Your garbage disposal is one hard-working machine. Day in and day out, it’s grinding away at things you throw down the drain, chopping them to bits, and flushing them out of your life forever!

That is unless you send something down there that doesn’t belong! The grinding chamber and the shredding blades inside the garbage disposal can only handle so much. Now, some of the super heavy-duty garbage disposals can handle some of these items, but most of us do not own this kind!

So, what shouldn’t you put down your garbage disposal? We’re so glad you asked!

The following are items you never EVER want to put down your garbage disposal. Unless,of course, you want a visit from Byron!

Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are tricky! They seem to go down without a problem, but they can build up over time in a sludge-like sediment in your drain. No bueno. 

Fruit Pits

There is a very good reason why they call fruit with pits in it “stone fruit“…those pits are like little rocks! And they do not belong in your garbage disposal. These pits will wreak havoc with every spin of the blade.

Bones

While this may seem obvious, it doesn’t stop everyone from trying it. The bones will likely not grind up and they could also potentially damage your blades. If it makes it past the garbage disposal, they will probably get stuck in your pipes—what a mess!

Celery

Celery’s fibrous strings can get caught around your garbage disposal’s blades and cause damage.

Egg Shells

The problem here is not so much with the shells (They’re not great for your disposal, btw), but more with the shell’s membrane lining. It can stick to the sides of the disposal and get tangled around the blades—not a good thing. Really don’t put either one down the drain.

Grease

Building up gradually, grease will clog drains and wear down your disposal.

Pasta

This one may seem surprising, but pasta isn’t a good idea for your garbage disposal. Pasta swells even after it has been fully cooked, so rinsing it down your drain could cause it to swell further creating problems!

Potato Peels

The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick. Yuck.

Anything in Bulk

Don’t put large amounts of safe foods down your garbage disposal. Too much at once could overwork your disposal and clog your sink. By feeding it small amounts at a time, you will prolong the life of your garbage disposal and keep it running well!

Plastic, Metal, or Paper goods

Do we even need to say anything about this one?

And there you have it, folks! If you want to preserve the life of your garbage disposal, keep these items out of it.

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