How to Clean a Drain With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Time needed: 20 minutes

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill a bowl with boiling water and empty it down the drain.

   Fill a bowl with boiling water and empty it down the drain. Pouring hot water down your bathroom drain helps loosen debris and hair built up over time. This will make it easier to clean out later on.
   If you don’t have time to boil water, run hot tap water down the drain until it feels warm. Do not pour oil into this mixture since it may cause clogs in your pipes or septic system.

2. Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into the sink and leave it to sit for several minutes.

   Baking soda is alkaline that can help remove stains, rust, and other buildups in your drains.
   It’s also safe to use in your pipes if you have hard water or mineral buildup, which can lead to clogs in your plumbing system. The baking soda will help loosen up any dirt that may be stuck inside your pipes, so you’ll be able to clean them out more easily later.

3. Dispense 1 cup of vinegar down the drain.

   One cup of vinegar should be poured down the drain. Vinegar is a natural acid that will help break down the clog and loosen debris.

4. Cover the drain with a rag, plate, or sink stopper to prevent fumes from escaping.

   Cover the drain with a rag, plate, or sink stopper to prevent fumes from escaping.
   You’ll also want to keep your work area well-ventilated, especially if you’re working indoors.
   If a window opens directly above your sink, take advantage of it by cracking it open and pointing the fan directly out toward it.

5. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

   Once you’ve poured the vinegar, let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to rinse when you see bubbles forming in your drain.
   When it’s time to rinse, use hot water and get every last bit of baking soda and vinegar out of your drains.