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Your Beauty Routine May Be Harming Your Drains

Coffee scrub on hands.
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Life is stressful enough without having to deal with plumbing problems. No one wants to deal with a clogged drain or a backed-up shower when they try to simply use the sink or tub in their home. But why do your drains keep clogging?

There are many reasons why your drains could be clogging, but in the bathroom, hair is the biggest culprit. Shampoo and conditioners, shaving creams, and other beauty products only add to clogs. If you’re tired of dealing with clogs, keep reading to learn what bath and beauty products can harm your plumbing:

7 Bath and Beauty Products That Clog Drains

You probably don’t think twice about running your hands under a sink if you apply too much lotion or when you wash your face in the morning, but the reality is that even these small actions can add up to a clogged drain. Some common beauty and bath products that can clog your drains include:

  • Heavy body lotions with ingredients like shea and coconut butter
  • Clay face masks and facial serums
  • Contact lenses
  • Facial moisturizers, especially those with sunscreen and exfoliators
  • Shaving creams and hair removal products such as Nair
  • Bath products such as bath bombs and coffee scrubs
  • Hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks

Some homeowners may be surprised that products such as bath bombs and exfoliating scrubs are on this list, but common ingredients such as heavy oils and coffee grounds only add to drain problems. Oils can congeal and stick to hair or an existing blockage in a drain and make the problem worse. Beauty products like exfoliating coffee scrubs can also create a sticky mess that’s hard for your drain to clear on its own.

How to Prevent Clogs

The best way to reduce clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

  • Use makeup wipes - Items like makeup wipes help you take off makeup without rinsing it down your drains. Opt for reusable cotton pads for a more sustainable option.
  • DIY solutions - If you really can’t (or don’t want to) give up bath bombs create a DIY bath bomb holder! Simply cut the foot off a pair of stockings, place your bath bomb inside and tie off the end. The bath bomb will still fizz and release colors, but any solid particles such as confetti or flower petals will stay in the stocking to be tossed.
  • Invest in a drain catcher - Drain catchers are a great way to prevent clogs. Simply place the drain catcher on top of or into the drain and clean it off every week to see how much really goes down your drains.
  • Dispose of all beauty products correctly - It may seem like all liquids can and should go down your drains, but by simply tossing old products in the trash, you can save time, money, and headaches.

Preventing clogs is the best way to take care of your bathroom plumbing, but if you’re struggling with recurring or persistent clogged drains, professional help may be required. Contact the drain experts at Mallick Plumbing & Heating at (301) 804-6759 to schedule an appointment today!

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