The Reason Why You Should Never Throw Rice Down the Kitchen Sink

How to Properly Dispose of Rice

The best way to dispose of leftover rice is to throw it in the trash. Make sure it’s securely bagged to prevent spills.

For those who are environmentally conscious, composting rice is also an option, though it must be done carefully. Cooked rice can attract pests, so it’s important to have a well-managed compost system.

What to Do If You Accidentally Throw Rice Down the Drain

If rice ends up in your drain, act quickly to minimize potential damage:

Avoid adding more water to the sink, as this will make the rice swell further.

If the rice was just disposed of and hasn’t caused a blockage yet, flush the drain with a large volume of water to try to push the grains through the system before they expand.

You can also try a combination of vinegar and baking soda to help break down the starches:

Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.

Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.

Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

If the blockage persists or if you notice slow drainage, it’s wise to call a professional plumber. Addressing clogs early prevents them from turning into more serious and expensive problems.

Conclusion

Never dispose of rice in the kitchen drain. It expands, sticks, and can clog pipes due to its slow degradation. Instead, throw it in the trash or compost it responsibly. If rice ends up in the drain, act quickly to flush or dissolve it. When in doubt, call a plumber to avoid damage to your plumbing system.