4 DIY Drain Cleaner Recipes That Use Natural Ingredients to Prevent Clogs
Mix up these simple cleaning solutions to keep your kitchen and bathroom sink drains free of hair, food scraps, and built-up grime.
Sink drains often fly under the radar when it comes to routine cleaning—that is, until a clog arises. From the kitchen to the bathroom, sink drains can accumulate hair, soap scum, food scraps, and other debris, causing them to drain more slowly. Adding this chore to your cleaning checklist can prevent future clogs and keep your drains running efficiently. But that doesn't mean you need to run to the store to buy drain cleaner—there are plenty of natural drain cleaner solutions you can make at home using everyday supplies. For the most effective results, it's best to use a DIY drain cleaner regularly, rather than waiting until a clog arises.
Related: How to Unclog a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar
How Often to Clean Your Drains
To prevent a buildup of hair, food scraps, dirt, and other debris, it's best to deep clean your drains monthly. But you should also practice some routine care throughout the week. "Weekly, it’s a good idea to pour a bit of hot water down the drain," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home. "It’s a simple step that can easily become a nightly routine for best practice."
Meet Our Expert
Melissa Poepping, founder of The Chemical Free Home.
Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean.
DIY Drain Cleaner #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
The chemical reaction between baking soda and white vinegar creates a fizzing, bubbling action that helps break down grease, soap scum, and other debris in the drain, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. This method is suitable for routine maintenance and minor clogs, but if you have a stubborn or recurring clog, it may be necessary to consult a professional plumber.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
Baking soda
White vinegar
A pot of boiling water
A measuring cup
A drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)
Steps
Follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with baking soda and white vinegar.
Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
Measure 1/2 cup to 1 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain.
Pour an equal amount of white vinegar down the drain.
Let the mixture sit in the drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or rag to keep the fizzing action contained within the drain.
After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
Check to see if the drain is flowing more freely. If the water still drains slowly, you can repeat the process.
DIY Drain Cleaner #2: Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Salt
While cream of tartar is typically used for cooking, it is also a powerful, non-toxic cleaning agent. When combined with baking soda and salt, it is a great way to keep your drain free of debris.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
Baking soda
Table salt
Cream of tartar
A pot of boiling water
A measuring cup
Small bowl
Steps
Follow these steps from Poepping to deep clean your drain with baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.
Remove any visible debris near the drain opening.
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon cream of tarter. Sprinkle the mixture down the drain.
Let the mixture sit in the drain for 30 minutes.
After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. (You can also use hot vinegar).
Check to see if the drain is flowing more freely. If the water still drains slowly, you can repeat the process.
Alex Tihonov / Getty Images
DIY Drain Cleaner #3: Dish Soap and Hot Water
The easiest way to clean your drain is with two items you likely use every day: soap and water. "The hot water will help dissolve and wash away the soap residue and loosen any grease or debris in the drain," says Sokolowski.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
Natural liquid dish soap
A kettle or pot for boiling water
A measuring cup
A drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)
Steps
Follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with dish soap and hot water.
Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
Measure 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of natural liquid dish soap. Avoid using too much soap, as it can create excessive suds.
Pour the measured dish soap directly down the drain.
Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
Let the soap and hot water mixture sit in the drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or rag to keep the solution contained within the drain.
After the waiting period, boil another pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain to remove any soap residue.
DIY Drain Cleaner #4: Borax, Vinegar, and Salt
Borax is commonly used as a laundry booster to brighten whites, but it can be used for cleaning around your home, too.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.
Borax powder
White vinegar
Table salt
A pot of boiling water
A measuring cup
Small bowl
A drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)
Steps
Follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with borax, vinegar, and salt.
Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup borax powder, 1/2 cup table salt, and 1 cup white vinegar. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Pour the borax, salt, and white vinegar mixture directly down the drain.
Let the mixture sit in the drain for at least 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or a rag to keep the mixture contained within the drain.
After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
Check if the drain is flowing more freely. If it's still slow, you can repeat the process.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
