Turkey Day Tips: What Does (and Doesn't) Go Down the Garbage Disposal on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the ultimate feast of gratitude, with plates piled high with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings. But as you're cleaning up after your grand meal, it's essential to remember that your trusty garbage disposal has its limits. To help you avoid post-Thanksgiving plumbing disasters, we're here with a lighthearted guide on what you can and cannot put down your garbage disposal this Turkey Day!

What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal:

1. Turkey Carcass: The temptation to stuff the whole turkey carcass down the disposal may be strong, but please resist! Instead, carve off any remaining meat and use the rest for a delicious homemade broth.

2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite, but they can go down the disposal with ease. Just remember to scrape off any gravy or toppings first and never put dry instant mashed potato flakes down your pipes. Although it seems contradictory, dry mashed potato flakes will quickly expand once your water is turned on and can lead to a clog.

3. Cranberry Sauce: Good news, cranberry sauce lovers! Those saucy leftovers can take a trip down the disposal without any fuss.

4. Small Bits of Veggies: Tiny veggie scraps like green bean ends or carrot peels are generally disposal-friendly. Just don't overload it!

5. Ice Cubes: Ice cubes can help clean and sharpen your disposal blades while making an entertaining crunching sound. Plus, it's a great way to chill your post-meal drinks!

What to Avoid:

1. Turkey Bones: The garbage disposal may be tough, but it's no match for turkey bones. These can damage the blades and clog the drain faster than you can say "gobble gobble."

2. Grease and Fat: As tempting as it is to pour that leftover turkey fat down the drain, don't do it! Grease and fat can solidify in your pipes, causing stubborn blockages.

3. Potato Skins: While mashed potatoes are fine, potato skins are a different story. Their starchy nature can turn into a gloppy mess in your pipes.

4. Fibrous Veggies: Vegetables like celery, asparagus, and artichokes have tough fibers that can tangle up in your disposal's blades. It's best to toss them in the compost.

5. Bread and Pasta: These expand when wet, which can lead to gummy clogs. Save your rolls and leftover stuffing for sandwiches instead!

Top Tips for Disposal Care:

Run Cold Water: Always run cold water when using the disposal. It helps flush food particles down the drain and keeps the blades cool.

Cut Food into Small Pieces: Before sending food scraps down the disposal, cut them into smaller bits to prevent jams.

Use Citrus Peels: Tossing citrus peels down the disposal not only freshens it up but also helps clean the blades.

Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the disposal with too much food at once. Take it slow to avoid clogs.

Regular Maintenance: Consider pouring a cup of vinegar and some baking soda down the disposal to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

This Thanksgiving, while you're enjoying the feast and feeling grateful for all the delicious food, don't forget to show a little love to your garbage disposal too. With a few simple precautions and a bit of care, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving cleanup is smooth sailing, leaving you more time to enjoy the leftovers and spend quality time with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving and happy disposal-ing!

-Your Trusted Mankato Plumber