Natural Homemade ‘drain-o’, or How To Unclog Without Harmful Chemicals

June 24th, 2009 - filed under: The Farm » Home

If I were to write a love ballad, it would be all about baking soda. It might go something like,

“White as snow/ and powdered fine/ clean anything/ to make you mine

I didn’t know/ we’d never start / ’cause vinegar/ has got your heart“

But seriously, this stuff is out of control. Baking soda and vinegar are the foundation of DIY cleaning. Don’t be fooled – it really is that simple.

And this recipe is easy enough, but I swear it works like a charm. You don’t need complex, carcinogenic compounds lurking around your cabinets! Baking soda, baby, and a liberal splash of vinegar.

That’s powdered gold, my friends, white gold from cleansing heaven.

Drain De-Clogger Recipe:

1/2 cup baking soda

1 cup vinegar

1 gallon boiling water

Carefully siphon all the baking soda down the drain. Pour in 1/2 of the vinegar, covering the hole so the fizz is forced down, not up (omit this for toilets, please!). Add the second half of the vinegar, following the same procedure. Allow to sit for 15 minutes or so, and then flush with an entire gallon of boiling water.

I have used this method in my shower and my toilet, and it has never failed me. For particularly troublesome stoppage, you may have to administer multiple applications. For instance, I recently had to go three rounds with my janky bathtub drain. It was a mighty battle, but my baking soda came through for me!

The magic is in the fizz.

Enjoy, and happy green cleaning!

sign-off

http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Alex – Ha! That is Miss Petunia Blue. =)
Cynthia

Excellent! It worked! Thanks for the help and for us avoiding a poopy mess! I said poopy!
susan seres

thank you so much!! it worked!! my plumber told me not to use draino, my pipes are too old, and this worked the first time!you saved me the cal of a plumber (starting rate 120 dollars), and /or a trip to home depot on my day off!! thank you again!!
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Cynthia – YAY! That’s so great!

@ susan seres – Awesome! I love all the success stories. =)
Tholo

In response to Pete’s comment to leave out the baking soda and vinegar: When I tried this, the drain didn’t clear until I poured the hot water down, and I thought maybe all that was needed was the hot water too. Then I saw how the baking soda and vinegar had removed all of the gunky build up on the sink plug and had SCOURED it clean. I had no idea it was white! Clearly that was the work of the (harmless, of course) chemical reaction; hot water wouldn’t have done that. Lord only know how much gunk it scoured off the insides of the pipes further down where I can’t see.
Sayward, might I suggest you mention the paper funnel in the body of your post? That would have really helped me since I didn’t read the comments until after. I resorted to spooning soda a bit at a time and using a Q-tip to shove it down. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the unclogged sink!
http://fakewebsite.com/ Token

Thanks for tips on how to avoid having to use Draino. I loathe the stuff and don’t like to have it in the house.

I’m still a little unclear on how you would go about unclogging a toilet safely with this method. I tried it myself yesterday with a stubborn clog. I put a huge scoop of baking soda into the toilet and then poured in the boiling water. I guess I did it in the wrong order because no reaction took place.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but all of a sudden- I had to go to the bathroom really bad. We only have one bathroom so I really had no choice.
When it happened, it was bad. Worse than you could imagine. I like to eat a lot of balsamic vinegar with my pasta. When the reaction finally did take place it forced the water upward and hot gaseous toilet water bubbled up onto me burning my legs and feet. I stood up screamed in pain and in my rush to escape the scalding foam from the toilet I slipped on my linoleum floor and burned my frontside as well.

I hope that my experience can serve as a lesson to those who would attempt this method. Remember- baking soda first, then vinegar, then boiling water. And don’t the toilet while the reaction is taking place.
mj

IT W0RKS!! this is awesome. The same thing i used in the third grade to make a volcanoe works to unclog my toilet. hahaha
REally
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Tholo – Yay, thanks for the awesome review! So glad you had success.

@ Token – Oh no! Oh my goodness that’s awful, I hope you’re okay!

But yes, you do have it right. Baking soda, then vinegar, then water. It sounds like what went wrong the first time was that you left out the vinegar? That part is important!

I’m so sorry that happened to you. Better luck in the future!

@ mj – YES! Yay, I’m glad you had success. It DOES work! =D
Sarita

Oh thanks for this. I am trying to start going green as they would say by reducing the number of harmful chemicals i use in my home. I am the Bleach and Lysol girl. Don’t think anything is clean without it. So its great to get these tips. Plus it saves money. So thanks!
http://winningfaith.blogspot.com/ Nikki

Howdy!! Lifehacker mentioned your post about making candles in a crockpot so I started browsing around. I LOVE your site. I am fortunate to have gotten a new lease on life lately (divorce, bleh!) and I’m ready to move on to “greener” pastures.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for the stuff you post.

(Maybe I missed it but have you done posts on make-up recommendations?)

Much love!
(Sorry if the HTML doesn’t work…..)
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Sarita – You’re welcome, and congrats on the green conversion!

@ Nikki – Thank you! I’m sorry to hear about your divorce, but it sounds like you are spinning it positive and that’s the most important thing. I have not done a makeup review yet, but it’s on the list for sure.

I’m so glad you like the site! Welcome! =)
hazeleyes

What is more interesting than a smart woman? Nothing.

Christmas morning and my tub drain is clogged, but not for long!

Thanks for this post.
http://www.wildkat.co.uk/speaking Kimberley

I’ve been cleaning with baking soda, vinegar and lemon for some time now. I don’t have nearly as many migraines as I did before and it’s amazing what you can do with these three things!
Kei

Be careful what baking soda you use… Arm and Hammer tests on animals. Not every one cares about stuff like that. But if you do, it’s best to check.
Kei

Let me fix my statement before it gets my butt kicked: I am NOT suggesting for a second that you all don’t care about whether or not a product does animal testing. I’m just putting the word about Arm and Hammer out there for anyone who may not know. I hope I haven’t offended anyone.
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Angel

Do you think baking soda, vinegar, and hot water would unclog a floor drain in a basement? We have a clog that is backing up water into our basement area.
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ hazeleyes – Thanks lady! Glad it worked for you!

@ Kimberley – Yup, it’s crazy how spectacular these cleansers work, without all the noxious fumes. Everyone’s always skeptical, but they’re never disappointed!

@ Kei – Thanks for the reminder, I totally overlooked that. No more Arm & Hammer for me.

@ Angel – It’s worth a try – it certainly couldn’t hurt! And it’s a lot cheaper than any other option. =)
Jessica

I’d been putting baking soda and vinegar down my drain to no avail — came across your post and realized I should be plugging the drain so that the fizz would be forced DOWN the pipe instead of up and out the pipe. Of course! As soon as I did that my drain cleared up! Thanks for the advice :)
Larry

Comment for Angel and the basement floor drain: A lot depends on how old the house is and where the drain pipe goes after it leaves the basement. If it daylights to the outside(meaning it just runs out onto the ground in a low area),it may be clogged with leaves or other organic debris. I have even seen pipes clogged with acorns from chipmunk nests (seriously). If the pipe drains into a drywell or septic tank, and is very old, it could be collapsed or be partially filled with soil or tree roots. If a previous owner used the drain as a waste disposal it could have any number of things in there from cement dust to wood shavings to used oil to… Baking soda and vinegar isn’t likely to work if any of these scenarios exist, but I would still give it a try. But before I called a plumber or a sewer rooter service I would rent a “plumber’s snake” to try to open it up (you can get manual and power assisted snakes). Good luck with the vinegar and baking soda.

And to Sayward: Good site and good suggestion, but I am surprised you didn’t mention prevention. If you successfully limit only water and soap going down the drain you will almost never have a clog. Regularly pouring fat, grease or large food particles down the drain is a sure way to invite a buildup and eventual clog. But if you must, incorporating your method into a regular maintenance schedule would prevent a clog.
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Larry – Very true, prevention is always the best medicine!
http://community.webshots.com/user/atasetofcreole Jeanne

This does not work if you have long hair. Which we do. I use straight lye. Pour 2 TBSP down drain, pour in 2 cups COLD water, then 20 minutes later flush. Works.
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Jeanne – I’m sorry this didn’t work for you. A lot of my long-haired readers have been quite successful with it!

***Just an FYI to everyone else, I do NOT endorse pouring lye down your drains.***
BB

I just stumbled across your blog and finding many of your cleaning items to be intriguing. I have been using baking soda and vinegar for years to clear my drains. I first learned the trick from a plumber of all people. He was very adamant of not using liquid drain cleaning. The one thing he added to the method was to pour a hot tea kettle full of water down the drain after letting the vinegar/baking soda mixture sit overnight. Also if the clog is stubborn, you can use a plunger along with the hot water to clear the drain. Works like a charm every time!
G

She said “HARMFUL” chemicals! CASEY, you should read carefully before sounding like a “dumbass.”

Anyway, I tried this before without any success. Had to buy draino as well.
http://bonzaiaphrodite Nona

Stumbled across your website and I love it. I am always looking for new recipes and ideas and I found several on your site that I can’t wait to try.
Jay

I just did this like POW. I like it. Volcano in my sink. Also, it might have worked, but it’s too early to tell. I hate putting the _harmful_ chemicals down the drain, but what I hate more is pouring something I bought right down the drain, regardless of what it is. This stuff, I already have.

Also, once that box of Baking Soda is “finished” in the fridge, this is a good thing to do with it: blow out your drains (on a regular basis)!
Funky

I was amazed how well this worked. My drain was clogged up with hair and scum, and my super tried his best, but to no avail. I thought I would have to call a plumber and shell out big bucks for just a clog. But I tried this method for the hell of it–since the cost was nominal–and it rocked the show. I went 2 rounds of your recipe: after the first round, the drain was noticeably better, and after the second round, it was as clear as day. Thanks!
Unplugged

I used this concoction in my bathtub. I couldn’t exactly figure out how to “siphon” the baking soda down the drain so I just sort of jammed it down there instead. I only got 1/4 cup to go in. Then I poured the vinegar over it and when it it started bubbling, I got hopefull. I stirred the drain with a wire to help it along a little and it worked!!! I finished it off with boiling water as directed and the drain was so clean it was amazing!! Yeah!! Thank you for the info!!
Malay Girl ^_^

sounds convincing huh??OMG!i will present those tommorow in my show and tell assignment for my law and society course.its all about ways to keep our home green.but i will specify that on ways to have a green kitchen.actually, i never try it out.but, its like worth the effort!i cant wait!!wish me the best =)
Pingback: Homemade Dish Soap & Detergent « Lets Think Green Thoughts
Finnster

Just used this on the bathroom sink. 1 tablespoon baking soda and a dash of vinegar 2 times and clog removed. Thanks for the tip!
Gary

i tried that method my sinks are still clogged
i’ll try them again. my sister uses that she says it works
http://www.tulsafood.com shae

I tried this method and it worked very well! Thank you!
Rene

Thanks a ton! Just fixed my bathroom sink.
Rashtone

The vinegar and baking soda sounds great. Im hearing different comments. But that wont stop me from trying it. Right now I only have apple cider vinegar, will that also work?
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com Sayward

@ Rashtone – Cider vinegar is not ideal, but it should work. Luck!
http://www.telljapan.com himura_KAORU

Just tried it on my hair-clogged bathroom sink and it worked perfectly! Cleaned all the black goo off the drain pull as well. Thanks so much for this tip!
http://bluknotsoriginals.blogspot.com @tishushu

I just tried this on my tub drain this morning! Amazing is all I have to say! Thanks!
Gladys Naugle Hess

Thank you soooooo much for the tip! Our kitchen drain was clogged for about two weeks. We tried everything except those horrible chemicals one buys in the store to remove the clogs. We have two pet parrots, ourselves and the septic tank to consider so we don’t like to use them.

I was doing dishes in the bathroom! I was really becoming angry over the situation. We were just about ready to take the counter out and really get at the plumbing even if it meant taking a lot if it apart. Then I went to the computer to see if anyone out there had any ideas besides hiring a plumber which we can’t really afford right now. I finally came across your tip and I am forever grateful to you for putting it out there for us. I put the baking soda down the drain then poured the vinegar down and weighted down the stoppers in both kitchen sinks for about a half hour. Then I poured a kettle full of very hot water down and it just stayed there. I was ready to siphon the water out with the shop vac and try again but instead I had my husband hit it a few times with the plunger and wham! that clog left loose and down went the water. We flushed it really well with hot water afterward and wow, what a whirlpool it forms.

I will always use the baking soda and vinegar on all of our drains and I am going to tell all of my relatives, neighbors and friends.
Alex

What a great tip! However, it took about 6 runs before it worked. But when it did it looked almost weird because the water was going in the wrong direction…down! =P So Thank you! I do however have two questions. One, can it ever be done too much? You mentioned 3 as your magic number and my 6 wasn’t that far off, but could it be damaging to the pipes if it took many more?
Thanks again and I hope you’re having a great day!!! =)
nisbahmumtaz

OH DAMN
IT WORKS LIKE HELL

Now I won’t scratch my arms again trying to poke the dirt through the sharp pipe tunnels.

Well, I also gained a good impression from my mom-in-law, thanks to my ‘scientific brain’.

Not only did you help clear up my wife’s drain, but you also ‘cleared up’ my name in my wife’s mom’s eyes. Thanks a heap.
AL

SAW THIS ON LIFEHACKER SITE I WILL NEED TO TRY THIS OUT! Also your very cute :)
Kerstin

I’m actually quite tempted to try this out on the sink in my break room at work. It’s been clogged for weeks and the company is too broke to either call in a plumber or give us some drain opener. Shame I don’t have any distilled vinegar, but I DO have apple cider.
Kayla

This worked wonderfully!! Thank you!! I can’t wait to try other recipes from your site!!
Kayla

This worked wonderfully! Thank you!! I can’t wait to try other recipes from your site!
Jenny

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It took 3 applications but it worked and now I can finally run my dishwasher!
Deb

Just wanted to say, even though there have been those who don’t believe it, this does work. I had been wading in water when taking a shower for quite a while. Then I found this site. I even forgot to add the 2nd 1/2 cup of vinegar! I let it sit for quite a while, like hours because I actually forgot about it! Then I added the boiling hot water. Yay! Clog is all gone! Thanks!
Suzanne3971

Amazing! I could only get about 1/4 cup of baking soda into drain because clog was so bad….added about 1 cup vinegar…covered drain…waited about 5 minutes…and poured a gallon of boiling water….it went right down! Will be sharing with my friends!
stillplugged

I tried it once so far and it’s cleared up a lot, but not totally. Im about to try it again, but I only have 3/4 cup of vinegar left. Can I use something else in place of the vinegar if I need to go a 3rd round? Please advise (and thanks for the tip btw).
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

Realizing I got to this a little late, but for future reference, there’s not really an adequate vinegar solution. You could use another type of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, but it needs to be vinegar.

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