Do essential oils clog drains?

Author: Prof. Colby Raynor V  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

You might've heard advice about how you should never put cooking oil down the drain. Essential oils and body butters can clog up your pipes just like cooking oils!

Is it bad to put essential oils down the drain?

Remember that you should never let oil go down your drain — yes, even small amounts of essential oils — because if oils solidify in your drains, you'll be left with some annoying clogs.

What oils clog drains?

The best rule to prevent grease from creating drain clogs is not to pour vegetable oil, cooking oils, grease, or fatty liquid down your sink drain or garbage disposal.

What essential oils are good for clogged drains?

The crisp, clean aromas of Lemon Eucalyptus oil and Purify oil blend are sure to make a difference in every drain. What are your favorite essential oil aromas for cleaning?

Do essential oils break down plastic?

Essential oils are raw, highly concentrated plant-based compounds, and plastic is generally porous in nature. The compounds in essential oils permeate and interact with plastic and cause rapid erosion. As a result, many essential oils will easily break down plastic containers.

Don't let FOG - fats, oil and grease - clog your drain!

Do essential oils break down silicone?

Essential oils contain chemicals that can react with the chemicals in silicone, causing it to break down and degrade.

Are essential oils hazardous waste?

Flammable oils are considered household hazardous waste in small quantities, and the containers holding those items cannot be recycled unless the oil is washed from the container.

What is the best natural drain Unclogger?

8 Natural Drain Clog Removers
  1. Boiling Water. The simplest and sometimes most effective way to get rid of a clog in your sink is to simply blast it scalding hot water. ...
  2. Boiling Water + Dish Soap. ...
  3. Plunger. ...
  4. Wire Coat Hanger. ...
  5. Coca-Cola. ...
  6. Baking Soda & Vinegar. ...
  7. Baking Soda & Salt. ...
  8. Salt, Borax, and Vinegar.

What essential oil breaks up mucus?

Oregano oil

Like tea tree oil, oregano essential oil is an expectorant and can loosen mucus buildup in your sinuses and respiratory tracts.

Does Coke help unclog drains?

Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down the buildup that can clog your drains. Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and other tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with. This is an effective and refreshing home remedy if we ever saw one.

Does pouring vinegar down the drain unclog it?

Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr ®, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs.

Are coffee scrubs bad for drains?

Coffee grounds can definitely clog the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. If you're using body care products with coffee grounds, you can use a tub stopper of some sort so that the coffee grounds don't go down the drain. Then, you can remove them by hand and put them in your compost.

What natural products unblock drains?

Salt And Baking Soda

Take salt and baking soda from your pantry and create your natural drain cleaner. To do this, mix half a cup of baking soda and the same quantity of salt in a bowl before pouring it into your clogged drain. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

Is it safe to put essential oils in the toilet?

Can you put essential oils in a toilet? Adding a few drops of essential oil in the water tank will make your toilet feel fresh but as soon as all the water scented due to oil goes down the drain, it will be all the same again. Therefore, it is not a sustainable way to make your toilet feel fresh.

Is it safe to put essential oils in your water?

Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.

Are bath bombs bad for plumbing?

The additives in the bath bombs can clog up the jets and hoses. The oils and other ingredients may damage sensitive components in the hot tub. Before adding any substances that are not specifically designed for hot tub use, check the hot tub manufacturer's recommendations.

What essential oil unblocks sinuses?

Eucalyptus Oil

This is especially helpful when you are feeling all clogged up due to sinus allergies and have that painful sinus pressure. One effective way to use it is through steam inhalation. Just add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe in the vapors.

What drinks help break up mucus?

Water is necessary to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Also, fighting an infection consumes energy, which increases your requirements for water. Fluids like hot tea and broth-y soups will provide the extra hydration your body needs. These hot beverages can also help soothe irritated airways.

What is the safest essential oil to use around dogs?

Some of the oils that fall into this pet-safe category include:
  • Lavender.
  • Chamomile.
  • Myrrh.
  • Ginger.
  • Rosemary.
  • Bergamot.
  • Frankincense.

What liquid do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Can you pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

What are the bad things about essential oils?

For example, a 2022 study of 200 individuals demonstrated the negative association between the use of essential oils and cardiopulmonary health. Study participants who inhaled essential oils one hour or more each day had increased heart rate and blood pressure and a decreased lung function rate.

What can you do with expired essential oils?

Household Cleaning. Aging essential oils can be used in place of your newer essential oils within your household cleaning formulations, blends and recipes. Remember, however, that oils that have oxidized can be harsher and pose more risk of skin sensitization, so use greater care to protect your skin during use.

Can I mix tea tree oil with hydrogen peroxide?

Pairing with Essential Oils

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a hydrogen peroxide soak for added efficacy. This method targets the fungus and soothes the skin and may prevent allergic reactions, as tea tree oil is known for its gentle antiseptic qualities.

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