Five things you should never throw down the sink drain

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## 3. 🐚 **Coffee Grounds**

They may seem fine because they’re tiny, but coffee grounds don’t dissolve. Instead, they clump together in your pipes like wet sand.

Over time, this gritty buildup can mix with grease and soap scum, leading to serious clogs and foul odors.

> ✅ **Better option:** Add them to your compost pile or sprinkle them around plants (they make great natural fertilizer!).

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## 4. 🧼 **Soap Scum & Harsh Cleaners**

Soap might seem harmless, but **soap scum** from fatty soaps (like bar soaps) can combine with minerals in water and create a hard residue that narrows your pipes.

Likewise, pouring harsh chemicals (like drain cleaners or bleach) regularly down the sink can corrode your pipes and damage septic systems.

> 🔄 **Tip:** Use mild dish soap and limit chemical use — opt for natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar for regular maintenance.

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## 5. 🐟 **Food Scraps (Even with a Garbage Disposal)**

Garbage disposals can handle *some* scraps, but not all. Fibrous, stringy, or hard scraps can tangle the blades or clog the drain.

**Avoid sending these down the drain:**

* Eggshells
* Fruit peels
* Corn husks
* Bones
* Celery and asparagus

> 🥣 **Instead:** Scrape plates into the compost bin or trash before rinsing.

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## 🚰 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Pipes

It’s easy to forget that your kitchen sink isn’t a trash can. Treat it kindly, and you’ll avoid nasty smells, messy backups, and expensive plumbing bills.

**Remember these 5 kitchen no-nos:**

1. Grease and oils
2. Starchy foods
3. Coffee grounds
4. Soap scum and harsh chemicals
5. Food scraps that can tangle or clog

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Want a printable kitchen reminder or a cute “What Not to Dump” sign to keep above the sink? Just let me know!