Discovering a clogged drain in your bathroom or kitchen can put your daily routine into a tailspin. As a blocked drain worsens over time, it can lead to various inconveniences, such as water backups and foul odors. Fortunately, you can take steps to remove these pesky clogs — and all you might need to do is root through your pantry!
There are many DIY drain cleaners you can make with ingredients that you already have on hand. Let’s go over some of the best homemade drain cleaners below.
Why Should You Not Pour Chemicals Down the Drain?
When you encounter a blocked kitchen or sink drain, your first thought might be to reach for a commercial drain cleaner. Unfortunately, these store-bought products often contain harsh chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, that can have negative consequences. Using chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but you might find yourself needing an emergency plumber in Phoenix, AZ.
Find out why plumbing experts advise homeowners to steer clear of chemical drain cleaners:
The good news is that DIY drain cleaners are a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based products! Now that you know to avoid commercial cleaners at all costs, let’s discuss the homemade methods you can try.
Which DIY Drain Cleaner Should You Use?
Sure, chemical drain cleaners that you can buy at a store are known for being “quick” and “effective.” However, as we mentioned above, these products aren’t your only option. In fact, there are many homemade drain cleaning methods that can be just as effective as these products — plus, they’re incredibly eco-friendly and easy to use.
However, it’s important to mention that not every DIY drain cleaner is created equal. For example, some methods are more complex and require more ingredients. At the same time, some cleaners are more effective on grease clogs than others.
Luckily, we have made it easy to find the best solution for you! We’ve broken down some of the best homemade drain cleaners by category. Let’s get started!
Most Straightforward: Boiling Water
Believe it or not, a pot of boiling water can sometimes be an effective drain-cleaning solution all on its own! Of course, you’ll want to slowly pour the pot of water into the drain so as to avoid any splashes and potential scalding. Avoid using this method if you have plastic pipes, as extremely hot water can potentially damage them.
Most Popular: Baking Soda & Vinegar
Some homeowners consider the combination of baking soda and vinegar to be one of the best homemade drain cleaners around — and for a good reason. When these two basic ingredients are combined, they create a chemical reaction that tackles drain clogs head-on.
Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain, instantly followed by ½ cup vinegar. Afterward, cover the drain. Let the mixture sit and do its job for a few hours or overnight, then pour boiling water down the affected drain to flush it out. For particularly tough clogs, you may need to repeat the entire cleaning process several times before you notice a difference.
Most Delightful: Baking Soda & Lemon Juice
Sometimes, clogged drains produce foul odors that drift into your home, making your entire kitchen or bathroom reek. Fortunately, this combination of baking soda and lemon juice can remove the blockage while infusing your home with a clean citrus smell.
Simply pour ½ baking soda into the drain, immediately followed by ½ lemon juice. Again, you’ll want to let the mixture sit for some time. You should wait at least an hour before flushing the drain with boiling water, but if you want the best results, consider letting the mixture sit for as long as possible.
There are numerous DIY drain cleaners you can use that involve baking soda, but none are quite as pleasant as this one. Give it a try if you’re dealing with unpleasant, rotten-food smells.
Most Convenient: Dish Soap & Boiling Water
There’s no denying that dish soap is a household staple. If you’re looking for an easy, convenient drain-cleaning solution, why not consider using that dish soap you have lying around?
Many homeowners consider this to be one of the best homemade drain cleaners for grease clogs, as dish soap is known for being tough on grease. Combine at least two to five tablespoons of dish soap with a pot of boiling water, then pour it into the clogged drain. Of course, you might need to go through the entire process again, depending on the severity of the clog.
Most Underrated: Baking Soda, Salt, & Cream of Tartar
Although you might not have a jar of cream of tartar sitting in your kitchen cabinet, it can certainly be worth running to the store for. When combined with equal parts baking soda and salt, cream of tartar can be made into an effective and robust drain cleaner.
You’ll want to pour 1/4 cup of salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda into a container. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together, pour it down the drain and wait about an hour. Afterward, you can run hot water to flush out the drain or use the classic boiling water method.
Fix Stubborn Drain Clogs With Plumbing & A/C Medic!
As you can see, learning how to unclog a drain without chemicals is pretty easy. There are many natural drain cleaners you can use that are just as effective as store-bought products and drain snakes.
Are you struggling with a clogged, slow drain and want a professional solution? Plumbing & A/C Medic can help! We’re proud to offer a wide array of plumbing services, including drain cleanings, to meet your needs.
If you need a drain service in Gilbert, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time around. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
