to toss the rest in the compost or trash, or you can bake them with your favorite spices to create the healthiest and most delicious homemade chips.
2. Pits and seeds
The stones from the delicious fruits you had at breakfast, like avocado or peaches, shouldn’t even touch your garbage disposal. Think of them like wood—would you put a piece in your device? Certainly not.
Popcorn kernels are part of the same category, so the best thing to do is to put them in your trash can. These pits and seeds are tough to break, and they can ruin your blades and block the pipes. Trust me, repairs are pretty expensive and a total pain!
3. Grease and oil
Other items you should never throw in your garbage disposal are oil and grease. They might be fine passing through your device, but your pipes won’t be happy about it. These can easily build up and cause annoying clogs.
Fats that make it through your pipes don’t just threaten your own plumbing—they can create major issues for the public sewer system too. These fats can form massive blockages, known as fatbergs, which clog sewers and trap things like wipes and diapers that people flush down the toilet.
4. Fibrous foods
While asparagus, corn husks, celery, pumpkin, and bananas might be some of your favorite foods, keep their fibrous strings far away from your garbage disposal. Plumbers warn that these strings can wrap around the blades, preventing them from spinning properly—and over time, that stress can even lead to a breakdown.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on replacing your garbage disposal, it’s best to put the strings in compost or the trash can.
5. Bones
You might be okay with putting tiny bones, like fish bones, in your kitchen device, but bigger ones can be a huge problem. The reason why they’re part of the things you should never throw in your garbage disposal is that they’re difficult to grind.
Even if your gadget is strong enough to grind the bigger bones, there’s a chance they could end up in the bottom of the pipes, potentially causing a blockage that will require a plumber.
…Let’s continue with these things you should never throw in your garbage disposal because the next one is a huge mistake!
6. Pasta, rice, beans and oats
You might think that all these delicious foods won’t cause your kitchen gadget a problem, but brace yourself because things are different than you think! As you may know, foods like pasta, rice, and other starchy items expand when they absorb water. Tossing them into your disposal increases the chances they’ll get stuck in the drain, leading to a stubborn clog you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
Plenty of other items you shouldn’t throw in your garbage disposal, so read on to find out how to keep your trusty kitchen gadget in top shape!
7. Coffee grounds
You might think it’s not such a big problem to throw coffee grounds in your kitchen device but think again! While they might seem harmless, they can create a terrible sludge that quickly builds in your disposal and pipes.
Combine them with water and watch your coffee grounds clump together, potentially causing a damaging clog. Instead of sending them on the drain, use them in compost, because they can make a fabulous garden fertilizer. You can also use them to create a natural scrub before the shower, which will leave your skin moisturized, energized, and silky smooth.
8. Chemical cleaning products
Even though this might not be something you think about sending down the drain, we had to include it in our list because it might be tempting. Your chemical cleaning products are great for making your home sparkle, but they should be properly disposed of to avoid any potential problems.
These items should never be thrown in your garbage disposal because they can corrode the blades and disrupt the device’s functioning. Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your disposal, you can use natural alternatives, such as baking soda and vinegar, to maintain the health and proper functioning of your kitchen gadget.
9. Eggshells
Even though many people believe that eggshells can sharpen your disposal blades, it’s only a myth nobody should believe. What actually happens is that the membrane inside eggshells can create a terrible sticky mess that clogs your gadget and pipes.
Since eggshells are part of the items you should never put in your garbage disposal, it’s best to compost them because they’re full of nutrients that will make your plants grow faster and stronger. If you don’t have any plants that need an extra boost, put them in the trash.
…Did you know that leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and lettuce, can clog your waste disposal? Keep reading to discover more about this!
10. Leafy greens
Leafy greens are full of iron and nutrients your body needs to function properly, but this doesn’t apply to your garbage disposal. They have a fragile structure that can wrap around your device’s blades and cause blockages. As a result, your disposal won’t function as it should.
Instead of tossing them in the garbage disposal, add them to your compost pile so they can break down naturally. Your plants and kitchen gadget will thank you!
Do you know any other items you should never throw in your garbage disposal? Let us know in the comments below, so we’re aware of what mistakes to avoid! If you find this article helpful and would love to check out something else from The American House, here’s a great post for you: 5 Landscaping Ideas to Make Your Home Look More Expensive
