Um, yes, you do have to maintain it. Or at the very least - just know what not put in it.
Here are 6 tips to keep this essential kitchen appliance grinding along smoothly.
1 Don't let food hang out in limbo between sink and pipes.
Run it every time you put something in it. Food buildup not only causes jams but some pretty nasty smells, too.
Worse (OK, maybe not worse but equally problematic) is the acids in foods lingering there can cause corrosion in your pipes.
2 Use the cold flush technique.
Forget what you've heard. You want the oils and fats in your disposal to congeal so that you can chop them up and flush them out.
3 Run it for at least 30 seconds.
Let the cold rush continue for at least 30 seconds after the grinding stops to make sure all the byproducts are washed away.
4 Turn off the jam.
If it jams, turn off the disposal immediately. Then turn off the water and use tongs to dislodge any objects that may be stuck inside. Wait a few minutes and then hit the reset button if needed. (Some disposals automatically reset.)
5 Know the no-nos.
Anything that's not food. Nothing stringy (think artichokes, banana peels or cornhusks.) No flour, grease or oil.
6 Use a red dot for safety.
Consider marking your disposal button with a red dot so you (or guests) don't turn it on by mistake.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance.
