4 Effective & Natural DIY Drain Cleaners

By Cris Carl, Hometalk

Having a clogged sink begs the old chestnut about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. There are a lot of things that should never go down a drain, especially if you have a septic system. To avoid clogs to begin with, you have to avoid allowing food particles, grease, and hair from going down the drain. It’s helpful to have a small piece of wire mesh over your drains to catch food or hair particles. Just be sure to clean the mesh regularly or it will start to smell.

Now, for a dose of reality, no one is perfect. We have a lazy moment, or the kids are washing the dishes and aren’t paying attention, or we get too busy to notice all that hair in the tub. Sooner or later, you’ll end of with a clogged drain.

I have two drains that tend to clog more often in my house, the tub and the laundry sink. The tub drain gets clogged with hair and body care products. My washing machine drains via a plastic pipe into a laundry sink so fibers and lint build up in the drain.

The problem with commercial drain cleaners is they corrode pipes, are bad for septic systems, are toxic to ground water, and they can damage the materials that your sink or tub are made of. I recently had to change the drain and fixtures on my bathroom sink due to corrosion from commercial cleaners. After that experience, I decided to try non-toxic and far less corrosive methods for clearing pipes.

Before you try a DIY drain cleaner

It’s best to remember to use your DIY drain cleaners routinely before the clogs happen. When you are trying a DIY drain cleaner, it will likely take longer than a commercial drain cleaner. You also may need to repeat your efforts more than once. Many DIY drain cleaners will take up to an hour to work.

Just like in the Heimlich maneuver, look first to see if you can actually see the clog. It’s not a fun task, but put on your rubber gloves and dig the hair and goop out first. You may also want to try plunging the drain and running hot water alternately a couple of times. If the clog is minor, that may be all you need to do.

Baking soda, the top DIY drain cleaner

The most commonly used DIY drain cleaner is using one cup of baking soda and one cup of cider vinegar. The intense foaming action, followed by running plenty of hot water, is good routine maintenance. I have to admit I was surprised the first time I saw the drain pop open after trying this. The tub drain was still pretty slow, so I repeated the method.

1 of 2

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

John S.

4:37AM PDT on Apr 6, 2013

There are enzyme drain cleaner's, hard to find, that are green alternatives (for those that wait too long). I prefer to fill the sink and pull the plug to let gravity work.

April 6
send a green star

Duane B.

8:12AM PST on Feb 8, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

February 8
send a green star

Suz F.

11:34AM PST on Jan 18, 2013

...thanks for tips--tried these last night--still clogged--will try again for i as well like to use "non-harming" alternatives...

January 18
send a green star

Tanya W.

5:53AM PST on Dec 24, 2012

Cheers.

December 24
send a green star

Joy W.

7:51AM PDT on Aug 10, 2012

Thank you.

August 10
send a green star

Laura R.

11:38AM PDT on Jul 8, 2012

"My washing machine drains via a plastic pipe into a laundry sink so fibers and lint build up in the drain."

If you tie or clamp a nylon stocking or leg from a pair of pantyhose on the end of the pipe, it will catch the lint and eliminate or, at least, significantly reduce the clogs. When it is full, simply replace it.