Homemade Drain Cleaner
A blocked drainage is an inevitable problem which almost everyone have to face every now and then. All of us make all the possible efforts to keep the drain clean but some or the other way it does get messed up and we are left with no option than calling a plumber or buying a ready-made drain cleaner. Not only do ready-made drain cleaners cost a lot, but they also can prove hazardous if not handled properly, for the user and also for the environment. Most of the commercial drain cleaners contain caustic soda which can burn the skin. So instead, you could make a homemade drain cleaner, that too with very few things which are easily available at home and which do not have any harmful effects. The following are some methods for making drain cleaner.
Drain Cleaner with Tartar
Ingredients:
- 2 cups boiling water
- cup tartar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup baking soda
Firstly pour two cups of water, either in the microwave or in a container and boil. Meanwhile, pour baking soda, salt and cream of tartar in a measuring cup and mix well. Pour the mixture into a plastic sealable bag and shake well. Your drain cleaner is ready to be used. Simply measure cup into a glass and pour into the clogged drain, pour the boiled water over it and let it stand for about 30 minutes. Run fresh water through the drain after 30 minutes. The clogged drain will be completely clean by then. You can find cream of tartar in your nearby store, buy cream of tartar in bulk so that you can prepare this homemade drain cleaner, and store it. The next time the drain gets clogged, simply add boiling water to the mixture. However, the best remedy is to prevent drain clogging, the next recipe will tell you how.
Drain Cleaner with Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup vinegar
Firstly discard all the water from the sink and then pour down the baking soda, right through the drain. Now pour vinegar and plug the drain immediately, for best results do not wait for the vinegar to settle down in the drain. Bubbles will be formed, wait for the bubbles to set down, it will take about 30 minutes. After the required time, pour boiling water down the drain. The science behind this is simple, when a base like baking soda is added to an acid like vinegar, carbon dioxide and sodium acetate are formed, which naturally scrubs the drain clean. And when we pour down boiling water, the gunk is dissolved and flushed leaving the drain clean. Baking soda and vinegar also prevent odor. You can use this solution to unclog kitchen sink or any other drain.
These were some easy homemade drain cleaner recipes. As stated earlier, do not wait for the drains to get clogged, clean them regularly. For regular clearing of drains, pour just 4 tbsp of washing soda in hot water, and pour through the drain, rinse with hot water after 15 minutes. This will avoid the clogging of drains. With such simple remedies at hand, cleaning shouldn't remain a task!
