Prevent Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher Problems With These Care Tips

Here are a few tips that should help keep any garbage disposal and dishwasher working for a long time. 

1.      A good care tip to remember is what can be put in a disposal and what can’t.  You can grind up ice that helps both to clean and sharpen the disposal blades.   Do not put things in your disposal like corn husks, artichokes, celery stalks, lettuce, onion peels and alike things.

2.      DO NOT USE HOT WATER while you are grinding food.  Run the disposal with a full stream of cold water.

3.      While citrus peels are a popular suggestion to deodorize your disposal, we don’t recommend it.  Use white vinegar or soap to clean the disposal to keep a nice smelling food disposal.

4.      Be sure to run the garbage disposal and dishwasher at least once a month even if you do not use it.

5.      Check for leaks under your sink to make sure the disposal and dishwasher are working properly and not leaking.

6.      If your disposal has a jam you may be able to unclog it.  Take a broom handle and insert in the sink hole and turn counter clock wise.  This could free up the disposal.

7.      If a garbage disposal problem seems to be beyond you correcting, contact our office for repair .

8.      To keep your dishwasher running efficiently, you should periodically clean the holes in the dishwasher’s spray arms. 

9.      Overloading or improperly loading the dishwasher could keep your dishes from getting clean.

10.  Don’t use extra cleaning products.  Detergents designed for use in dishwashers do not need extra help from additional cleaners.  Chemical reactions can occur that reduce the ability of your dishwasher to efficiently clean your dishes.

11.  Check the bottom of the dishwasher to make sure food is not trapped.

12.  If your machine has a quick cycle feature, consider using it.

• 13.  Occasionally wipe down the inside and the outside of the machine with soap and water to keep clean. 

 Thank you!