June 6, 2022 •Reid Geiler
Undoubtedly, having a garbage disposal in your sink is a helpful tool for getting rid of food waste quickly and easily. It's worth noting that the garbage disposal blades play a vital role in chopping up food to finely minced pieces that can go down the drain more efficiently.
But what about those myths that ice cubes can help sharpen garbage disposal blades? Is there any truth to them?
The response to whether or not grinding ice is worthwhile is up in the air. While some people swear by the method, others say it does nothing to improve the performance of their garbage disposal. So what are the thoughts behind this theory?
One belief is that the sharp edges of the ice cubes can help grind down and sharpen the garbage disposal blades. Another thought is that when the ice cubes start to melt, they will help to flush away any food residue that may be stuck on the blades.
Both theories are plausible, but there is no concrete evidence to support either claim. There is no harm if you want to try using ice cubes to sharpen your garbage disposal blades. However, don't expect miracles, and don't be disappointed if you don't notice a difference in performance.
How To Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Optimally
Ultimately, the decision is up to you whether to use ice cubes to help maintain your garbage disposal blades. But whether you opt to utilize this method or not, you can do some key things that can aid in keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly and efficiently.
To help keep your garbage disposal running its best, make sure to:
Grind Foodstuff Waste Thoroughly - The main job of your garbage disposal is grinding food waste into tiny pieces, so it flushes down the drain. To help ensure your garbage disposal is doing its job correctly, make sure to grind food waste thoroughly before attempting to flush it down the drain.
Clean It Regularly - Debris can quickly build up and cause problems for your garbage disposal. To keep it clean, make sure to run clear water through the disposal every week. You can also use a toothbrush or other small brush to remove any built-up residue.
Run Hot Water - Hot water can melt fats and grease, which can then solidify and cause problems further down the line. So, whenever you are using your garbage disposal, always make sure to run hot water to dissolve any accumulated fats.
Avoid Hard Objects - Some food objects, like chicken bones or fruit pits, can get stuck in the disposal blades and cause damage. For different reasons, other items to avoid putting in the garbage disposal include coffee grounds, stalks of celery, onion skins, potato peels, eggshells, and pasta.
Freshen It Up - If your garbage disposal starts to smell, freshen it up by putting some citrus peels down the drain. Alternatively, consider using a combination of baking soda and vinegar to help prevent any foul or unpleasant odors from emanating out of the sink.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and efficiently. And who knows, maybe using ice cubes to sharpen the blades will make a difference, so what have you got to lose?
How to Recognize When Your Garbage Disposal Needs Repair
If your garbage disposal requires attention, some key signs can help clue you in.
Some signs that your garbage disposal needs attention include:
It's Not Grinding Food Properly - One of the main functions of garbage disposal is grinding food waste into tiny pieces before flushing it down the drain. If your garbage disposal is not grinding food properly, it indicates that something is wrong and needs attention.
It Smells Bad - Garbage disposals can start to smell bad if food debris builds up or isn't clean. If your garbage disposal smells bad, it's a sign that you need to take action and clean it.
It's Making Strange Noises - Garbage disposals should run smoothly and quietly. If you begin hearing strange or unexpected noises coming from your disposal, it indicates that something is wrong and needs to get checked out.
It Isn't Working At All - If your garbage disposal stops working altogether, it's a vital sign that you need to take action and have it checked out.
If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to take action and have your garbage disposal checked out by a professional. By taking care of your disposal and addressing problems early, you can help avoid more significant issues.
