Clogged or slow draining sinks are a fact of life. Many times, you don’t need to call a plumber or introduce toxic chemicals to your home. I was disappointed to see how many store-bought cleaners have sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid as key ingredients. These are extremely caustic chemicals that I don’t want in my house. Instead, I researched natural drain cleaners as a solution to clean clogged drains. These cleaners are made with common household ingredients.
Don’t let a clogged drain be a bummer that overtakes your day. With just a few supplies and tools, you can have that drain rocking and rolling in no time at all. Who knew that making your own drain de-clogger would be such a simple and viable option?
Tools Needed for a Natural Drain Cleaner
When it comes to making your very own homemade drain cleaner, all you need are a few simple tools. As long as you have these items, you’ll be good to go:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Hot Water
- Sink Plug
Steps to Unclog a Drain
If you have a slow draining sink, don’t fret. These simple steps will help you solve the problem. For the recipes, please keep scrolling down.
- Pour ingredients into the drain, cover and wait. Let the ingredients work to loosen the debris clogging the drain.
- After an hour, add the stopper to the drain, fill the sink with hot water and then remove the stopper to let the hot water drain down the sink.
- Repeat as needed
See how simple those steps are? Easy to follow and easy to do!
Clog Prevention
These tips can be used when a sink starts to drain slowly, especially bathroom sinks with hair going down the drain. Don’t worry, they’re easy to remember.
How to dissolve hair naturally in a sink – Use a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. This combination will loosen the clogged hair and let the sink drain more quickly.
Use a hair trap for bathroom sink or shower drains – A hair trap is a super effective way to stop hair from clogging your drain. It is best to stop the hair from going down the drain to begin with. These are pretty inexpensive, and will solve about 90% of the clogging issues.
Don’t pour grease down the drain – If you’re cooking foods, do not pour any type of grease down the drain. Let it harden in the pan and then just scrape it off in the trash. Grease will quickly solidify in the pipes and will start to build layers. This reduces the diameter of the pipe and slows the water flow.
Are These Homemade Drain Cleaners Safe For Septic Systems?
They are! Since they’re natural, they are safe for your home septic system. If you have specific questions, definitely talk with your contractor.
Are There Non-Toxic Or Relatively Safe Drain Cleaners To Purchase?
You bet there are! Here are the ones we found.
What Are The Ingredients To Watch Out For?
Anything that is going to irritate allergies or cause issues with skin or inhalation sensitivities should be avoided.
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
- Sulfuric Acid
- Hydrochloric Acid
Before You Call A Plumber
Before you pick up the phone and call a plumber for a completely clogged drain, try these steps first.
- Try a snake
- Use a metal coat hanger
- Plunger
- Let the solution soak overnight
- Remove the P-Trap to dislodge and debris
Once you go through those steps and are still having issues, it might be best to give a plumber a call.
Recipes for DIY Drain Cleaner
Instructions
Plain Hot Water For Oily/ Greasy Clogs
- Sometimes, all you need is some good old hot water. Let your sink run for a bit on the hottest water possible and see if that melts down whatever is causing the clog.
- Note: Do NOT pour boiling water down the drain. While it may liquify the grease, it also may damage the PVC or PEX tubing.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
- The combination of the baking soda and lemon juice causes a reaction that can help erode whatever is causing the drain blockage. Make this with a 1:1 ratio and pour it.
- Wait an hour to let it work.
- Pour hot water (NOT boiling) and see if it frees up the clog.
Baking Soda, Salt and Vinegar
- Mix one cup of baking soda with ½ cup of salt and pour in the drain.
- Add one cup of vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda will react, fizz and help to dislodge or dissolve the clog.
- Finish with hot water to clean everything out.
Cream of Tartar and Vinegar
- Pour ¼ cup of Cream of Tartar in the sink.
- Pour ¼ cup of white vinegar to initiate the reaction.
- After one hour, wash the drain with hot water.
Notes
Do you have any tips for naturally unclogging your drain?
