Eco‑friendly tricks to tackle clogged sinks without chemicals

When a sink gets clogged, most people reach for popular drain cleaners. However, plumbing experts argue that there are much better, safer, and more effective methods for dealing with a clogged drain.

Sinks do not clog overnight; it is usually the result of long-term neglect. The most common causes are food scraps, grease, hair, small objects, and hygiene products like cotton pads. To avoid this, it's worth ensuring that these items do not go down the drain daily. But what to do when the sink is already clogged?

A clogged sink is easy to notice – the water stops draining, there is gurgling in the pipes, and an unpleasant smell comes from the drain. Instead of immediately reaching for popular chemical agents, it's worth trying less invasive methods. They are much more eco-friendly and safe for the environment.

A homemade drain cleaner can be easily made from vinegar and baking soda, which most of us have at home. How to do it? Mix 2 cups of vinegar with 4 tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture should be immediately poured into the drain, as the soda and vinegar react chemically. Then boil about 6 cups of water and pour the boiling water into the drain. This mixture should remove the remaining scraps.

An alternative could be citric acid. Simply pour two small packets of citric acid into the drain and pour hot water over it. The citric acid will dissolve any remaining food or grease.

If homemade methods do not bring the desired effect, mechanical cleaning may be necessary. It's best to start with the simplest solutions, such as a rubber plunger, which can help remove excess standing water. While plunging, remember to block the overflow hole with one hand.

If the plunger is not enough, it may be worth reaching for a larger tool – a plumbing snake. You can buy it at hardware stores in the plumbing section. The snake should be inserted into the exposed drain trap and moved with a reciprocating motion to clear the pipe. This procedure requires two people: one holds the snake, and the other guides it into the installation.