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.

DIY Disposal Deodorizers

I don't know about your disposal, but mine gets pretty darn nasty smelling fast! I found this very clever trick somewhere on Pinterest. I never went to the link, but just decided to wing it.

This is also an awesome way to use up overripe lemons!

What you need:

1 lemon
cutting board

ice cube tray

knife

water
tinfoil (optional)

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the lemon into rounds.

Cut each round like a pizza, making tidbits. Do not remove the rind.

Place 3-4 tidbits into each ice cube space. Pour excess juice into cubes slots.

2. Fill tray with water.

3. Cover with tinfoil tightly. (optional)

4. Place in freezer until frozen.

To use:

1. Drop one ice cube into disposal. 

2. Turn on water.

3. Turn on disposal.

4. Turn off disposal once ice is ground.

5. Repeat as necessary. 

6. Enjoy the fresh scent of lemon!

This works amazingly well! I am thoroughly impressed, and I hope you will give these a try and have the same results. Only one lemon is necessary for one ice cube tray. I covered mine with tinfoil as I was afraid of spilling the water in my freezer. Without the tinfoil, I think my ice cubes would have turned out "prettier". I think these would also be awesome to put in lemon water or lemonade! 

Enjoy!