Garbage disposals are great appliances that when properly maintained can last for many years. Knowing the foods that can damage your disposal or clog your drains can help keep it running smoothly. The 7 foods below should not placed down your garbage disposal.

1. Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables – fibrous fruits and vegetables like  asparagus, kale, potato peels, celery and corn stalks have stringy fibers that can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal unit and may clog your drain.  Consider composting fibrous fruits and vegetables instead of running them through the disposal.
2. Coffee Grounds – coffee grounds have a tendency to get stuck in the trap out garbage disposals, so toss your old coffee grounds out in the trash or place them in your compost.
3. Egg Shells – egg shells have a thin membrane which can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal.
4. Onion Skins – onion skins can stick to the sides of your garbage disposal or wrap around the shredder rings causing major problems down the road.
5. Bones and Pits – Bones and even large pits can cause serious damage to your garbage disposal. The pits of peaches, avocados, olives, cherries, mangoes, nectarines and apricots should all be tossed instead.
6. Large Amounts of Pasta – pasta expands as it absorbs water and attempting to run large amounts of pasta and even rice may result in a clogged drain.
7. Grease, Oils and Fats – grease, oils, and fats begin to solidify as they cool and can quickly lead to a clogged drain or garbage disposal. Avoid disposing of oils and fats in your garbage disposal, and always use cool water when running your disposal to help avoid clogs. Why cold water? Hot water can melt and liquefy the fats and oils in your food which may then solidify as they cool in your drain.

Extra Tips:

• Occasionally running ice through your garbage disposal can help to keep your blades sharp.
• Freshen up your garbage disposal and your whole kitchen by running citrus fruit peels through your garbage disposal.
• Liquid dish soap can be used to help clean a garbage disposal. Pour a few drops down the drain and let the cold water run as you run the disposal for 30 seconds to help keep your unit clean.