Clogged drains are a common sight in every house. When unchecked, they lead to slow water flow and foul smell. So, cleaning clogged drains is the only way to fix this issue. Many people rely on chemical cleaners but there are many natural alternatives, like baking soda and vinegar that truly work like magic! Yes, they do!
Everyone has heard of cleaning sink drain with baking soda. But no one knows the right way to do so. So, we have discussed all the practical steps of doing the same in this guide. The best part is once you try this method, you will save a lot of money and tackle clogs on your own without any harsh chemicals. Let’s begin!
Clogged Drain – What Are the Reasons?
Once you understand why drains get clogged, you can easily prevent future drain clogs. Read on further to know the main reasons.
- Grease/Oil Buildup: If you pour cooking oil or grease down the sink, it turns solid and even sticks to the pipes with time. This clogs your drain over time without you noticing.
- Mineral Deposits: With the use of Hard water, you will commonly find mineral deposits that will lower your pipe’s flow.
- Hair and Soap Residue: Bathrooms are the main spots for clogs. This is due to the soap scum that gets tangled with hair.
- Food Particles: Drains of Kitchen sinks often collect food scraps. They combine with grease to form blockages.
- Any Foreign Objects: You can sometimes throw some items such as dental floss, cotton swabs, or toys that can block drains.
Now that you know all these causes, you can address them properly and keep your drains fully clear for a long time.
Cleaning a Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Believe it or not, baking soda and vinegar are considered a powerful natural cleaning mix. This is because baking soda has alkaline properties and vinegar has acidic properties. Together, they form a chemical reaction that breaks down minor clogs, grease, and grime. It also makes the drain fresh and smells good. Not to forget, it is quite eco-friendly and super safe for your pipes. Follow the given steps to clean your drain deeply.
Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar
First, collect all the ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- A kettle of hot water
Steps to follow:
- Remove any visible debris or water standing in the drain.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
- Follow this with 1 cup of white vinegar. You will start noticing that the mixture starts to fizz and bubble. This indicates that the reaction is working to break down debris.
- Now, let the mixture sit on the drain for 15-30 minutes. This will allow it to dissolve any blockages and even make the drain smell fresh.
Pour Hot Water if Needed
Once the baking soda and vinegar mixture is kept for the time mentioned above, it is time to flush the drain:
- Boil a kettle of water (or heat it until very hot).
- Now pour the hot water carefully down the drain in a steady stream. Its heat will help in removing all the loosened debris and clear the pipe.
- You can keep checking if the water flows freely or not. If not, repeat this water process one or two more times to drain all stubborn clogs.
In case the clogs still persist, it is crucial to call the professionals. Professionals know how to tackle these clogs safely and get a permanent solution in no time.
