Dish soap's decent, but honestly, hot water can sometimes make grease cling deeper in the pipes once it cools down. I've had better luck running cold water when grinding greasy stuff—it solidifies the grease bits so the disposal can chop 'em up better. Sounds weird, but it works...usually.
"I've had better luck running cold water when grinding greasy stuff—it solidifies the grease bits so the disposal can chop 'em up better."
You're spot-on about cold water helping with grease. Hot water just pushes it further down, causing bigger headaches later. Ever tried tossing in citrus peels occasionally to freshen things up?
You're right about citrus peels—they definitely help freshen things up. But I'd be careful not to overdo it. I've seen peels jam disposals if they're too big or too many at once. Another tip: toss some ice cubes down occasionally; they're great for cleaning off the blades and knocking loose stubborn gunk inside. Keeps things running smoothly and odor-free without any hassle...
Good points about the citrus peels and ice cubes. I've been doing something similar, but I also heard that baking soda and vinegar can help break down buildup and neutralize odors. Tried it once or twice, seemed to work pretty well, but I'm not sure if it's safe to use regularly—anyone know if frequent vinegar use could damage the disposal parts over time?
Also, speaking of jams, I learned the hard way that fibrous stuff like celery or onion skins can really mess things up. Had to spend an afternoon under the sink manually clearing out tangled fibers...not fun. Are there other common kitchen scraps I should definitely avoid putting down there?
"anyone know if frequent vinegar use could damage the disposal parts over time?"
Vinegar's usually safe in moderation, but frequent use can slowly corrode rubber seals or metal parts. Also, avoid coffee grounds—they seem harmless but can build up into a nasty sludge... learned that one the hard way myself.
