Tips&TricksNo more clogged drains: Discover the magic of baking soda and vinegar solution

No more clogged drains: Discover the magic of baking soda and vinegar solution

Pour into the drain and cover with boiling water.
Pour into the drain and cover with boiling water.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | RHJ

6:44 AM EST, January 29, 2024, updated: 4:42 AM EST, March 7, 2024

When dirt, grease, and food scraps pile up in the drain, an unpleasant smell may eventually start wafting from the pipes. This indicates that pollutants have entered the pipes and may lead to a clogged drain. Fortunately, there's no need to buy expensive and potent chemicals to fix this problem. You only need to pour a specific product into the drain to prevent blockage and foul odors. But what is this product, and how do you use it? Allow us to explain.

A simple homemade solution to prevent drain clogs

Most kitchen sinks come with a specialized strainer for trapping contaminants thereby preventing the drain from becoming clogged. While helpful, this tool cannot catch everything, especially finely chopped food scraps or grease. These untrapped particles can lead to a buildup in the pipes and eventually create a smelly situation.

But don't worry, you can put a stop to this. Just make it a habit to clean the pipes under the sink regularly. The indispensable product you need for this task is very likely residing in your pantry right now - it's baking soda. Here's what to do: pour it into your drain, then follow it up with a cup of boiling water. Wait for ten minutes, then finish the process with a quart of lukewarm water. Doing this procedure weekly will not only unclog your pipes but also get rid of any pollutants. Consequently, a blocked sink will be nothing more than a distant memory.

Combine it with vinegar, and you'll never need a plumber again

What if you notice that water is not draining properly anymore? That's a sure sign of a clog. Admittedly, most people's first instinct would be to dial a plumber for help. Save your money instead and take matters into your own hands by making a homemade pipe unclogger. You only need two inexpensive and readily available ingredients for this: baking soda and vinegar.

Heat up a cup of vinegar until it boils. Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat and prepare the baking soda. Pour approximately 0.22 lb of baking soda into the drain, then follow it up with the hot vinegar. The mixture will start to foam due to a chemical reaction. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with lukewarm water. This process should effectively unclog your sink with no trace of blockage left.

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