How To Unclog Eggshells In A Garbage Disposal?

When it comes to what you can throw in your garbage disposal, eggshells are a topic of debate. Some say they’re fine, others warn they could spell trouble. So, what’s the real scoop? Can you toss your eggshells down the sink without a care, or should you think twice?

The truth is, eggshells themselves aren’t the biggest threat to your kitchen machinery. When you drop them into the disposal, the blades grind them into fine particles, similar to coffee grounds. These particles can actually help scrub the inside of the disposal, cleaning as they wash away.

However, the real issue arises from what’s inside the eggshells — the sticky, slimy membrane. This membrane can stick to the sides of the disposal and the pipes. Over time, it builds up, catching other debris that comes down the drain, which can lead to clogs deep within your plumbing.

We’re going to set the record straight on the whole eggshell situation. By the end of this article, you’ll know not just about unclogging of eggshells, but also how to keep your disposal running smoothly so you can avoid any nasty surprises down the line.

2 Ways to Unclog Eggshells in a Garbage Disposal

Got eggshells stuck in your disposal? It happens. Luckily, unclogging them isn’t too complicated. Here are two straightforward methods you can use to get your garbage disposal back in tip-top shape.

Plunge the Sink Drain with a Sink Plunger

One effective method to address eggshells stuck in your garbage disposal is to use a sink plunger. Start by filling the sink with enough water to cover the plunger head, which is essential for creating a tight seal. Position the plunger over the drain hole and press down firmly to ensure it seals properly. With vigorous up and down movements, use the plunger to create pressure that helps to dislodge the clog. After several forceful pushes, quickly remove the plunger to check if water drains smoothly. If it does, the blockage is likely cleared. Conclude by running water through the disposal for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another natural and effective method to clear a clog involves the use of baking soda and vinegar. Before starting, make sure the disposal is turned off for safety. Directly pour about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. This mixture will create a fizzing and bubbling reaction, indicating it’s actively working on the clog. Allow the solution to sit for about 30 minutes to break down the blockage effectively. After the time is up, pour boiling water down the disposal to remove any loosened debris, ensuring that the blockage is thoroughly cleared.

How to Dispose of Eggshells Properly

When it comes to disposing of eggshells, simply tossing them in the trash might seem like the easiest option, but there are several more environmentally friendly and beneficial ways to utilize them around your home and garden.

1. Put Eggshells in a Compost Pile

One of the best ways to dispose of eggshells is by adding them to your compost pile. Eggshells are rich in calcium, a nutrient that helps promote plant growth. As they decompose, they gradually release calcium into the compost, enriching it and eventually benefiting the soil it will be mixed with. To speed up their decomposition, it’s a good idea to crush the shells before adding them to the compost.

2. Give Them to Your Chickens or Backyard Pets

If you keep chickens or other similar backyard animals, crushed eggshells can be a great dietary supplement. The calcium in the shells is essential for the animals, particularly for chickens as it helps them lay strong, healthy eggs. Be sure to bake the shells at a low temperature for a few minutes to sterilize them before crushing and offering them to your animals.

3. Use Them as Fertilizer for Plants and Flowers

Eggshells can also be directly used as a natural fertilizer. Their calcium content can help improve soil quality, and when crushed into a fine powder, they can be sprinkled around the base of your plants. This is especially beneficial for plants that require high calcium, like tomatoes and peppers, helping them thrive and potentially improving yield.

4. Crush the Shells and Use Them to Clean Pots and Pans

Finally, eggshells can be repurposed as a non-toxic abrasive cleaner. Crush them into a coarse powder using blender and mix with liquid dish soup and sodium bicarbonate to create a natural abrasive scrub. This can be very effective for cleaning hard-to-remove dirt and grime from pots, pans, and even your kitchen sink, all without scratching the surface.

Here is a simple and effective video of using eggshells to create a best kitchen abrasive cleaner:

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve gone through a lot today, diving into whether it’s cool to toss eggshells into your garbage disposal. We figured out that the shells themselves aren’t much of a problem, but the gooey stuff inside them can stick around and clog things up over time. We also shared a few handy tricks to fix your disposal if eggshells or anything else gets it jammed.

Plus, we looked at some clever ways to reuse eggshells instead of just chucking them in the bin. From helping your compost at home to giving a calcium boost to your garden or even scrubbing your pots cleaner, eggshells have got some neat tricks up their sleeves.

So, remember to treat your garbage disposal right. Be smart about what you put down there, keep it running with plenty of water, and clean it regularly to dodge those nasty smells. Stick to these simple habits, and your disposal should keep humming along just fine, keeping your kitchen cleaner and greener.