NatureMill NEO Quick Manual - page 5
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Healthy compost is spongy, moist, and granular, with a mild “earthy” aroma of
damp wool, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, or coffee. It should look like healthy
soil. Steam and heat rising are good signs. Here are some common problems:
Problem
Solutions
Strong
Odors
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, mustard
greens, and other
Brassica
vegetables cause strong odors. Even
small amounts cause strong odors. Avoid these or keep your
composter outdoors. There is no way to reduce their odors
except to remove them from the unit: empty the tray, transfer, and
empty the tray a second time.
Sour,
Sharp, or
Ammonia
Odors
Balance compost with more pellets and baking soda, then wait 24
hours. Meats require extra pellets. Acid in lemon, lime, oranges,
grapefruit, or pineapple can kill the cultures, so limit them to 2-3
small pieces per load and add a few extra tablespoons of baking
soda to balance their acidity. If odors still remain for 24 hours:
empty the tray, transfer, and empty the tray a second time.
Wine
aroma
Sometimes compost can smell like wine. This is normal. The
aroma should go away in a few days. Increase power to HIGH.
Wet
Compost
Add more pellets; increase power setting; leave food in mixing
chamber for a few more days. Do not add liquids. Wet foods
such as lettuce, peaches, tomatoes, melon, or watermelon,
require extra pellets to soak up the moisture.
Dry
Compost
Add fewer pellets; add 1 cup (250ml) regular tap water; reduce
power setting; transfer sooner before compost dries out.
Lumpy
Compost
Cut foods smaller; avoid hard, stringy, and fibrous items; leave
food in the mixing chamber for a few more days; increase power
setting. In severe cases, lumpy compost will not transfer down.
Mold
Mold is generally harmless. It is usually caused by excess
moisture. See “Wet Compost” above.
Lid pops
open
An overloaded mixing chamber can pop the lid open, releasing
heat and odors. Transfer compost sooner. Do not overload.
Won’t
Transfer or
Jams often
Hard, large, fibrous, or stringy items can block transfers or jam
often. Remove them from mixing chamber. An overloaded mixing
chamber can also cause this problem – remove some material.
No heat,
air pump,
or mixing
The mixer, air pump, and heater turn on automatically throughout
the day. A control panel light should be on. Change power to
LOW and then HIGH. If that doesn’t work, see “No Power” below.
No Power
Check that the power cord is firmly connected to the ROUND hole
on the back of the machine, and plugged into a working wall
outlet. Reset the unit by holding the button for 5 seconds until
all lights blink. If there is still no light on the control panel, contact
customer service – visit
naturemill.com.
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PATENT PENDING
RESET, CLEANING, MAINTENANCE
x
At any time you can “reset” the unit: hold the button for 5 seconds. All lights
will turn on briefly.
x
Remove any stray compost from the seals on the lid and door, and discard any
stray compost or liquid from under or behind the tray.
x
Wipe the exterior of the machine with a wet cloth or sponge.
x
Never use soaps, sprays, or chemicals. DO NOT clean the mixing chamber.
x
Rinse the tray when you empty the compost.
x
Remove any stringy or fibrous material that remains in the mixing chamber
after several transfers.
x
The air filter should last a lifetime. It is deep inside, and
is not accessible.
PET WASTE
Manure has been used as fertilizer for many centuries. Your NatureMill can
safely compost pet droppings, kitty litter, and cage beddings. Internal
temperatures reach or exceed 140F (60C), which destroy almost all harmful
bacteria. Please follow these safety guidelines:
x
First gain experience using your composter for several months, with food only,.
x
Always use caution when handling pet waste. Wash hands after handling.
x
Be sure your pet is healthy and disease free.
x
Pregnant women should never handle cat droppings due to toxoplasmosis risk.
x
Keep your composter outdoors to avoid carrying pet waste indoors.
x
Pet droppings are generally “green” waste, so balance with sawdust pellets.
x
Do not use resulting compost near edible plants unless you are experienced
with manure growing methods.
x
Do not attempt to compost pet hair or fur. They will jam.
x
Kitty litter and cage beddings: read ingredients list or contact the manufacturer
to determine if it is safe and chemical free. Organic or biodegradable products
are best. Test just a small amount first. Most kitty litter is “brown” material.
NOTES
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