Operating Basics The correct way to use your disposal is to first turn on the cold water and let it run for 15 seconds. With the water still running, turn the disposal on by flipping the wall switch and slowly feed the food into the unit. When the grinding has stopped and all the food has been flushed down the drain, turn the disposal off. Allow the water to run another 30 seconds to ensure that the disposal is clear and then turn the water off. What Not to Do Avoid putting anything that is not a biodegradable food into the disposal because this can cause damage to the motor and the blades. Items such as glass, plastics, metal or paper products should never be put into the unit. Do not put fibrous foods or tough-skinned vegetables into the disposal. Examples include corn husks, potato peels, celery stalks and onion skins. The fibers can wrap around the blades of the disposal and cause the motor to jam or the drain to clog. Pouring grease or oil into the disposal should also be avoided because these will solidify and slowly accumulate, causing a bad odor or clogged pipes. Do not use the disposal to grind large bones and fruit pits because this can dull the blades and jam the motor. Keep it Smelling Fresh Garbage disposals can develop an unpleasant odor when food particles accumulate and do not get flushed away. We recommend tossing cut-up lemons or limes into the disposal and turning it on to get rid of the odor. Another approach is to freeze vinegar in ice cube trays, toss the cubes into the disposal and run the disposal. As the ice cubes get chopped up, the food residue and particles sticking to the wall of the disposal will be freed and can then be washed away. The vinegar helps eliminate the odor-causing bacteria. 
