Trust us. You have no idea how your garbage disposal works. But you're not alone! Until we watched this video, we had no idea either.
We've all heard the horror stories of getting a beloved wooden spoon -- or far worse, a finger -- trapped in one of these mechanisms, but just how do they work? Until now, we'd assumed that there were blades involved. But then, where does all the food go?
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Somehow InSinkErator manages to answer these questions for us in a minute and a half. We feel so much better. How about you guys?
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But wait -- were those animated chicken bones going into the disposal in the video? You can't do that, can you? Ah, well, the mysteries of the garbage disposal carry on. We'll keep digging.
Before You Go
Apple Peels To Clean Aluminum Cookware
Flickr: cardamom
Apple peels do double duty as a valuable kitchen cleaning product. The acid in apple peels can remove stains and discoloration from aluminum pots and pans. Fill the pan in question with water, add apple peels, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Halved Lemons To Clean The Stovetop
Flickr: Harshit Sekhon
How many times have you found a half of a lemon withered away in the back of your fridge? Don't waste that citrus. Next time you only need half (and you don't think you'll be using the other anytime soon) put the leftover to work on your stovetop. Lemon does wonders on getting out pasta sauce stains.
Potatoes Remove Mud Stains
Flickr: jimmiehomeschoolmom
Potatoes, being used to dealing with dirt, know how to get those hard-to-remove mud stains out of your clothes. Rub a cut potato over the mud on the pants before putting in the washing machine. The starch helps to remove and break down the mud.
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Banana Peels Shine Shoes
Flickr: photograφ
Out of shoe polish? Don't bother buying more. Next time you snack on a banana, use the peel to shine your shoes. Just rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes, and buff off with a soft cloth.
Orange Peels Spice Up Tea
Flickr: fdecomite
Dry your leftover orange peels (either by baking in the oven at a low temperature or leaving out on a flat surface for a couple of days) and use them in black teas to add a little brightness.
Coffee Grounds Fertilize Your Plants
Flickr: DeaPeaJay
You can have your morning cup of coffee and fertilize your plants at the same time. Plants need the nitrogen and minerals found in used coffee grounds. Start slowly by mixing just one tablespoon to potted plants and one cup to gardens. It's a good idea to dry the grounds before using them so there's no possibility of mold. You can also use egg shells and banana peels.
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Lemon Peels To Whiten Teeth
Flickr: L. Marie
Why spend hundreds on professional teeth whitening when leftover lemon peel can help keep your teeth looking their best? Just cut a wedge piece of a lemon peel and place it on your teeth. Leave the peel against the teeth for about fifteen minutes and then rinse. It's important to remember to rinse because the citric acid in the lemon is powerful stuff.
Apple Cores Make Jelly
Flickr: little blue hen
You can use leftover apple cores and peels to make a tasty jelly. And the best part is, you don't need to add pectin because apples contain their own. You can get the recipe on Crafster.
Potato Peels Make Great Snacks
Flickr: Dag Endresen
If you have trouble deciding between french fries or potato chips, these will be your ideal snack. After peeling a potato, don't throw out the scraps -- fry them, and top with salt and paprika.
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Cucumber Peels Replace Bath Oils
Flickr: theilr
Cucumber peels can do wonders for your skin. Add them to your bath and their cooling properties will sooth dry, itchy or irritated skin in a snap. And for a fresh scent, add grapefruit peels.
Rice Makes Bird Feed
Flickr: cookbookman17
Leftover rice is rarely appetizing -- especially if it's been a few days. But there's no need to throw it out. You can use it to feed birds rather than buying bird seed.
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