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Here’s a clear, well-researched list of 10 things you should never put down a garbage disposal, along with explanations of why they’re harmful and what to do instead:
🚫 10 Things That Will Wreck Your Garbage Disposal
1. Grease, Oil, or Fat
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Why? Hardens into clogs in pipes (even if liquid when poured).
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Fix: Pour into a jar, freeze, and trash it.
2. Coffee Grounds
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Why? Accumulate like sand in pipes, causing blockages.
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Fix: Compost or toss in trash.
3. Eggshells
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Why? Membrane wraps around blades; shells turn into gritty paste.
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Fix: Compost or trash.
4. Pasta, Rice, or Bread
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Why? Expands with water, creating a gluey mass in pipes.
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Fix: Scrape into compost/trash.
5. Potato Peels
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Why? Starchy sludge coats pipes (and blades can’t fully chop them).
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Fix: Compost or trash.
6. Fibrous Vegetables (Celery, Corn Husks, Asparagus)
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Why? Fibers tangle around blades like dental floss.
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Fix: Compost or trash.
7. Bones or Fruit Pits
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Why? Too hard—can jam or break blades.
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Fix: Trash or save for broth (bones).
8. Nuts or Nut Butters
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Why? Nut butters solidify; whole nuts dull blades.
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Fix: Trash or compost shells.
9. Onion Skins
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Why? Thin membranes slip past blades and clog pipes.
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Fix: Compost or trash.
10. Chemical Cleaners (Draino, Bleach, etc.)
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Why? Corrode metal parts and rubber seals over time.
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Fix: Use ice + baking soda/vinegar for cleaning.
💡 Pro Tips to Keep Your Disposal Happy
✅ Run cold water for 15 seconds before/after use (solidifies grease for chopping).
✅ Grind citrus peels (lemon/orange) to deodorize—but no skins like onions!
✅ Monthly deep clean: Freeze vinegar in ice cubes, grind with baking soda.
Remember: Garbage disposals are for tiny scraps, not food waste bins! When in doubt, throw it out. 🗑️
(Sources: EPA, Consumer Reports, and plumbing experts.)
