Vinegar As a Drain Cleaner

The vinegar-baking soda treatment will keep sinks draining smoothly.

White vinegar is a versatile, inexpensive, effective household cleaner that is also environmentally-friendly. It can serve as a grease-cutter, glass cleaner, disinfectant, and antibacterial agent. Combined with baking soda, another item you're likely to have in your pantry, it can take care of slow and even clogged drains.

Fatty Acids

Vinegar and baking soda mixed together break down fatty acids in a clog, allowing it to be flushed down the drain.

Method 1

Put about 3/4 cup baking soda down the drain. Pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar and then plug the drain to keep the reacting chemicals in the drain instead of letting them bubble up and out. Half an hour later, remove the plug and pour a tea kettle of hot water down the drain.

Method 2

Pack the drain with baking soda. Boil 2 cups of vinegar. Pour the vinegar down the drain slowly and carefully, keeping your face averted. The chemical reaction will start immediately and be quite forceful. Plug the drain and leave the vinegar and baking soda to work for a few minutes. Unplug and flush the drain with water.

Repeat

You can repeat either method if needed, or use them sequentially.

Tubs And Sinks

You can use this strategy to unplug clogged tubs or sinks. The process will not harm your garbage disposal.

References

• The Good Human.com: Naturally Unclog A Drain With Vinegar, Baking Soda And Water
• Vinegar Book.net: Vinegar tips - Un-block a blocked drain with vinegar