Clogged drains are a common problem in our homes. Residues that accumulate inside the pipes, such as grease or hair, end up slowing the flow of water and can cause unpleasant odors. To avoid using chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your health, there is a simple and natural solution : use baking soda and white vinegar to unclog the pipes.
The Benefits of Baking Soda and Vinegar to Unclog Drains
Baking soda and white vinegar are ecological and economical products which allow you to clean and unclog drains efficiently. Indeed, their combined action makes it possible to dissolve greasy deposits and other residues while limiting the emission of toxic gases.
- Cleansing action: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that removes dirt that has accumulated on the walls of pipes.
- Degreasing action: White vinegar, thanks to its acidity, dissolves grease and prevents its accumulation in the pipes.
- Deodorizing action: The combination of baking soda and white vinegar neutralizes bad odors emanating from pipes.
How to unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar?
To unclog your drains using these two eco-friendly products, follow these steps:
- Empty the pipe: First of all, it is necessary to remove as much stagnant water as possible in the washbasin, sink or bathtub whose drain is clogged.
- Prepare the mixture: In a container, mix one part baking soda with two parts white vinegar. Be careful, this reaction will cause an emulsion: slowly pour the vinegar over the baking soda to avoid overflowing.
- Pour the mixture into the pipe: When the emulsion has subsided, slowly pour the mixture down the clogged drain.
- To let do : Let the mixture sit in the drain for 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if the clog is severe.
- Rinse with hot water: Run hot water down the drain to rinse the mixture and dissolve any remaining residue.
Tips and Advice for Optimal Use of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Prevent clogs with regular drain maintenance
To prevent your drains from clogging again, get into the habit of performing a regular maintenance with the baking soda and white vinegar mixture. Repeat this once a month to keep your pipes clean and functional.
Adapt the proportions according to the seriousness of the blockage
If the clog is light, you can use a lower dose of baking soda and vinegar. In this case, mix 50 g of baking soda with 100 ml of white vinegar. For larger clogs, increase the proportions to 200 g of baking soda and 400 ml of white vinegar.
Use salt to reinforce the unclogging action
If the clog is particularly stubborn, you can add salt to your baking soda and vinegar mixture. The salt will act as an additional abrasive to break down the residue that has accumulated in the pipes. In this case, use 100 g of baking soda, 100 g of salt and 200 ml of white vinegar.
Precautions to take while using baking soda and vinegar
It is important to follow a few precautions when using these products to unclog pipes:
- Do not mix baking soda and vinegar with other chemicals as this may cause a dangerous reaction.
- Slowly pour the vinegar over the baking soda to avoid overflows due to the emulsion.
- Allow sufficient time for the mixture to work in the drain before flushing with hot water.
By following these tips and regularly using baking soda and white vinegar to maintain your drains, you will help preserve the environment while keeping your pipes clean and functioning.
