** This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.
One of the hardest areas to keep dirt free in the home are sink drains. They can become clogged so quickly with anything ranging from food waste, cooking oils, hair, or bits of soap.
Before reaching for a bottle of toxic drain cleaner try out some natural methods first. These methods are all without toxins and do not take much effort or time.
1. Plunger. Just like a plunger can unclog a toilet it can also unclog your sink. There are mini plungers available that are a perfect fit for sinks.
2. Boiling water. Put a full pot or kettle of water on to boil. Once water is boiled pour some down the drain. Wait a few seconds to allow time for the hot water to take effect. Then repeat two more times.
3. Metal wire hanger. Unbend the hanger to use as a snake. Push one end of the wire down the drain and attempt to pull out or push through clogged objects. Alternatively you can purchase a Zip-It drain cleaning tool however it is disposable after each use.
4. Baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with half a cup of vinegar. An acidic reaction by combining the two should occur. Lastly pour some hot water down the drain. If clog persists then repeat all steps as necessary.
5. Baking soda and salt. Mix half a cup of each and pour down the clogged drain. Leave for 10 to 20 minutes and then follow with boiling water.
6. Clean the pipe. Some sinks have a screw inside the drain of the sink itself, some have screws located outside the trap under the sink, and some have both. For screws in the sink itself use a screwdriver to loosen the screw. Next, lift the screw up to rise the round drain plug. You can then reach in using a long thin object such as a straightened wire hanger to pull out any debris. Replace screw. For screws located under the sink, first place a bucket under the trap to catch any spills. Next, loosen the screws and remove the trap, emptying the contents into the bucket. Using an old toothbrush or bent wire hanger dig out any remaining debris. Replace trap and screw back in place. I have personally tried both of these methods as we have sinks in our home and while it can be a nasty process it is really not at all difficult.
Have you tried using chemical products for cleaning your drains? Were you satisfied with the results or would you have preferred to use a more natural and family friendly method?
