Clogged drains can be a nuisance, but luckily there is an easy, inexpensive, and effective method for unclogging them – using baking soda and vinegar. This simple homemade drain cleaner made from items you likely already have in your pantry can break down the toughest clogs and get your water flowing freely again.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process for using baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains, let’s first look at what causes clogs in the first place so you can try to prevent them. Some common culprits include:
- Hair, soap scum, and other debris – Over time, strands of hair, bits of soap, and other gunk can accumulate in pipe joints and bend. As more debris builds up, it restricts water flow.
- Grease and oil – Cooking oils, fats, and grease can stick to pipe walls and congeal into thick deposits over time. Try to minimize pouring grease down the drain.
- Tree roots – Invasive roots from shrubs or trees near external plumbing can grow into pipes seeking water. They can totally block drainage.
- Mineral deposits – Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits like lime and calcium that create scaling on pipe walls, making the opening smaller.
- Toys, jewelry, and other foreign objects – Kids may accidentally drop small toys down the drain, or jewelry and other items can fall in. They’ll get lodged and obstruct water flow.
To help prevent future clogs, use drain catchers and strainers to trap hair and debris, avoid pouring fats/oils down the drain, regularly flush pipes with hot water, and don’t let any inappropriate objects go down! But even with precautions, clogs sometimes happen anyway. Let’s look at how baking soda and vinegar can dissolve them.
How Baking Soda and Vinegar Unclog Drains
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) are both very effective at breaking down some of the most common drain clogs. Here’s how they work:
- Dissolve grease and fat – The acid in vinegar dissolves syrupy grease, while baking soda abrasively scrubs away deposits.
- Loosen mineral deposits – The fizzing reaction neutralizes scaling and other mineral buildup lining pipe walls.
- Fizz away clogs – When baking soda and vinegar react, it creates pressurized carbon dioxide fizz. This agitation can help dislodge the clog.
- Deodorize pipes – Removes lingering odors by neutralizing smelly acids present due to dirty or stagnant water.
Using this homemade cleaner is also generally safe for your pipes, though it’s always best to start with the least harsh method and move up from there if needed. For tougher clogs, a mechanical snake or plunger may be required.
Now let’s look at how to mix up this simple drain cleaner and put it to work!
How to Unclog a Sink Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Step 1: Boil Some Water
Start by heating a pot of water to boiling on the stove. Carefully pour the hot water down the clogged sink drain. The heat will help dissolve and loosen the clog right away.
Step 2: Try a Plunger
While the water is heating up, take a sink plunger and see if some easy plunging can break up the clog and dislodge some of the gunk. Cover the overflow drain hole with a wet rag first to apply force downward. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times.
Step 3: Mix the Baking Soda and Vinegar
Next, pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain opening. Let it sit for a few minutes to work on the clog. Then pour about 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. You’ll see bubbles and frothing as the reaction takes place. Caution: The mixture will bubble up, so pour the vinegar slowly and step back to avoid splashing.
Step 4: Flush with Boiling Water
Give the chemicals 5-10 minutes to finish reacting, then pour your pot of boiling water down the drain to help flush away any loosened debris. This super hot water will also further dissolve oils and soaps in the clog.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
If your drain still isn’t cleared after one treatment, give it a few hours and then repeat the process. A seriously stubborn clog may take a couple rounds of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water flushes to finally get moving again.
Step 6: Prevent Future Clogs
To help prevent a recurrence of the clog, do a regular baking soda/vinegar treatment monthly as drain maintenance. Always use drain strainers and catchers in sinks. Minimize grease and oil going down the pipes.
And that’s it! With some simple items from your kitchen, you can break down and remove the toughest clog for less than a dollar. No harsh chemicals needed. If it’s a very severe clog or your attempts aren’t working, it’s best to call a professional plumber to tackle the problem. But for most basic clogs, baking soda and vinegar should do the trick and get your sink draining smoothly again.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Bathtub drains can become clogged with hair, soap scum, oils, and other grungy buildup over time. But you can tackle most basic tub clogs yourself using the power of baking soda and vinegar. Here’s a simple process that should get your tub draining freely again.
Step 1: Try a Plunger First
Before reaching for the baking soda, take a few minutes to vigorously plunge the drain and see if you can dislodge the clog that way. Fill the tub with some water, cover the overflow drain holes with rags, and forcefully plunge up and down at least 15 times, aiming to loosen the clog.
Step 2: Boil Some Water
If plunging failed, put a pot of water on to boil on the stove. Once boiling, carefully pour the hot water down the tub drain. This will help melt soap scum and oils and detach debris from the pipe walls.
Step 3: Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar Down Drain
With the tub drain open, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down. Let sit for a few minutes, then pour in 1 cup vinegar. It will bubble and fizz as it reacts. The chemical reaction helps break up blockages.
Step 4: Flush with More Hot Water
Give the baking soda/vinegar solution 5-10 minutes to finish working, Then pour your boiling water down the drain. This flushes away any grime loosened up by the chemicals so it doesn’t re-solidify into a blockage.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Needed
Some extra-stubborn clogs may require repeating the hot water, baking soda, and vinegar process 2-3 times to successfully dislodge the gunk. So try again if needed.
Step 6: Prevent Future Clogs
Always remember to use drain catchers and strainers to minimize hair going down the tub drain, and avoid letting soaps and oils solidify. A monthly baking soda/vinegar treatment will also help keep things clear.
With a simple homemade solution, you can dissolve and flush away most basic tub clogs and save the cost of a plumber. However, if you’ve tried the DIY methods without success, call a professional drain specialist to properly clear persistent tub drain blockages.
How to Unclog a Shower Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Showers are prone to clogs too from soap scum, hair, and other gunk passing through the drain. A monthly baking soda and vinegar treatment can help prevent shower clogs, but if one develops, here is how to clear it:
Step 1: Remove Drain Cover
Start by using a wrench or pliers to detach the shower drain plate or cover so you can access the drain pipe opening directly. You’ll get more velocity and pressure right on the clog this way.
Step 2: Boil Some Water
Put a pot of water on the stove and heat to boiling. Carefully pour the hot water directly into the exposed shower drain. The heat will help melt and dissolve soap scum and grease.
Step 3: Plunge the Drain
While waiting for the water to boil, take a small plunger and vigorously plunge the shower drain to help dislodge the clog. With the drain cover off you can apply direct pressure.
Step 4: Flush Baking Soda and Vinegar Into Drain
Once the boiling water has had time to work, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the shower drain and let sit. Follow with 1 cup vinegar, allowing the fizzy reaction to take place right on the clog.
Step 5: Flush with More Hot Water
Give the chemicals 5-10 minutes to finish reacting, then send another pot of freshly boiled water down the drain to help rinse away debris.
Step 6: Re-Assemble Drain
Finally, reattach the shower drain cover plate once the clog is cleared. Check water flows properly before finishing your shower.
Repeat the process as needed for stubborn clogs. And prevent future problems by using a strainer and doing routine baking soda/vinegar maintenance cleaning. With some simple homemade techniques, you can keep your shower drainage clear.
How to Unclog a Toilet Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Toilet clogs can happen when too much toilet paper or other debris gets flushed. You can break down most basic clogs using baking soda and vinegar rather than immediately reaching for a plunger. Here’s a simple process:
Step 1: Turn Off the Toilet’s Water Supply
Start by locating the shut-off valve behind or around the toilet and turning it clockwise to stop water from refilling the toilet bowl during treatment.
Step 2: Flush to Empty Remaining Water
Flush the toilet as much as possible to drain away any remaining water in the bowl before starting. This lets you directly access the clog.
Step 3: Pour Baking Soda into Toilet
With the toilet water emptied, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl. Really coat the drain opening at the bottom of the bowl. Let sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: Pour Vinegar into Toilet
Follow up by slowly pouring 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Stand back as it will bubble and fizz while reacting with the baking soda. This helps break up the clog.
Step 5: Let it Sit
After you’ve added the vinegar and the fizzing stops, let the mixture continue working to dissolve the clog for 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Flush the Toilet
Finally, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet forcefully several times to rinse away any grime loosened by the chemical reaction.
Step 7: Repeat if Needed
For extra stubborn clogs, you may need to repeat the entire baking soda and vinegar process 2-3 times to finally force through the obstruction.
So before reaching for a plunger, consider using some common household items to break up toilet clogs! Just be sure to turn off the toilet water supply first. And as always, call a plumber for severe clogs that won’t budge.
Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Really Unclog Drains?
With all of these homemade drain treatments, you may be wondering “does baking soda and vinegar actually work to unclog pipes?” The answer is yes! Here’s why:
- Chemical Reaction – When baking soda and vinegar combine, a fizzy chemical reaction takes place. As they interact, it releases carbon dioxide gas. All those bubbles help dislodge and break up the clog.
- Acid Dissolves – The acetic acid in the vinegar dissolves gunk, including oils and grease. This helps wear away the clog over time.
- Abrasive Scrubbing – The gritty texture of baking soda works like an abrasive cleaner scrubbing away at the blockage as the bubbles are produced.
- Water Flow – The pressure created by the carbon dioxide bubbles and hot water flushes helps push through and dislodge chunks of the clog.
So while it may sound too simple to be true, the proof is in the pudding – baking soda and vinegar can be used successfully as an inexpensive homemade drain cleaner, as long as the clog isn’t too severe. Give it a try before calling a plumber!
Tips for Maximizing Your Baking Soda and Vinegar Drain Cleaner
To get the strongest clog-busting effect from your homemade baking soda and vinegar drain cleaner, follow these tips:
- Use very hot or boiling water to help melt/dissolve the clog while cleaning.
- Start with plunging and mechanical removal first before chemicals.
- Ensure the drain is fully open so vinegar and baking soda make direct contact.
- Wait until fizzing stops before flushing with water.
- Give the chemicals adequate time (5-10 minutes) to fully react before rinsing.
- Position a bucket or rag nearby to catch any overflow bubbles.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, and use caution when pouring boiling water.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times if the clog persists.
- Let drain fully dry after treatment before re-using.
- Perform routine maintenance with baking soda/vinegar to prevent future clogs.
Following these best practices will ensure you get the most drain-clearing power possible from your homemade ingredients.
Common Questions About Using Baking Soda and Vinegar to Unclog Drains:
Still have some questions about using pantry staples as homemade drain cleaners? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I use baking soda or vinegar first?
It doesn’t really matter which order you pour them in, but most people recommend adding the baking soda to coat the drain first.
How much baking soda and vinegar should I use?
For a basic sink or shower clog, start with 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. Increase amounts as needed for tougher clogs.
How long should I let the baking soda and vinegar sit?
Give the mixture 5-10 minutes to fully fizz and react before flushing the drain with hot water.
What ratio of baking soda to vinegar is best?
Most experts recommend a 1:2 ratio – for every 1/2 cup baking soda, use 1 cup vinegar. This ensures enough acid to fully react with the base.
Is it safe for garbage disposals?
It’s fine for maintaining disposal drains, just avoid dumping in vinegar and baking soda together – it can damage the blades.
Can I use baking soda and vinegar to unclog my main sewer line?
No – for severe main drain clogs, a professional hydrojetting service is required to fully clear the blockage.
How often should it be done for maintenance?
Once a month is ideal for preventive drain maintenance, or use whenever your drains start to slow.
Using common pantry items to clear drains is smart, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and inexpensive. Now that you know how effective baking soda and vinegar are at cutting through gunk, you can tackle clogged drains with confidence!
Conclusion
Learning how to unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar is a useful skill everyone should have. As you’ve seen, this simple homemade drain cleaner made from basic kitchen ingredients can dissolve hair, soap scum, grease, and other gunk that collects in your drains over time.
By using the step-by-step guides outlined, you can clear slow-flowing sink, shower, tub, and toilet drains in your home without harsh chemicals. Just mix up the baking soda and vinegar, allow the satisfying fizzing reaction to take place, and follow up with hot water flushing.
Unclogging drains doesn’t require expensive plumber visits or risky caustic cleaners. With stuff you already have in your pantry, you can remove the toughest clogs and prevent future blockages with routine maintenance cleaning. So next time your drain is moving slowly, reach for the baking soda and vinegar before calling a professional!