| DIY Basics: Kitchen Disposals |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-602 |
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One appliance we may take for granted in the kitchen is the garbage disposal -- but that all changes if it gets jammed or clogged. Then, not only can you not use your disposal, but your sink is likely to be clogged as well. Here's some advice from Brad Staggs on some things you should know about kitchen garbage-disposals:
Important : There may be variations between disposals depending on brand and type. Read and follow your manufacturer's instructions.
- Don't ever put bones such as chicken bones (figure A) or rib bones down your disposal. You may have even heard that they actually help sharpen the blades. Don't believe it! They can jam your disposal, and may cause damage to the motor.
- Likewise, don't ever put broken glass down your disposal. Again, you may have heard that glass will help sharpen the blades. Again, it's a "wives' tale." Don't do it.
- Avoid putting grease down your disposal. It may clog the moving parts. If grease does inadvertently get poured down the disposal, try flushing it with hot water.
- Another thing that's bad to put in your disposal is celery. The strings in celery stems (figure B) can wrap around the blades and flywheel and cause the disposal to jam.
- Safety Alert: If something like a piece of silverware ever does get jammed in your disposal, turn off the power to the disposal at the breaker before attempting to remove it. Use kitchen tongs or a bent wire-hanger to help free whatever is lodged in the disposal. Never put your hands down into the disposal to attempt to dislodge anything.
- Some disposals come with a reset switch. Try pushing it if the disposal has stopped operating.
- Your disposal may come with a jam-wrench (figure C) that you can use to help free up the flywheel if it has stopped turning.
- Tip: One thing that you can put down your disposal to help clean the blades is ice.
- Tip: Put citrus fruits -- especially lemons -- cut into small pieces down your disposal. The citrus juices will leave behind a fresh scent.
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