Natural Way to Clear a Clogged Drain

What would you recommend for a clogged drain?

Washing soda is an excellent choice for helping drains stay clear because
while it is alkaline—a pH of 11—it isn’t as caustic and damaging as the
commonly used lye-based commercial product. Ideally, use washing soda on your
drains once a week to keep them clear. Just pour 1/4 cup or so down the
drain, and then flush with water. Washing soda is found in the laundry
section of the supermarket. You can use baking soda instead by pouring 1 cup
of baking soda down the drain, followed by three cups of boiling water. The
boiling water will change the chemical composition of baking soda to become
more alkaline like washing soda. If you already have a clog, try pouring 1
cup of washing soda (or baking soda) down the drain followed by three cups of
boiling water. Repeat two or three times. If you still have a clog, try
pouring down 1 cup of vinegar. Being an acid, the vinegar will neutralize the
washing soda or baking soda and there will be some foaming and gurgling, but
sometimes this agitation is all that is needed in the end to dislodge the
grime.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sandra W.

10:45AM PDT on May 19, 2013

I have used 1 cup vinegar ,and 1 cup baking soda it does work.The first time it was like forever to work. Patience is the key to this one, and I mean patience.

May 19
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Aud N.

11:23PM PDT on Apr 12, 2013

April 12
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Uddhab K.

12:01AM PDT on Apr 11, 2013

Thanks.

April 11
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aj E.

8:37AM PDT on Apr 6, 2013

tried it - didn't help at all.

April 6
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Kelly L.

8:16AM PDT on Apr 6, 2013

I will give it a try tomorrow and let you know if it worked

Kathy M.

4:50AM PDT on Apr 3, 2013

thanks will pick up washing soda next time at the store

April 3
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Becky H.

3:09PM PDT on Mar 13, 2013

i have used the baking soda and vinegar method. slow, but works. i now include it in my weekly cleaning routine. one thing to be careful of is not to let them sit on the metal at the drain. i think that is what discolored my tub drain.