Putting potato peels in the garbage disposal seems straightforward enough. But does that mean it’s the right thing to do?
You can put potato peels in the garbage disposal, but it’s not recommended. Potato peels have a high starch content, which turns into a sticky paste when combined with water. The paste can cling to the blades and sides of your garbage disposal, eventually clogging the unit.
In this article, I’ll go into more detail on what happens when you put potato peels in the garbage disposal. I’ll also give you a few tips on unclogging a garbage disposal that’s been clogged due to potato peels, and what to do with your “unwanted” potato peels instead.
What Happens if You Put Potato Peels in the Garbage Disposal?
If you put potato peels in the garbage disposal, clogging will likely become an issue. Soaked potato peels create a paste that clogs not only the garbage disposal but also the piping system. Left unchecked, the clogging problem may worsen and require professional assistance.
How to Remove Potato Peels and Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
Fortunately, most garbage disposal clogging issues don’t require professional help. You can usually fix the problem using tools you already have at home.
Here are general steps to unclog a garbage disposal:
- Turn off the disposal unit and unplug it (if possible) before attempting repairs.
- Use a plunger or tongs to locate and remove as much of the clog as you can.
- Run cold water through the system to check for additional clogging.
- Turn the garbage disposal back on. If it doesn’t turn on, try resetting the unit.
If the clogging issue is a little more serious, do the following:
- Turn off the garbage disposal.
- Insert a broom handle into the drain opening and try to free the blades.
- Turn the power back on and check if the unit is working properly.
Clear Pipe Clogs With Baking Soda and Vinegar
As mentioned earlier, potato peel paste doesn’t only impact your garbage disposal. It can also clog your pipes. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions to this problem.
First, make sure you have baking soda and vinegar on hand. Then, take the following steps:
- Drop a quarter cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal.
- Turn the unit on for about 30 seconds.
- Turn the unit off and let the soda rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the garbage disposal.
- Wait five minutes. In the meantime, boil water in a kettle.
- Pour all of the boiling water from the kettle into the garbage disposal.
Unclog Garbage Disposals and Pipes With Soft Drinks
Believe it or not, soft drinks can be the solution to your garbage disposal clogging issue. Aside from being sweet (albeit unhealthy) refreshments for scorching hot days, cola drinks contain ingredients that are more than a little handy for dislodging pesky potato peels.
For example, beverages like Coke and RC Cola have phosphoric acid, which increases the tartness in cola drinks. Likewise, Pepsi and most citrus-flavored sodas have citric acid that works pretty much the same way as phosphoric acid. However, phosphoric acid works better for treating clogs.
To unclog your garbage disposal and pipes using soft drinks, follow these steps:
- Check your soda’s ingredient label to make sure it contains phosphoric acid.
- Take a funnel. Using one will minimize stains on your sink, especially if it’s made of white ceramic.
- Through the funnel, slowly pour the contents of a warm two-liter bottle of cola into the drain. It’s important to pour the cola slowly to avoid heavy foaming and splashes.
- If possible, let the cola sit overnight for best results. If you don’t have that long, let it sit for at least an hour so the phosphoric acid can do its job.
- Run cold water through the system.
Other Ways to Unclog Garbage Disposals and Pipes
Most hardware stores stock a wide variety of unclogging chemicals. However, many of them contain harsh chemicals that can damage your garbage disposal system if you keep using them over the long term.
Instead, use mechanical solutions to unclog garbage disposals like:
- Turn the impellers.
- Clean the garbage disposal trap.
- Loosen the grinder plate to locate and clear the jam.
Also, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or your garbage disposal manufacturer’s website. Whichever one you choose, it should have information on how to deal with clogging issues.
How to (Re)use Potato Peels
If you can’t throw your potato peels into the garbage disposal, what else are you supposed to do with them? Luckily, you don’t have to leave them to rot on your kitchen counter.
Make a Snack Out of Them
According to some nutritionists, potato peels contain more nutrients than the potato it covers. You can create a tasty snack by roasting your potato skins for 10 to 15 minutes in a 400 °F (204 °C) oven after sprinkling them with olive oil and your favorite seasoning. Don’t forget to turn them about 5 to 7 minutes into roasting to cook them evenly.
Reseason a Cast Iron Pan
Bring new life to an old pan by boiling a handful or two of potato peelings in the old pan for about five minutes. The starch in the peels binds to any hidden dirt and grime in the pan, giving you a cleaner surface for cooking your favorite dishes.
Use Them for Home Remedies
Some people swear by an old folk remedy for removing warts using potato peels. All you have to do is place a potato peel on the wart and cover it with a bandage before bed. Assuming there’s truth to the folk remedy, the wart should be gone by morning.
Other Uses for Potato Peels
Some people like to compost potato peels. Others use them to feed farm animals.
People have also used potato peels to:
- reduce facial wrinkles
- reduce dark bags under their eyes
- get rid of acne
- color their hair
Final Thoughts
If a few peels accidentally end up in your garbage disposal, it’s not a major issue. Your garbage disposal system can handle a small amount of potato peel paste.
But if your potato peels accumulate in the garbage disposal over time, they’ll eventually clog the system. Clearing clogs in the disposal unit and pipes can be time-consuming and potentially expensive — unless you try the tips I’ve laid out in this article.
