Here’s a step-by-step guide to easily unclog your drains using baking soda and hot water:
Materials Needed:
Baking soda
Hot water
Dish soap
Vinegar (optional)
Microwave-safe container
Pot or kettle (for boiling water)
Instructions:
Remove Hair and Debris: If your drain has visible debris or hair near the surface, remove it using a drain snake or other appropriate tools. This step will help improve the effectiveness of the unclogging process.
Boil Water: Fill a microwave-safe container with water and heat it in the microwave until it boils. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave, but aim for around 3 minutes.
Prep the Drain: Pour the boiling water directly down the clogged drain to start breaking down the blockage. This helps get things moving.
Add Dish Soap: Squirt a generous amount of dish soap (like Dawn) down the drain. Dish soap helps break down grease and organic matter that may be contributing to the clog. The amount you use will depend on how slow your drain is.
Baking Soda Application: Carefully pour about 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. The baking soda will interact with the vinegar (if used) and create a chemical reaction that helps dissolve the clog.
Optional Vinegar: If you have it, pour about 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to foam. This foaming action helps break down the clog.
Let It Sit: Allow the baking soda, vinegar (if used), and dish soap mixture to sit in the drain for about 5 minutes. During this time, the chemical reaction will work to break down the clog.
Flush with Hot Water: After waiting for about 5 minutes, flush the drain with additional hot water. This will help wash away the dissolved clog and residue.
Repeat or Use Salt Method: If the drain is still not completely clear, you can repeat the process, or for tougher clogs, use a salt and baking soda mixture. For the salt method, combine 1/2 cup of salt and 1 cup of baking soda, pour it down the drain, let it sit overnight, and then flush it with hot water.
Maintenance: To keep your drains running smoothly, consider using a monthly maintenance routine. You can use commercial drain maintenance products or, as shown in the video, reuse the monthly drain deodorizer by pouring it down the drain and flushing with hot water.