How to Clean a Drain without Chemical Cleaners

 *Update: I recently tried this again after somewhere between our sink drain and dishwasher got clogged...and I was home alone to solve the problem. This worked! :) I followed the directions as stated then ran the disposal with the water running until it sounded clear. I followed with my homemade disposal deodorizers.*

Living in an apartment, you quickly learn how terrible the plumbing is. Along with leaks, rust, and lime build up, we get terrible clogged and dirty drains.

Fortunately, we have a disposal on one side of our kitchen sink (and it works!), but the opposite side gets pretty nasty. Along with the kitchen sink, our tub seems to need a lot of work too.

With all of the food and other foreign objects going down our sink, not only does it seem to have a hard time draining, it also gets extremely stinky! Instead of using costly and toxic drain cleaners, you can use a simple and easy home remedy!

What you will need:

vinegar

baking soda

plunger, plate, napkin, etc.

saucepan

boiling water

1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda in dry drain.

2. Pour 1/2 cup vinegar down drain. A chemical reaction will occur, causing it to bubble (think elementary school volcano project).

3. Quickly cover with plunger, plate, napkin, or other object to block the foam from coming outside of the drain.
Be careful to not get it on your hands 

or in your eyes (of course).

Note: if you are using a double sided sink, be sure to cover the other drain also.

4. Let sit for 30 minutes or longer.

5. Bring water to boil in saucepan. Remove drain cover and quickly pour hot water down the drain. Again, be careful as it will be very hot.

That's it! 

Very simple, effective, and you use simple things that you probably already have on hand. Note that if you have a very difficult clog, you may need to try this method several time or result to more "drastic measures". This method works best if you have a stinky, sticky, or "gucky" drain.

* Please note: I am not a plumber, nor am I a "plumbing expert". I'm not responsible for any damage that could occur to you or your plumbing. Please use your own mental capacities to use this method safely.