How to unclog your kitchen sink: Effective home remedies and tips
The most common kitchen problem is a clogged sink. You don't always need to call a specialist; you can at least try to tackle the issue with a home remedy. It's worth knowing this trick.
We often contribute to clogging the kitchen drain ourselves. Food scraps, coffee or tea grounds, and fats should never end up there. We know how to prevent it, but sometimes, it just happens. Immediately, the smell is unpleasant, and the water doesn't drain efficiently. This makes daily dishwashing and meal preparation difficult.
Prevention is best
To avoid drain problems, it's worth cleaning it regularly. You can use cheap and readily available products like a mixture of one packet of baking soda and a cup of hot vinegar. These ingredients react, creating active foam that removes dirt and impurities. This simple method works in both the bathroom and the kitchen, especially for minor clogs caused by organic matter.
Chemicals? Be cautious
If the impurities are large, baking soda and vinegar may not suffice. In that case, using chemical drain cleaners might be necessary. However, remember that while effective, these chemicals can be hazardous. Many of them contain strong substances that can negatively affect health and damage the plumbing if used improperly.
Help from the pharmacy
Experts recommend another method to try. Pour two to three crushed aspirin tablets into the clogged drain, then pour a cup of hot vinegar over them. You will hear bubbling and an unpleasant odor, indicating the mixture is working. After 15 minutes, rinse the drain with a cup of boiling water. The aspirin and vinegar mixture should effectively remove impurities and neutralize the unpleasant odor.
It's important!
- Use a strainer. Placing a strainer in the sink prevents large food scraps and other debris from entering the pipes, helping to avoid clogs.
- Avoid pouring fats down the sink. Fats and oils should be disposed of in organic waste or stored in a closed container. They create hard-to-remove blockages in the pipes.
- Regular checks. Checking the condition of the pipes and plumbing can help detect problems before they become serious clogs. For larger issues, it's better to consult a plumber.