Garbage disposals offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to any kitchen.

• Convenience: Say goodbye to the tedious task of scraping food residue off plates into the trash. With a garbage disposal, you can effortlessly dispose of small food scraps directly down the drain, saving you time and effort during cleanup. No more dealing with messy trash cans or worrying about food scraps causing unpleasant odors.

• Odor Control: One common issue in kitchens is the lingering smell of decomposing food waste. Garbage disposals effectively minimize this problem by swiftly disposing of organic matter. By grinding food into tiny particles and washing them away, garbage disposals reduce the chances of unpleasant odors permeating your kitchen, providing a more pleasant environment for cooking and dining.

• Environmental Friendliness: Using a garbage disposal contributes to a greener lifestyle. Instead of sending food waste to landfills, where it produces harmful greenhouse gases, a disposal system allows the organic matter to be properly processed at wastewater treatment plants or converted into beneficial resources like compost. By diverting food waste from landfills, you can make a positive impact on the environment.

• Minimized Clogs: Dumping excessive food waste down the drain can lead to plumbing blockages. However, with a garbage disposal, food is efficiently ground into manageable particles that can flow through the plumbing system with ease. By reducing the amount of solid waste entering your pipes, garbage disposals help minimize the risk of clogs and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

When using your garbage disposal, it is recommended to use cold water. Cold water provides several benefits over hot water. 

Here's Why:

• Cold water solidifies fats, oils, and grease that may go down the drain. Warm water causes grease to liquefy, sticking to pipes.

• The cold temperature causes waste to contract and fracture into smaller particles that can be washed away easier.

• Cold water saves energy by avoiding heating water unnecessarily just for disposal use.

• Cold water helps sharpen and preserve the disposal blades, which operate best at lower temperatures.

• Cold water keeps the disposal motor cooler during operation, prolonging its lifespan.

In conclusion, using cold water while using your disposal is the best practice. 

Regular disposal cleaning is essential to prevent residue buildup and eliminate odors. One easy cleaning method is to grind a few ice cubes in the disposal. The ice helps remove debris and freshens up the unit. Another option is to grind citrus peels, such as lemon or orange peels, to naturally deodorize the disposal.

Be mindful of what you dispose of in the unit. Avoid putting hard items like bones, fruit pits, or coffee grounds into the disposal, as they can damage the blades or cause clogs in the plumbing. Additionally, fibrous materials like celery stalks, onion skins, and corn husks should be avoided, as they can wrap around the blades and impede their rotation.