All-Natural Drain Cleaner

Drains are one of those things that you never think about cleaning until it’s too late. By the time you actually consider cleaning out your drains, they’re usually backing up on you, right? Or at least really slow? I know, I’m the same way. And those drain cleaners? Blech. Nasty chemicals galore. I have started doing preventative maintenance on my drains, though, with this super-easy DIY, all-natural drain cleaner. I find that it still works for slow or clogged drains (albeit much more slowly than the stronger, more chemical-laden counterparts), but it really shines as a quick addition to your regular deep-cleaning of your kitchen and bathrooms. It’s fast, too, so it will add only minutes to your cleaning time!

All-Natural Drain Cleaner

– 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda
– 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar
– 4 to 6 cups boiling water

Dump your baking soda down the drain. If you have one of those drains with the installed plug, use a spoon or some other tool to push the baking soda down into the drain. Follow immediately with an equal amount of vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes (up to 30 minutes for a really clogged drain), and then follow with boiling water, taking care to pour directly into the drain to avoid damaging materials like porcelain or plastic. Repeat if your drain is still slow. A tip: Drain cleaners are best for removing smaller amounts of build-up, so if your drain is fully clogged, pick up a drain snake from your local home improvement store and give that a whirl first. That can break up the clog enough to let this cleaner get in there and really work, and also remove really big clogs like hairballs and the like. Plunging the drain is also a good way to clear a full clog, too.

Just think of all the money you’ll save by having to buy one less cleaning product, and using common household items instead. And our waterways will thank you for not pouring Drano into them!