Good points about enzyme cleaners and boiling water, but just a quick caution on the boiling water method—especially if you have older plumbing. I've managed a few properties with older pipes, and pouring boiling water down regularly can sometimes cause issues. Older PVC pipes or joints can warp or loosen over time with repeated exposure to high heat. Had a tenant who swore by the boiling water trick until one day we ended up with a leak under the kitchen sink. Not a fun surprise...
Personally, I stick mostly to enzyme cleaners and vinegar/baking soda flushes. They're gentle enough for regular use, and I've found them pretty effective without risking pipe damage. Also, every now and then, I'll use a drain snake or one of those flexible plastic drain sticks to pull out hair and gunk manually—it’s gross, but it really helps keep things flowing smoothly.
One thing I'm curious about though: has anyone tried using citrus peels regularly in their drains? I've heard mixed things—some say it's great for freshness and mild cleaning, others warn that it might clog things up eventually. I've been hesitant to try it myself because I don't want tenants calling me with clogged sinks from orange peels... Has anyone here had firsthand experience with citrus peels long-term?
They're gentle enough for regular use, and I've found them pretty effective without risking pipe damage. Also, every now and then, I'll use a drain snake or one of those flexible plastic drain stic...
I've gotta disagree slightly about the citrus peels worry. I've tossed lemon and orange peels down my disposal regularly for years—never had a clog issue. Maybe it's about moderation? I wouldn't dump a whole fruit salad down there, but occasional peels seem fine...
I've tossed citrus peels down the disposal too, but honestly, after a while I noticed my sink draining slower. Thought it was unrelated at first, but when I finally took apart the pipes underneath, there was this thick, waxy buildup—pretty sure it was from all those peels. Now I stick mostly to baking soda and vinegar, and only toss in peels once in a blue moon. Seems to be working better for me...maybe my plumbing's just picky?
Citrus peels can definitely cause that waxy buildup you're describing—especially if your plumbing's older or the pipes have narrower bends. Baking soda and vinegar is a solid alternative, but if you still want that fresh citrus scent without risking buildup, try freezing lemon juice or diluted vinegar in ice cube trays. Toss a couple cubes down the disposal every now and then; it sharpens the blades, clears minor gunk, and leaves a nice smell behind. Just remember to run plenty of cold water afterward to flush everything through...
"Toss a couple cubes down the disposal every now and then; it sharpens the blades, clears minor gunk, and leaves a nice smell behind."
Not sure about the blade-sharpening claim—pretty sure disposals don't actually have blades, just blunt impellers. Still, ice cubes do help knock loose buildup. Been doing it for years...works great.
