Home cleaning products; photo courtesy Cindy Davis
This article was last updated on 02/17/21.
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For people who are of the opinion that commercial drain cleaners are expensive and too caustic, the solution is to prepare their own homemade drain cleaners. It is not difficult, works well for your budget and the result are effective cleaners which are every bit as good as the commercial drain cleaners. And if you have children and/or pets, they are safer to have around.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Drain Cleaner
The ingredients of this DIY drain cleaner are the following: baking soda and vinegar. That is a really simple and easy recipe. First the amount of baking soda, about half a box, should be poured down the drain in question, whether in the kitchen or bathroom.
Then a little vinegar should be poured on top of the soda, to induce a foaming action. After the foam has settled, some vinegar should be poured again, and the action should be repeated until all the soda has gone down the drain.
To achieve the maximum cleaning efficiency, hot water should be poured inside, to help remove any debris or dirt that may be left behind. Repeat as needed.
Baking Soda and Boiling Hot Water
There are several other methods when people can use substances available in the home as drain cleaners. One such recipe includes the use of baking soda and boiling hot water. First one cup of baking soda should be poured down the drain.
Then a large hot water kettle should be poured over it. If the water goes down completely, another kettle of hot water should be poured, to flush the drain properly. Finally, cool tap water should be left to pour into the drain for several minutes.
Using a Plunger
Plunging is another simple method to help clean the drain. A small plunger should be used to try to make the matter inside the drain clear up. Keep in mind that this method should not be used on under-counter sinks as the action can break the bond and dislodge it.
There should also be a few inches of water inside the sink, so that a vacuum seal can facilitate the plunging action. A couple of plunges should be enough to clear the debris from inside your drain. The plunger size should be approximately one third of the size of a toilet plunger.
When the drain is too clogged, and the water does not empty, the method of cleaning using baking soda and vinegar can be used, but the sink should be left with the vinegar and baking soda to do the unclogging for the night.
In the morning, the drain should be flushed with hot water, and if it drains at a normal rate, several cups of hot water should be enough to complete the unclogging.
But if the hot water empties at a slow rate, then the p-trap should be checked to find out if there is something blocking the passage. Before going to the trouble of dis-assembling it, have a go with a plumbing drain snake. Several more treatments by flushing during the day will usually manage to unclog the drain.
Homemade drain cleaners have their decided advantages, especially for people who are in favor of green cleaning products. They are easy to prepare and when applied in a timely manner are absolutely efficient.
About the Author:
Cindy Davis is dedicated blogger and housewife. She likes writing about home remodeling and household cleaning related topics. Therefore her present article treats exactly house cleaning and maintenance theme.
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