I've had similar problems with cooked oatmeal—seems harmless, but it really gums things up once it's down there. Had to learn the hard way. Has oatmeal given anyone else trouble, or is it just my sink being temperamental?
Cooked oatmeal can definitely cause issues—it's not just you. I learned pretty quickly after moving into my place that anything starchy or sticky like oatmeal, pasta, or rice can clog things up badly. Have you tried running cold water while using the disposal? Also, maybe try tossing some ice cubes down there occasionally to help clear out any buildup... seems weird, but it actually helps sharpen the blades and clean things up.
Yeah, cooked oatmeal is like glue in there—learned that the hard way myself. Ice cubes help, but I've also found that tossing in citrus peels (like lemon or orange) once in a while really freshens things up and helps clear gunk buildup. Worth a shot if ice alone isn't cutting it...
Citrus peels definitely help with odors, but personally, I've found they can clog things up if you're not careful—especially if your disposal blades aren't super sharp anymore. I usually stick to ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt every few weeks. The salt helps scrub the blades clean, and afterward, running hot water clears everything out nicely. Haven't had any weird noises or jams since I started doing that...
Ice cubes and salt can definitely help sharpen things up, but I'd actually caution against running hot water afterward. Hot water can soften fats and grease, causing them to coat the pipes further down the line and eventually solidify, leading to clogs. Cold water's usually better—it keeps fats solid so the disposal can grind them up properly. Learned this the hard way after a nasty clog last year... cold water ever since, and no issues yet.
