Can You Put Citrus Peels In A Garbage Disposal? Best Guide

Citrus fruits are a staple in many households, and their peels are often discarded without a second thought.

However, some people wonder if it’s safe to put citrus peels in a garbage disposal. While the garbage disposal is a convenient way to get rid of food scraps, not all items are suitable for it.

Garbage disposals work by shredding food waste into small pieces that can easily flow through the plumbing system. However, some foods can damage the blades or clog the drain.

Citrus peels are often cited as a problematic food waste item, and many people wonder if they should avoid putting them in the garbage disposal.

Despite the popularity of this question, there is no clear answer. Some experts say that citrus peels are safe for garbage disposals and can even help freshen the drain. Others warn that the peels can damage the blades or cause clogs.

In this article, we’ll explore the topic in-depth and provide the information you need to make an informed decision about citrus peels and garbage disposals.

Can You Put Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal?

What is a Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal is an electric appliance installed under the kitchen sink that grinds food waste into small pieces that can easily pass through the plumbing system.

It is a convenient way to dispose of food waste, but not all foods are suitable for it.

Citrus Peels and Garbage Disposals

Citrus peels, such as those from oranges, lemons, and limes, are often used to freshen up garbage disposals and remove unpleasant odors.

However, putting too many citrus peels in a garbage disposal can be harmful to the blades and cause clogging in the pipes.

Citrus peels are tough and fibrous, and the blades of the garbage disposal may not be able to grind them properly.

This can cause the blades to become dull and eventually break. Moreover, the fibrous nature of citrus peels can cause clogging in the pipes, which can lead to a broken appliance and costly repairs.

What Other Foods Can You Put in a Garbage Disposal?

Most food waste can be put in a garbage disposal, including fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, and rice.

These foods are soft and easy to grind, and they do not pose a risk of clogging the pipes or damaging the blades.

What Foods Should You Avoid Putting in a Garbage Disposal?

In addition to citrus peels, there are some other foods that you should avoid putting in a garbage disposal. These include:

• Bones and pits: These are too hard and can damage the blades.
• Fats, oils, and greases: These can solidify in the pipes and cause clogging.
• Coffee grounds: These can accumulate in the pipes and cause clogging.
• Eggshells: These can also damage the blades and cause clogging.

Conclusion

In summary, while citrus peels can be used to freshen up garbage disposals, they should be used sparingly and with caution.

It is best to stick to soft foods that are easy to grind and do not pose a risk of clogging the pipes or damaging the blades.

If you experience any issues with your garbage disposal, it is best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage or creating a bigger mess to clean up.

How to Put Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal

Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal

Putting citrus peels in a garbage disposal is a great way to freshen up the sink and keep the disposal smelling fresh. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Cut the citrus peel into small pieces.
2. Turn on the cold water and run it for a few seconds.
3. Turn on the garbage disposal.
4. Slowly feed the citrus peels into the disposal.
5. Let the disposal run for a few seconds after all the peels have been fed into it.
6. Turn off the disposal and the water.

Tips for Using Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal

While putting citrus peels in a garbage disposal is generally safe, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always cut the citrus peel into small pieces to prevent clogs in the pipes.
• Use cold water when running the disposal to prevent the blades from getting damaged.
• Avoid putting too many citrus peels in the disposal at once to prevent overloading the blades.
• If the disposal does get clogged, turn it off and use a plunger to try and unclog it.
• Run water for a few seconds after using the disposal to ensure proper water flow and prevent clogs.
• Use a high-quality garbage disposal like an InSinkErator to ensure the best performance and longevity.

By following these simple steps and tips, anyone can safely and effectively use citrus peels in their garbage disposal to freshen up their sink and keep it smelling great.

Benefits of Putting Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal

When it comes to maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling kitchen, the garbage disposal is often a forgotten appliance.

However, by using citrus peels in your garbage disposal, you can not only deodorize and freshen it up, but also break down other food waste and help keep your disposal blades clean.

Here are some of the benefits of putting citrus peels in a garbage disposal:

Deodorizing and Freshening Your Garbage Disposal

One of the main benefits of using citrus peels in your garbage disposal is their ability to deodorize and freshen up the appliance.

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain natural oils that can help eliminate lingering odors in your garbage disposal and leave behind a fresh, citrusy scent.

Simply toss a few citrus peels into the disposal and turn it on to grind them up.

Breaking Down Other Food Waste

In addition to deodorizing your garbage disposal, citrus peels can also help break down other food waste that may be stuck in the blades or drain line.

The natural acidity in citrus fruits can help dissolve food scraps and prevent them from clogging up your drain.

However, it’s important to note that citrus peels should not be used as a substitute for a proper cleaning routine, and non-food items or large food scraps should never be put in the disposal.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Finally, using citrus peels in your garbage disposal can also help keep the blades clean and maintain the appliance over time.

As the peels are ground up, they can help scrub away any buildup or residue on the blades, which can help prevent clogs and keep your disposal running smoothly.

However, it’s important to remember that citrus peels should not be the only cleaning method used for your garbage disposal.

Regular cleaning with soap and water, and occasional use of cleaning chemicals specifically designed for garbage disposals, can help keep your appliance in good working order.

Overall, using citrus peels in your garbage disposal can be a simple and effective way to deodorize, freshen up, and maintain the appliance.

However, it’s important to use them in moderation and in conjunction with other cleaning methods to ensure the best results.

Alternatives to Putting Citrus Peels in a Garbage Disposal

If you’re someone who prefers not to put citrus peels in your garbage disposal, there are many other options available to you. Here are a few alternatives to consider.

Using Other Foods to Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal

One way to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh is by using other foods to deodorize it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice down the drain to help neutralize foul odors.
• Vinegar: Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
• Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
• Coffee grounds: Run a handful of used coffee grounds through the disposal to help eliminate odors.

Other Methods for Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

In addition to using food items to deodorize your garbage disposal, there are other methods you can use to clean it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Ice cubes: Run a few ice cubes through the disposal to help remove any buildup on the blades.
• Oils: Pour a few drops of essential oils down the drain to help freshen up your disposal.
• Garden waste: Compost your fruit and vegetable scraps instead of putting them down the disposal.
• Large amounts of waste: Dispose of large amounts of food waste in the trash instead of the disposal. This can help prevent clogging and foul-smelling particles from building up in your plumbing pipes.

It’s important to note that certain foods should never be put down the garbage disposal.

These include bones, fibrous vegetables like artichoke and rhubarb, asparagus, lettuce, kale, onion skins, chard, potato peels, fruit pits, nuts, and starchy foods.

These items can cause clogging and damage to your plumbing pipes, and they also take up space in landfills.

Overall, experts recommend using your garbage disposal sparingly and only for small amounts of food waste.

Regularly cleaning and deodorizing your disposal can help keep it running smoothly and prevent unpleasant odors from lingering in your kitchen.

Consider investing in a kitchen tool specifically designed for cleaning your garbage disposal, or contact a professional plumber if you’re experiencing any issues with your disposal.