Skip the Drano—Unclog Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar!

Remember those elementary science experiments where you’d demonstrate the immense, destructive power of an erupting volcano? Papier-mache, food coloring, vinegar and baking soda went a long way back then. And winning that science fair prize was oh so fabulous—I rocked that ribbon for days. Thanks to the sensational solution that mixing baking soda and vinegar brings, you can have that victorious feeling once again.

As a long-locked woman, I’m completely to blame for my home’s occasionally-clogged shower drain. For years I would result to purchasing expensive drain cleaners to clear out my pipes because I knew no other way. It wasn’t until recently that I became reacquainted with my favorite childhood mixture. Use the foaming strength of baking soda and vinegar instead. Follow these 5 simple steps for a clog-free drain:

Directions

1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain.

2. Add about 1/2 cup of baking soda

3. Following the baking soda, pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of very hot water.

4. Cover with a drain plug for about 10 minutes.

5. Flush with another pot of boiling water.

 

For similar articles, check out:

Three Affordable Ways to Unclog a Drain

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner that Doesn’t Have to Smell Like Lemons

Make Your Own Foaming Handsoap or Facial Cleanser