1. The Case of the Slow Sink
We’ve all been there. You’re brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes, and suddenly the water starts swirling… slowly. You tap the sink, like it’s going to listen, but nope — it’s clogged.
Most people immediately think: “Where’s the drain cleaner?” But here’s the problem — store-bought ones are often loaded with harsh chemicals that can eat through pipes (and not in a good way). Plus, the smell? Whew. Not something you want in your bathroom at 7 a.m.
So here’s the fun part: you can actually unclog most drains with things you already have in your kitchen. Yep — baking soda, vinegar, and a little patience. Let me show you how.
2. The Classic Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
This one’s a legend in the DIY cleaning world — and for good reason. It’s safe, natural, and oddly satisfying to watch fizz.
You’ll need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Boiling water
How to use it:
- Pour the baking soda straight into the drain.
- Follow it with vinegar and step back — it’ll fizz like a science fair volcano.
- After about 10–15 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to flush everything out.
Why it works: The fizzing reaction helps break up gunk, while boiling water clears away the loosened mess. It’s eco-friendly and kind of fun.
3. The Salt & Baking Soda Boost
Sometimes, your drain needs a little extra scrubbing action. That’s where salt steps in — it acts like sandpaper for all the goo stuck inside.
Recipe:
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- Boiling water
Steps:
- Mix the salt and baking soda.
- Dump it into the drain.
- Follow up with boiling water.
This works especially well for kitchen sinks that get clogged with greasy residue. Salt + baking soda = your mini abrasive cleaning team.
4. Heavy-Duty Cleaner with Borax
Got a drain that’s extra stubborn? Borax can be your secret weapon. It’s a natural mineral cleaner that packs more punch than baking soda alone.
You’ll need:
- ¼ cup Borax
- ¼ cup salt
- ½ cup vinegar
- Boiling water
Directions:
- Add Borax and salt to the drain.
- Pour vinegar over the top.
- Let it fizz for 15 minutes.
- Flush with boiling water.
This combo cuts through grease and even helps deodorize smelly drains.
5. Prevention – Because No One Likes a Surprise Clog
Let’s be real: unclogging drains isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s day. So how about we prevent the drama in the first place?
- Once a week, flush drains with boiling water to keep things moving.
- Once a month, do the baking soda + vinegar trick as “maintenance.”
- Avoid dumping grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps into sinks. (Yes, that last bit of spaghetti sauce is tempting to rinse down — but future you will regret it.)
Think of it like brushing your teeth. You don’t wait until you have a cavity, right? Same deal with your drains.
6. When to Call the Pros
Here’s the honest truth: sometimes homemade cleaners just aren’t enough. If the clog keeps coming back or the water doesn’t budge after your DIY magic, it might be deeper in the pipes. At that point, a plumber is your best friend. And hey, no shame in that.
7. Your New Go-To Drain Fix
So there you have it. With a little baking soda, vinegar, salt, or Borax, you can keep your drains running smoothly without harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought cleaners.
Imagine this: next time your sink slows down, instead of panicking, you’ll just grab a couple of pantry staples and fix it like a pro. Easy, cheap, and chemical-free.
And here’s the best part — you’ll probably never look at that box of baking soda the same way again.