It’s the holiday season! And Santa Claus is coming ’round, and we’re eating all the holiday food to be found. Not only is it time for Christmas carols, but it’s also time for our favorite holiday eats. We’ve got roast beef, turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread, stuffing, gravy, fruitcake, and all kinds of homemade treats. Our tables and stomachs will be full, but what happens when it’s time to clean up? Many kitchens these days have a garbage disposal, but before you clear your plate into the sink, you should ensure you know what the worst foods for garbage disposals are.
There is a fine line between what food items can and cannot go down the garbage disposal. A good rule to follow is the less that goes into the garbage disposal, the better. Here is a simple guide to help prevent a broken or jammed garbage disposal this holiday.
What Foods Should Not Go In The Garbage Disposal?
Fat or Grease
Grease is a top cause of drain clogs. When you throw grease into the garbage disposal, it will usually stick in your drains, hardening and congealing. This creates a sticky trap for other food items, building a big clog in your drain. Dumping turkey and gravy into the trash is a better and safer way to dispose of them.
Potato Peels and Skins
Potato skins are among the worst foods for garbage disposals. Not only can they contribute to clogged drains, they can also get stuck in the disposal impeller. Having to replace the disposal and unclog the drain is sure to put a damper on your holiday plans.
Turkey and Chicken Bones
Animal bones should never be put down the disposal, no matter what type they are. Smaller bones are likely to get stuck in the drain, and larger ones can destroy the impeller blades. Instead, make sure all bones are tossed into the trash during clean-up.
Squash Rinds and Seeds
Squash rinds and seeds are often hard and can get stuck inside the drain or blades. The insides of squash can get attached to the walls of your drain, unable to be washed down the pipes. When cleaning the inside of your squash, scrape the seeds and rinds into the trash can to prevent clogging.
Nuts and Shells
Nuts, such as peanuts, can get stuck in the garbage disposal and form a paste that will coat your drains. Many types of shells, including eggshells, are also harmful to your disposal. Ground eggshells can also create a paste that easily blocks your drain.
Celery and Other Types of Vegetables
Fibrous celery can get stuck in disposal blades like potato peels and skins. Other types of vegetables can damage the blades and get stuck as well. It’s a good idea to toss celery and other hard veggies in the trash instead.
Coffee Grounds
Who doesn’t love a nice hot cup of coffee on a cold winter day? While a cup of coffee will perk you up, dumping coffee grounds into the garbage disposal will ruin your day. Similar to nuts and eggshells, coffee grounds clump together inside your drain, leaving you at risk for clogs and other plumbing issues.