Garbage Disposal Lubrication

[REDCART]

If you're absent for any length of time it's likely that your garbage disposal will freeze up in your absence. Has anyone found a method of lubricating the unit so that it doesn't freeze up, maybe with spray silicone or WD40--before you leave?

[red tail]

ive never heard of that happening to anyone

[faithfulfrank]

Sometimes small amounts of crud will get caught below the blades resulting in a "stuck" disposer. You will know this happened if all you get is a hum.

Most disposers come with a large Allen wrench that you can "break free" the blades in that case. If you can't find it you can buy them at any big box store.

Make sure the unit is OFF before doing so. If it is just plugged in, ( some places allow that by code.) unplug it. If hard wired make sure BOTH the switch is off AND the breaker just to be safe. Also know that most disposers come with a reset button that may need to be pressed.

Frank

[REDCART]

ive never heard of that happening to anyone

Trust me, it's quite common. But to answer my own question, if you did lubricate it, some good soul would come along, run water through it and there goes your spray lubricant down the drain.

[2newyorkers]

Someone told us to put in a capful of vegetable oil.

[REDCART]

Someone told us to put in a capful of vegetable oil.

Thanks, it's so obvious, and I missed it. That should work.

An Old New Yorker 2

[Paperboy]

2 different plumbers told me to pour cooking oil (canola, vegetable or olive) down your disposal & also pour in the bottom of the dishwasher. Need about 1/4 cup down each. Helps from seals in dishwasher from drying out.

[eviemaurer]

2 different plumbers told me to pour cooking oil (canola, vegetable or olive) down your disposal & also pour in the bottom of the dishwasher. Need about 1/4 cup down each. Helps from seals in dishwasher from drying out.
Every month I run a bag size of ice cubes (old ones after cleaning out the freezer) through the disposal. You would be surprised at what comes up through the drain on the other sink. I am a fussy housecleaner, but I am really amazed at what must be lurking in my disposal when I see the black stuff that comes through. A good way to clean the disposal.

[graciegirl]

ive never heard of that happening to anyone

Me either. Ever. Nada. Let's take a poll. Who has had their garbage disposal get jammed up during an absence?

I have put stuff down it that caused it to clog.

..and if you want an easy way to deodorize and clean one put lemon or orange rind through it.

The blades don't really need oiling.