Baking soda and vinegar can break down mineral deposits that build up in drains and cause blockages.
The drains in your home are a workhorse—but over time, they can accumulate food waste, oil, coffee grounds, shampoo, hair, and other debris that can result in a blockage. If your sink or shower drains have a minor clog, two products will keep you from calling the plumber (and we bet you already have them): baking soda and vinegar. These common household products can easily break down mineral deposits that build up in drains and cause clogs. It’s a simple and effective method that’s been long beloved by cleaning experts. Here, we explain how to use baking soda and vinegar to clean and unclog a drain and prevent future issues.
I’ve always been amazed at how something as simple as baking soda and vinegar can tackle a clogged drain—it’s like a little science experiment right in your kitchen! The fizzing action when these two mix is not just satisfying to watch but also works wonders on those pesky blockages. Did you know that the chemical reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps dislodge debris? I learned this trick from my mom years ago, and it’s saved me countless plumber visits. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and costs pennies compared to commercial drain cleaners, which can run you $10-$20 a bottle!
How Often to Clean Your Drains
How often you unclog a sink or shower drain comes down to how often it backs up—but you can take preventative measures every week to reduce blockages. “If you start to notice slow drainage or clogs, this means that it’s time for cleaning,” says Val Oliveira, CEO of Val’s Cleaning Services. “Some drains, like those in busy kitchens, may need more frequent cleaning due to the substances that go down.”
Keeping a regular cleaning schedule can make all the difference. I’ve found that setting a reminder to flush my kitchen drain every Sunday evening works well, especially since we cook a lot at home. A quick tip: if you’re dealing with a busy household, aim to check your drains every 5-7 days, particularly in the kitchen where grease and food scraps are common culprits. Studies show that 70% of drain clogs are caused by grease and food buildup, so staying proactive saves time and hassle. If you’re noticing a funky smell or sluggish water flow, don’t wait—those are early signs that a clog is forming.
Materials Needed
Before tackling this cleaning task, collect the following materials. (Again, with any luck, you likely already have them hiding in your cupboard!)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Boiling water
- Clean cloth or drain plug
These items are total pantry staples, which is why I love this method. If you’re out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works just as well, though it might leave a slight fruity scent. A quick cost breakdown: a box of baking soda is about $1, and a jug of vinegar is around $3—way cheaper than a plumber’s visit, which can cost $100 or more! I always keep a spare box of baking soda under my sink for emergencies. Pro tip: check the expiration date on your baking soda. If it’s old, it might not fizz as much, so test it by mixing a bit with vinegar first.
How to Unclog a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Cleaning a drain with baking soda and vinegar is a highly effective way to treat minor clogs. “The combination of vinegar and baking soda triggers a chemical reaction that helps break down the clog,” Oliveira explains.
- If the drain has standing water, use a bucket to eliminate as much as possible.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain slowly.
- Immediately cover the drain with a clean cloth or drain plug to enhance the effectiveness of the foaming action.
- Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, then remove the cloth or drain plug.
- Boil a pot of water. Pour it slowly into the drain, giving it time to move through the pipes.
- Let water flow from the tap to see how well it drains. If the clog remains, you may need to repeat the process.
- For severe or persistent clogs, you should contact a professional plumber for assistance.
This method is my go-to for minor clogs, and I’ve found that patience is key—don’t rush the sitting time! The chemical reaction needs those 30-60 minutes to really break down the gunk. If you’re curious about the science, the reaction creates carbonic acid, which quickly decomposes into water and carbon dioxide, helping to push debris out. One thing I’ve noticed: if the clog is super stubborn, try repeating the process twice before calling a pro. Also, avoid using this method right after commercial drain cleaners, as the chemicals can react badly. A plumber once told me that this combo clears about 80% of minor clogs, which is a pretty solid success rate for something so simple!
Why Drains Get Clogged
There are many ways for a drain to become clogged. “Your kitchen sink works hard holding dirty dishes day after day, causing food residue to build up in the sink and the drain naturally over time,” says Bree Lemmen, kitchen brand manager for Whirlpool. “A sink gets clogged once this buildup causes a blockage, which is why it’s best to include the sink in your regular cleaning routine.”
Bathroom sink and shower drains also frequently become clogged due to hair buildup or product and soap residue, notes Oliveira. “Hair is common for drain blockages. As hair descends the drain, it can form clumps, restricting the flow of water.”
I’ve seen this firsthand in my bathroom—hair is the worst offender! Did you know that an average person sheds 50-100 hairs a day? That’s a lot of potential clog material. In the kitchen, grease is the sneaky culprit. It sticks to pipes like glue, and over time, it traps other debris. A plumber friend once showed me a pipe clogged with grease—it was like a science experiment gone wrong! To keep things in check, I make it a habit to wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing. This small step can cut down on buildup significantly.
How to Prevent Future Drain Clogs
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your drain clog-free. Beyond regular cleaning, there are some other measures you can take to reduce blockages.
Flush With Hot Water
Pour hot water down your drains once a week. “Hot water helps dissolve and wash away grease and other debris that can accumulate in the pipes,” explains Oliveira.
Install Drain Strainers
Placing drain strainers or stoppers in your sink or shower will help catch food particles, hair, and other debris that can clog drains. “Empty the collected debris from the strainers regularly to prevent buildup,” says Oliveira.
Watch What You Put Down the Sink
Certain things, like grease and oil, can solidify inside your pipes and cause clogs. Dispose of those ingredients (as well as food scraps) in the trash rather than pouring them down your sink. “This helps prevent food particles from accumulating and causing drain blockages,” according to Oliveira.
Use Cold Water With the Garbage Disposal
“Cold water solidifies fats and oils, allowing the disposal to chop them into smaller pieces and flush them away more effectively,” says Oliveira. If you have a garbage disposal, let a steady flow of cold water run down your sink drain while you use it to prevent potential clogs.
These tips are lifesavers! I started using a $2 drain strainer in my shower, and it’s cut down on hair clogs by a ton. For the kitchen, I’ve learned to be super careful about grease—pouring it into an old can instead of the sink has been a game-changer. Also, running cold water with the garbage disposal is such an easy habit to build. Fun fact: according to plumbing stats, about 20% of service calls are for garbage disposal clogs, often because people skip the cold water step. If you’re like me and love cooking with oils, try keeping a jar for grease disposal—it’s a small effort that pays off big time.
Alternative Methods
While baking soda is a great way to flush your drain, there are plenty of other all-natural methods that will unclog the plumbing. Consider the methods below, and see here for more DIY natural home cleaners.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great antioxidant, and it’s a boon for your drains too. Since it’s so acidic, the juice can remove grease and other obstructions from drains. Pour it down, then let it sit for about an hour and follow with hot water. It can be combined with baking soda, too.
Salt
What can’t salt do? If you don’t have baking soda on hand, this seasoning can potentially get the job done. Since it has a rough texture, pouring it down a drain can help remove built-up debris. Flush it afterward with hot water to make sure everything is cleaned out.
Cream of Tartar
Another highly acidic ingredient, cream of tartar is a great solution if your drain is too clogged for water to easily run through. It can also be combined with baking soda.
I’ve tried the lemon juice trick when I ran out of vinegar, and it’s surprisingly effective—plus, it leaves your drain smelling fresh! A single lemon costs about 50 cents, so it’s a budget-friendly option. The science behind it? Lemon juice’s citric acid breaks down grease similar to vinegar. For salt, I’ve used it in a pinch, and its gritty texture really does help scrub the pipes. Cream of tartar is my secret weapon for tough clogs—it’s not just for baking! If you’re combining it with baking soda, use about 1/4 cup of each for a powerful fizzing effect. Just be careful with these acidic solutions on older pipes—check with a plumber if your home’s plumbing is over 20 years old.
