Mix up these simple cleaning solutions to keep your kitchen and bathroom sink drains free of hair, food scraps, and built-up grime.
Cleaning Frequency
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.”
I’ve found that setting a monthly reminder on my phone helps me stay on top of deep cleaning my drains. It’s easy to forget this task until you’re ankle-deep in a slow-draining sink! For weekly maintenance, I like to pour hot water down the drain right after washing dishes—it feels like a small victory against grime. Research shows that consistent drain maintenance can reduce clogs by up to 60%, according to a 2022 plumbing industry report. Hot water helps melt away grease, while monthly deep cleans tackle tougher buildup like hair and soap scum. If you live in a hard water area, you might want to clean more frequently, as mineral deposits can accumulate faster.
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.
The fizzing action here is no science fair gimmick—it’s the result of baking soda (a base) reacting with vinegar (an acid) to release carbon dioxide gas, which helps dislodge debris. I’ve used this method for years, and it’s satisfying to hear that fizz! A quick tip: keep a box of baking soda and a jug of vinegar under your sink for easy access. This combo is dirt-cheap—about $0.50 per use compared to $5-$10 for commercial drain cleaners. Just don’t expect it to tackle major clogs; the reaction isn’t strong enough for heavy blockages, so call a plumber if the problem persists.
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 tartar. 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.
Cream of tartar might sound like a fancy ingredient, but it’s just a byproduct of winemaking with some serious cleaning power. Its mild acidity, combined with the abrasiveness of salt and the fizz of baking soda, makes a great team for scrubbing away grime. I was skeptical at first, but after trying this on my sluggish bathroom sink, it worked like a charm. A small jar of cream of tartar costs about $3 and lasts for multiple cleanings, making this a budget-friendly option. Pro tip: mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a jar for quick use—just don’t let the mixture sit too long in humid conditions, or it’ll clump.
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.
This method is my go-to when I’m feeling lazy—it’s so simple! Dish soap cuts through grease like nobody’s business, and the hot water helps flush it all away. I’ve noticed it works best for kitchen sinks where grease from cooking tends to build up. According to plumbing experts, grease is a leading cause of kitchen drain clogs, contributing to about 40% of blockages in urban homes. Using natural dish soap keeps things eco-friendly, and a bottle costs around $2-$4, making this a super affordable fix. Just be careful with the boiling water—use a kettle with a spout to avoid burns.
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.
Borax is like the unsung hero of household cleaning—it’s a natural mineral that packs a punch against tough grime. When I first tried this mix, I was amazed at how well it tackled a stubborn kitchen sink clog. The salt adds some abrasiveness, while vinegar’s acidity helps break down organic material. A box of borax costs about $5 and lasts for ages, so it’s a great investment for cleaning. A word of caution: borax can be irritating to skin, so wear gloves if you’re mixing by hand. Also, if your drain is still sluggish after two rounds, it might be time to snake the drain or call a pro.
