"About once a month, I sprinkle baking soda down the drain, let it sit for a bit, then chase it with vinegar."
I've done the baking soda and vinegar trick too, and yeah, it definitely helps keep things fresh. But one cautionary tale from my own experience—be careful about using boiling water afterward. I used to pour boiling water down the drain right after the vinegar fizzed out, thinking it'd really clear things up. Turns out, older PVC pipes don't always appreciate sudden temperature changes... learned that one the hard way when I ended up with a cracked pipe and a mini flood under the sink. Not fun.
Now I stick to just warm water after the fizzing settles down. Also, totally agree on the drain strainer—it's amazing how much gunk it catches that you'd never even think about. Between that and the monthly baking soda-vinegar routine, my drains have been pretty happy (and dry under the sink) ever since.
Good tip on skipping the boiling water—I learned that lesson myself a few years back. Thought I was being extra thorough, ended up with a cracked pipe and a surprise plumbing bill...ouch. The baking soda and vinegar combo really does wonders, though. I also toss lemon peels down the disposal occasionally—it freshens things up nicely and makes the kitchen smell great. Glad to see others keeping it eco-friendly too.
Learned the lemon peel trick the hard way myself—thought I'd be fancy and toss in a whole half lemon once. Yeah...don't do that. Disposal sounded like it was chewing gravel, and I spent an hour fishing out lemon chunks. Now I stick to thin peels or small slices. Baking soda and vinegar is my go-to as well; cheap, easy, and no plumber visits since (knock on wood).
Haha, been there with the lemon chunks—felt like I was running a citrus rescue mission. A few landlord-tested tips I've picked up over the years:
- Ice cubes and coarse salt every couple weeks. Sounds weird, but it sharpens disposal blades and scrapes off gunk. Plus, oddly satisfying crunching noise.
- Coffee grounds are a no-go. Learned that one after a tenant proudly told me he was "recycling" his espresso leftovers down the drain... plumber loved that call.
- Citrus peels are fine, but like you said, thin slices only. I usually toss in just a small strip or two after squeezing juice for cooking—freshens things up without clogging.
- Baking soda and vinegar is solid advice. Cheap, effective, and bonus points for the mini science experiment vibes.
Honestly though, best eco-friendly drain tip: hot water flushes regularly. Simple, free, and keeps the plumber away better than apples keep doctors away (knock on wood here too).
Good tips overall, but gotta admit I'm skeptical about the ice cubes sharpening blades thing—pretty sure disposal blades aren't actually sharp to begin with. Still, if it helps scrape off the gunk, might give it a shot. Totally agree on coffee grounds though; learned that the hard way myself after a pricey plumber visit. Hot water flushes have been my go-to so far...simple and hasn't let me down yet. Thanks for sharing!
