I've managed a few rental properties over the years, and coffee grounds are a definite no-go in my experience. Had tenants who swore by them until I had to snake out a drain full of compacted grounds—trust me, not fun. Vinegar and baking soda combo is still the safest bet.
Had a similar experience myself—thought coffee grounds were harmless until I ended up dismantling the trap under my kitchen sink. It was packed solid, almost cement-like. After that, I switched to regular vinegar and baking soda flushes every few weeks. It's cheap, effective, and hasn't let me down yet. Regular hot water rinses help too, just to keep things flowing smoothly.
Gotta say, vinegar and baking soda is a solid tip, but honestly, relying on it regularly might not be the best long-term plan. Had a customer once who swore by it until their pipes started acting up from all the residue buildup—yeah, even eco-friendly stuff can leave traces. Personally, I prefer enzyme-based drain cleaners every couple months. They're natural, break down organic matter gently, and I've yet to dismantle a pipe coated in baking soda paste since switching over... knock on wood.
I've been using vinegar and baking soda occasionally too, but yeah, I can see how it might build up if you're doing it all the time. Never thought about enzyme cleaners though—sounds interesting. I've mostly just been careful about what goes down the drain in the first place. Got one of those little mesh strainers for the kitchen sink, and honestly, it's made a huge difference. Less food scraps down there means less gunk to deal with later.
One thing I'm curious about though: do those enzyme cleaners work well on bathroom drains too? Hair clogs are my nemesis, and I've tried all sorts of eco-friendly tricks (even the wire hanger method... gross, but effective). Would enzymes help break down hair buildup, or are they mostly just good for kitchen-type organic stuff?
"Would enzymes help break down hair buildup, or are they mostly just good for kitchen-type organic stuff?"
Enzyme cleaners can definitely help with bathroom drains too, but they're usually slower acting on hair compared to food scraps. Hair is mostly keratin, which takes longer for enzymes to break down. I've found enzyme cleaners work best as a preventative measure—regular use keeps things flowing smoothly. But if you've already got a stubborn hair clog, honestly, the wire hanger or drain snake method might still be your best bet... gross as it is.
