So, you're considering some DIY love for your kitchen mate, the ever-so-handy garbage disposal. I get it. You’re in the kitchen cooking up your secret recipe for lasagna or concocting some new smoothie drink when you pause for a moment and think: "How often should I be using this bad boy?". Well let me, your friendly neighbourhood repairman, shed some light on that mystery and share some valuable tips to keep your garbage disposal happy and diligently working for you.

Guess Who's Working Overtime: How Often Should We Use The Garbage Disposal?

The short answer, after years of my hands-on experience, would be: "As and when necessary, but be mindful." Garbage disposals aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of appliance, so the frequency of use depends on your personal cooking habits and the amount of waste you usually toss. Generally though, you should avoid overusing it to lengthen its lifespan. Consider it more of a special occasion appliance rather than a daily necessity.

A Friendly Reminder: It's Not a Trash Can

Before diving into the deep end of usage and maintenance though, let's clear up a common misconception. Despite its misleading name, your garbage disposal isn't meant to gobble up every bit of kitchen waste you'd like to get rid of. Sorry, I know, it’s like finding out that your childhood superhero isn't real. Only biodegradable food items should be fed to this guy - things like meat scraps, fruit peels and vegetable cut-offs.

Sparing it from hard substances like bones, husks, or non-food items like the curious piece of plastic that fell off somewhere, will add years of life to your disposal and save you from some possibly expensive repairs.

Garbage Disposal 101: Learning the Ropes

Knowing how to use your disposal properly goes a long way in determining its lifespan and effectiveness. Always start by running cold water for a solid 15 seconds before you even introduce any food scraps to your disposal. The cold water helps solidify any potential grease or oils that can be easily ground up and flushed through the system to prevent potential blockages.

Introduce the waste gradually into the disposal to avoid overloading it. Once you're done, keep the water running for another 30 seconds to help wash down the waste.

The Do's and Dont's

Trust me, it’s pretty important. Here’s a quick rundown:- DO: Use cold water, clean frequently with ice and citrus peels, and call in professionals for suspected major issues.- DON’T: Use hot water, shove in all waste at once, put in hard or fibrous materials, or hope that noisy problems will sort themselves out.

Keeping It Spick and Span: Regular Maintenance

Just because it deals with garbage doesn’t mean it should be neglected. Keeping your garbage disposal clean isn't just beneficial for its lifespan but also keeps odors at bay. An easy way to do this is to chuck ice cubes into the running disposal - it sharpens the blades and dislodges any stubborn gunk stuck in the system.

Finish off with a hearty helping of citrus peels for a fresh scent. However, while DIY can keep minor issues at bay, it's always wise to call in the pros for complicated issues - trying to repair a broken blade yourself isn't just dangerous, it might even invalidate your warranty.

Recap, the Do-It-Yourself Way: The Final Takeaway

So now armed with the knowledge, you can confidently handle your garbage disposal like a pro. Expect less grumbling and more efficient waste disposal. But, if there's one thing to remember as you venture back into your kitchen, remember this: your garbage disposal is there to assist you, not replace your waste bin or compost pile. Treat it well, use it wisely, and your culinary sidekick will dutifully serve you for years to come. Happy DIY-ing!