How to Unclog Sinks With Vinegar
Traditional drain cleaners may work to resolve clogs, but they can be toxic to the environment and to humans. Using chemical drain cleaners puts harmful chemicals into the water supply which impacts the environment. Drain cleaners are especially dangerous around children, who may accidentally swallow the toxic substance. Vinegar is a safe, cheap and effective household item that can be used to clean and unclog drains. When vinegar is used with baking soda, the powerful foam mechanically and chemically breaks down clogs for free flowing drains. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 quarts boiling water
Instructions
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1
Measure 1/2 cup of salt and carefully pour it into the drain. Salt acts as a corrosive substance to mechanically break down clogs.
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2
Measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it into the clogged drain. Baking soda reacts with the vinegar, forming a foam that pushes clogs through the drain.
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3
Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and foam will be visible.
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4
Wait ten minutes to allow the foam to work through the clog. The baking soda and vinegar foam pushes through the clog. The added salt works to break down the clog and scrub the inside of the pipe.
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5
Pour 2 quarts of boiling water into the drain. The hot water will flush the clog that has been broken apart by the vinegar. This method works best on kitchen sinks, with clogs that are comprised of fats.
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Tips & Warnings
For a stubborn clog, repeat the procedure.
Flush drains monthly as a preventative measure to avoid future clogs.
Take care when pouring boiling water to avoid splashes that may burn the skin.
