Trash compactors can make trash days easier, especially if you live in a small urban area or want to cut down on the trip to the trash can. Breaking household waste into small squares (about a quarter of its original volume) makes life easier and more space-saving. To ensure this reliable device provides you with years of quality service, it must be properly maintained. Follow the tips below to troubleshoot and maintain your trash compactor to save the time, cost, and inconvenience caused by unnecessary repair calls.

Tips for the daily care and maintenance of trash compactors

1) Avoid trash compactors

Preventing leaks is as easy as knowing how and what to put in a compactor. Place cans and glass containers flat. Place a brown paper bag or newspaper on top to prevent broken glass from flying up or messy food waste. Only use selected garbage bags that have been specially developed for garbage compactors. If recycling is possible in your area, consider putting glass, plastic, and paper waste in separate recycling bins.

2) Prevent garbage smell

This is a dirty secret of trash compactors: if you don’t clean them diligently, they give off unpleasant odors. Some models have inserted air fresheners, while other models have activated carbon filters that absorb odors. These methods can help, but the best way to get over the stink is to prevent it by clearing the spill as soon as possible and cleaning the equipment regularly.

If your trash compactor gives off an unpleasant odor, it may be time to deodorize it. Before each cleaning, sprinkle a small layer of baking soda on the bottom of the compactor before changing the bag. If your compressor has an activated carbon filter, replace it.

3) How to clean a trash compactor

The trash compactor gets dirty, so you should clean the trash compactor regularly. Pull the plug out of the socket and remove the bag. Watch out for broken glass and gloves. You may want to use an antibacterial compactor cleaner. Before changing, spray the bag thoroughly and dry it.

4) Do not place dangerous objects in the compressor

Space for the garbage compactor is limited. Certain things must not be put inside, especially poisonous, explosive, or flammable objects that can cause danger. Please dispose of paint thinner, old paint cans, and rags soaked in petrol or engine oil separately. Be careful of disposing of aerosol cans (cheese cans and whipped cream can pass through), but don’t include cans for explosive chemicals.

Troubleshooting capabilities of Garbage Compactor

We hope your compactor can run without problems for many years. However, if a problem occurs and the compactor is not working properly, please try the following troubleshooting tips for the compactor and seek professional help. Be sure to check your user manual and follow all safety precautions.

Problem	Solution
The compressor cannot start.	Check the electrical panel and see if the circuit has tripped before you find it is completely damaged. Check that the drawer is completely closed. If the door is opened, the compactor will not work. Wait a few minutes and try again, especially if you recently compressed the load.
The compressor stopped working.	If the trash compactor stops while working, it may be caused by an unbalanced load that can trigger the debugging function. Reset the device according to the operating instructions. Make sure you know the items that can be put in the trash compactor and distribute them evenly.
The compressor rattles	Components in a garbage compactor can loosen over time, especially due to vibration caused by the engine. Periodically check the drawer wheels and tighten any loose parts. Tighten any loose screws on the front door with a screwdriver or tighten the wheel/nut assembly with a crescent wrench.
Drawers are difficult to open and close.	Switch off the compressor and take the drawer out of the cabinet. While wearing protective gloves, look carefully for broken glass or other foreign objects that could block the track. Use a dry/wet vacuum to remove any loose residue. Clean dirty rails and rollers with detergent or degreaser, inspect for damaged parts and add lubricant if necessary. Check and clean the rails and rollers regularly for dust and dirt.
The drawer is stuck	To remove stuck objects (e.g., aluminum cans), turn off the compactor and hold the drawer with both hands to move it back and forth. If this is unsuccessful, try turning on the device again. If you are having trouble troubleshooting the trash compactor or you do not want to try, contact a qualified professional to investigate and fix the problem.