Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Tips for Operating a Garbage Disposer
There are two basic types of garbage disposers. The continuous-feed type is started by a switch near the sink and operates continuously as you run the water and feed in the garbage. A batch-feed unit is first loaded with garbage and then the top is secured, which starts the disposer running. Either type will run trouble-free unless you overload it or abuse it in some other way.

Prevent jamming the unit by filling it halfway with loose pieces of garbage instead of packed to its full capacity. Check your owner's manual for the types of food to not to put in a garbage disposer. Usually fibrous, stringy foods like artichokes and banana peel should not be put into a disposer.

If the disposer clogs or stops operating, turn off the electricity to the unit. If something is jammed in the disposer, dislodge it with the end of a wooden spoon or broomstick. Don't reach into the disposer with your hand.

If the motor stops because of a clog or from overloading, look for the red reset button at the bottom or side of the disposer motor, which is located under the sink. Press the reset button in until you hear a click. Turn the power on to the unit and test it.

You can keep a garbage disposer odor-free by once a month throwing in half of lemon or orange and then running the unit with warm water.

written by the editors of HouseNet
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