KEEPING THE SINK MONSTER HAPPY: TRICKS FOR A SMOOTHER RUNNING DISPOSAL
Yeah, ice cubes and rock salt have worked for me too—definitely gets things moving in there. I’ve tossed in citrus peels after the ice, mostly for the smell. Never noticed any issues, but I wouldn’t do both at once if your disposal’s older or already struggling. Just feels like it might be a bit much all at once, you know?
I wouldn’t do both at once if your disposal’s older or already struggling. Just feels like it might be a bit much all at once, you know?
That’s interesting—do you think the combo actually puts extra stress on the disposal, or is it more about being cautious? I’ve always figured the ice and salt together just give it a good scrub, and haven’t noticed any weird noises or slowdowns. Wondering if maybe it depends on the brand or age? I’ve got a pretty old unit and it hasn’t complained yet... Maybe I’m just tempting fate.
I’ve always figured the ice and salt together just give it a good scrub, and haven’t noticed any weird noises or slowdowns. Wondering if maybe it depends on the brand or age? I’ve got a pretty old unit and it hasn’t complained yet... Maybe I’m just tempting fate.
Funny thing, I used to think the same—ice and salt, what’s the harm? But I’ve seen a few disposals over the years that just didn’t take kindly to the “deep clean” approach. Sometimes it’s not even about the age, but how much gunk is already built up inside. If the blades are already a bit dull or there’s some corrosion, that combo can rattle things loose or even jam up the works for a minute. Had one customer swear by the ice trick until his old InSinkErator started making this awful grinding noise... turned out a chunk of rusted metal had broken off.
That said, plenty of folks never have an issue. Maybe it’s luck, maybe it’s just how often you run it. I do think some brands handle abuse better than others—those heavy-duty Waste Kings seem to chew through anything, while some of the lighter models get fussy if you look at them wrong.
Curious if anyone here actually checks their disposal for wear every so often? Or is it more of a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” situation for most? I’ll admit, I only peek under my own sink when something smells off or starts making weird noises... probably not the best habit, but old habits die hard.
Curious if anyone here actually checks their disposal for wear every so often? Or is it more of a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” situation for most?
Honestly, I’m in the “if it ain’t broke” camp, but maybe I shouldn’t be. My last disposal died a noisy death after years of ignoring those weird rattles. Now I just toss in some lemon peels and hope for the best—cheap, smells good, and no ice cubes to jam things up.
Now I just toss in some lemon peels and hope for the best—cheap, smells good, and no ice cubes to jam things up.
Funny you mention the lemon peels—I get calls from folks who swear by that trick. It does help with odor, but it won’t do much for the mechanical parts wearing down. I’m a bit more cautious after seeing disposals seize up from years of unnoticed leaks or slow blade wear. Ever notice a slow drain or water under the sink? That’s usually my cue to take a closer look, even if it’s still running.