Drains can become one of the dirtiest spots in your house due to food scraps and grease, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to clear them
It’s easy to overlook drain maintenance, but they can quickly become some of the grimiest areas in your home, thanks to the daily deluge of food debris, soap residue and oily substances disappearing down the plughole.
This accumulation forms a filthy layer within your pipes, generating an awful smell while becoming a magnet for bacteria, mould and even pesky flies invading your kitchen or bathroom spaces.
The fatty deposits will swiftly cause water to drain at a snail’s pace from your sink, creating further blockages, and could ultimately lead to a complete pipe obstruction that’ll have you reaching for a professional plumber’s number.
Countless social media users have championed the use of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for tackling blocked drains, however these household staples simply aren’t robust enough on their own to dissolve greasy build-up.
However, the experts at Get Home Things have revealed that you needn’t splash out on expensive or harsh cleaning solutions, as washing up liquid can do the job brilliantly when it comes to drain cleaning, reports the Mirror.
They shared: “If you’ve got a clogged sink drain, don’t head straight for the chemical drain clog remover – try using some washing up liquid first! Pour half a cup of baking soda down the sink followed by half a cup of vinegar (it will fizz). Then pour down an entire cup of washing up liquid and let it sit for 15 minutes before running hot water through the drain. This should do the trick!
“White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are often touted as a DIY solution for unblocking drains, thanks to the fizzing reaction they create which can shift some debris. However, these mild substances don’t quite cut it when it comes to tackling the grease that causes most blockages and germs in pipe drains.
Enter washing up liquid, designed to break down oils and grease, it can dissolve the sticky layer on a pipe and give your drain a proper clear out.
This simple yet highly effective method is perfect for deep cleaning your sink to prevent future blockages or clear minor clogs without having to fork out for drain cleaners.
Here’s how to clear a sink drain using only natural items:
1. Begin by pouring 100g of baking soda down the drain – this will coat the pipes and help the fizzy reaction penetrate deeper into the drain.
2. Next, pour 120ml of white vinegar into the drain. The resulting fizzy bubbles will help loosen some of the gunk. Wait a minute or two for the bubbles to die down.
3. Squirt 250ml of washing up liquid down the drain. Then, leave the drain be for at least 15 minutes to allow the soap time to dissolve and soften any greasy residue.
4. Once the time is up, fill a kettle to the brim and once it has boiled pour the hot water down the sink. This will melt the softened grease and wash away any stuck debris, leaving your sink drain sparkling clean with minimal effort.
