Dealing with a slow or smelly drain? Don’t reach for the phone (or the chemicals) just yet. Many household drain clogs can be cleared with tools and ingredients you already have at home.
🧂 1. Baking Soda and Vinegar (The Classic Combo)
This natural reaction helps break down buildup like grease, soap scum, and grime.
What to do:
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain
Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar
Cover with a drain plug or rag for 10–15 minutes
Flush with hot water
✅ Great for: Kitchen and bathroom sinks with minor blockages
🪠2. Use a Plunger (Yes, It Works on Sinks Too)
A sink plunger (smaller than a toilet one) can help dislodge clogs by creating pressure.
How to do it:
Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger
Create a seal over the drain and plunge vigorously 10–15 times
Remove and check for draining
✅ Best for: Slow drains or standing water in the kitchen or bathroom
🪢 3. Boiling Water Method
Simple, but surprisingly effective. Works best for grease or soap buildup.
Steps:
Boil a full kettle of water
Pour it slowly down the drain in stages
Wait 30 seconds between each pour
✅ Ideal for: Bathroom or kitchen drains that need quick clearing
🪛 4. Try a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
These inexpensive tools physically pull out hair, gunk, and grime—especially in bathroom sinks or showers.
What to do:
Insert the tool into the drain
Wiggle and twist to hook debris
Pull out slowly (it might be gross—but effective!)
✅ Best for: Hair clogs in showers and tubs