Sink drains often get blocked due to the daily onslaught of food scraps and soapy residues, requiring a powerful agent that can slice through greasy build-ups. Grease’s acidic nature means that well-known DIY cleaning solutions, such as white vinegar, simply won’t cut it, since you need something with strong alkaline properties.
Daniel Smith from Cal’s Plumbing has shared some wisdom on the matter, suggesting that while baking soda is an option thanks to its mild alkalinity, you’ll find much better success” with a higher-alkaline substance like soda crystals. He said: “If baking soda and white vinegar do not work and you want a stronger DIY option, washing soda is the next best option.” He further explained: “Sodium carbonate, sometimes known as washing soda, is a common item in cleaning household goods and an excellent do-it-yourself drain unclogging ingredient. Its alkalinity is higher than baking soda’s and is thus a more effective drain cleaner.”
With a pH level of 11, washing soda, or soda crystals, excels at dissolving grease, fat, and other common culprits behind clogged drains.
This method offers a potent, yet simple way to combat blockages that surpasses the efficacy of vinegar or baking soda. What’s more, it’s a natural alternative, sparing your sink from exposure to harsh chemicals.
The process begins by filling and boiling the kettle, then pouring the hot water down the sink to help loosen any fat, slime, or grime clogging the drain.
Following this, liberally sprinkle soda crystals and pour a cup of hot water down the sink.
The heat combined with the alkaline pH of the washing soda should effectively dissolve most of the greasy residue.
Allow at least five minutes for the solution to work its magic on the blockage; you can leave it for up to 15 to 30 minutes if needed.
Once the time is up, refill and boil the kettle once more. Pour the boiling water down the sink again to flush out any remaining debris in the drain.
With this, your sink should be completely unblocked, with water flowing smoothly and no unpleasant odours lingering. Soda crystals can also be used on a regular basis to help keep your drain clean and odour-free.
Once your drain is clear, it’s important to take certain steps to prevent it from happening again. The first is to never pour grease, fat or oil down your kitchen sink. It can be tempting when in liquid form, but don’t forget that when it cools down, it becomes a solid. Keep a tin can or an old, thick cardboard box by the sink so you can pour excess fats into it and then dispose of them in the bin.
Secondly, use a sink guard over your plug hole. This will catch any food chunks from falling into the drain pipes and getting stuck.
