How to fix a jammed garbage disposal without sticking your hand down the drain: Video

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Few things bring a kitchen cleanup to a halt faster than an unresponsive garbage disposal. But whatever you do, do not put your hand down the disposal to try and figure out the problem! 

Your second inclination might be to call a plumber. But before you do that, see if you can fix it yourself. There are some easy things you can try to get your garbage disposal working without having to break out your wallet or toolkit.

Keep in mind that regular maintenance and proper use of the disposal will keep it running as it should. 

Watch this video for some simple DIY fixes for a jammed garbage disposal.

How to fix a jammed garbage disposal 

The first step in fixing a jammed disposal is to switch it off and unplug it. 

Then try:

• Resetting it.

Look for the reset button on the underside of your garbage disposal. If the small red button is popped out, press it back in. Then, plug the disposal back in and give it a minute before trying again.

An easy way to check the underside of the disposal without lying in your cabinet is to use the front-facing camera on your smartphone. 

• A disposal wrench.

Instead of searching through your arsenal of Allen wrenches, keep a disposal wrench near your sink so it’s easy to find.

The wrench fits into a small hole in the bottom of your disposal under the sink. Stick it in and gently turn it from side to side until it comes loose. The wrench manually turns the disposal blades and can help free it from any blockages.

Once you have it moving again, double-check the reset button, plug the disposal back in and try again.

What not to put down the garbage disposal 

One of the easiest ways to keep your disposal running in tip-top shape is to avoid putting certain items down the drain.

Consumer Reports recommends not using your garbage disposal on:

• Oil and grease. 
• Shells from clams and oysters.
• Artichokes.
• Corn husks. 
• Large quantities of egg shells or vegetable peels. 

However, you can use your garbage disposal on: 

• Food scraps, including cooked meat, leftovers, corn cobs and smaller quantities of vegetable scraps.
• Fruit pits.
• Small bones. 
• Ice. 

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Best way to clean garbage disposal 

With all the food that goes down your drain and through your disposal, giving it a regular clean is a must. 

Watch this video for an easy DIY solution to clean your garbage disposal. 

A slice of lemon or lime is a quick and easy way to clean it and give it a fresh scent. Just send a wedge down the drain and turn on the disposal.

For a deeper clean: 

1. Pour ¼ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Let the mix bubble for a few minutes. 
2. Flush the drain with cold water and run the disposal for 15 seconds.