Whether in the bathroom or in the kitchen - there is nothing worse than a clogged drain. To prevent this from happening in the first place, drains should be cleaned regularly and measures taken to prevent blockages. We show you how to clean the drain - without chemicals, but with inexpensive household products.
It's happened to most of us: you let the water run, but instead of flowing through, it slowly collects in the pool. It is now clear – the drain is blocked again. And what now? Instead of resorting to chemical agents, you can use inexpensive home remedies. But be careful! Not all home remedies that are advertised as effective work. We make the comparison and reveal which ones really help and how to use them correctly.
But first: Why does the drain get clogged?
As a rule, hair as well as soap and food residues that are stuck in the tubes are for oneclogged drainresponsible. They cannot be flushed any further and will cause a worse clog over time until the water stops draining at all. The following applies here: the faster you act, the better. Don't wait until the drain is completely blocked - then only the plumber may be able to help. Take the necessary measures at the first sign of constipation and you will solve the problem quickly and cheaply.
Clean the drain: home remedies instead of chemicals
Home remedies are a great thing, but only if you use them correctly. At some point you have heard about this or that remedy that can unclog your drain. And now you're desperately pouring product after product down the drain, waiting for the results. Stop! This approach is clearly wrong. Using different remedies one after the other can have dire consequences and will not solve the problem. Don't experiment, but first learn about the methods that really work and won't damage your tube.
We have taken a closer look at the various home remedies to save you the hassle of experimenting and to help you clean the drain on the first try and (almost) without chemicals.
Hot water is the easiest solution
If your drain is slightly clogged so that water drains but more slowly than usual, you don't need to use drain cleaners in the first place. Sometimes plain water is the only solution you need. Bring water to a boil in the kettle and then slowly pour it down the drain. This method works well when fresh food debris has clogged the pipe. In many cases, however, pure water is not enough.
The trick with the dishwashing liquid
At the first sign of constipation, you already have a good helper at hand. The regular dishwashing detergent you use on dishes can unclog the easily clogged drain in just a few minutes. All you need is the plug and hot water. Here's how:
- Pour half the bottle of dish soap down the drain.
- Place the stopper in the sink to prevent water from flowing out.
- Fill the basin with hot water.
- Loosen the plug so that the water can flow again. After a few minutes, the blockage will clear and the pipe will become clear again.
This method is also suitable for regular drain cleaning.
Clean drains without chemicals – with the steam cleaner
If the hot water doesn't completely help, then steam is the next best solution. The temperature combined with the pressure can liquefy and loosen the accumulated dirt. All you have to do is hold the steam cleaner's power nozzle over the spout and steam it. Alsounpleasant smellscan be neutralized using this method.
But be careful:Plastic parts and tubes can be damaged by the steam cleaner. Use this method only with stainless steel tubing.
Clean the drain with baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda has many surprising effects in the home, but can you use it to clear a clogged drain? The answer is yes! But the home remedy needs a loyal helper. Of course, it's about the other miracle cure - vinegar. When you use both products together, a reaction occurs that loosens the dirt residue in the pipe and makes it clear again. How to use the home remedy duo correctly:
- Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda (the same amount of baking powder or washing soda also works) down the drain.
- Pour 100 ml (about half a cup) of vinegar essence on top.
- After the mixture stops bubbling, rinse with hot water.
Does citric acid help with clogged drain pipes?
Yes, you can usually use citric acid to clear the clogged drain pipe. TheHome remedies work wellfor smaller blockages and is also good at eliminating bad smells. For a more powerful solution, you can combine the citric acid with baking soda.
This is how the method works:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered citric acid down the drain. Add a tablespoon of baking soda, if using.
- Pour 100 ml of water on it and let it take effect.
- After at least 30 minutes (or more if necessary), rinse the drain well.
Can you clean the drain with dishwasher tabs?
Have you ever read that a dishwasher tablet can clean your drain and unclog it again? Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you because this “cleaning trick” doesn’t work so well. It sounds really great: you fill the sink with water, dissolve the tablet in it and let the water drain away. Then the grease should magically dissolve and the drain should run normally again. But this is not the case. The reaction between the water and the detergent tablet is not strong enough to free the tube from stuck-on dirt and grease. I wouldn't recommend this method for regular cleaning either - the alternatives are better and cheaper.
Cleaning drains with cola: bizarre or brilliant?
Because of the phosphoric acid it contains, cola is a good remedy for deposits in the drain pipe. But it is not the best solution. Although the drink can be a good alternative to harsh cleaning agents for minor blockages, it cannot unclog a completely blocked drain. However, you can still use Coke for regular drain cleaning if, for example, you have a bottle in the fridge that you don't want to drink. It's really easy:
- Pour at least 1 liter of cola down the drain in the evening.
- Leave the drink on overnight.
- Rinse with water in the morning.
Conclusion
If you need to clean your drain, home remedies are a good alternative to harsh drain cleaners from the household department. For minor blockages and for regular cleaningmost home remediesgood services. For more stubborn constipation, I would recommend the power combination of baking soda and vinegar. It delivers the best results. However, it is important that you do not use all possible home remedies at once and if they do not help, call a specialist in good time.
