Don’t stress if your sink’s water is draining at a snail’s pace or giving off a foul odour—it’s probably just a clogged drain, and the fix is surprisingly straightforward. Sink drains are prone to clogging due to food scraps, oil, and grease going down the drain, leading to a significant buildup. Before calling a plumber, it’s worth trying natural methods, but vinegar and baking soda are not the answer.
It seems logical that using baking soda and vinegar to unblock your drain naturally would be effective, as they create a fizzing reaction. However, their chemical reaction produces water with a tiny bit of salt in it. Unblocking a drain with salty water is rarely effective, as salty water doesn’t destroy fats that may be blocking your drain.
You need something that will break down the fat and tackle the oil and grease that is lodged in your drain.
Instead, try this easy and eco-friendly method using soda crystals, recommended by the experts at Green Star Services.
They explained: “Soda crystals, also known as washing soda or sodium carbonate, can be a powerful solution for keeping your drains clear and clean.
“This method can help dissolve grease, soap scum, and other deposits that may be causing the blockage.”
So, what makes soda crystals a great choice for unclogging drains? Well, they’re simple to use and, unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, won’t damage pipes while still effectively clearing stubborn blockages.
For this method, start by pouring the soda crystals down the drain, then add hot, not boiling, water down the sink.
Remember to take care when carrying kettles of boiling water. Check for any trip hazards, and try to do it when small children and pets aren’t around.
Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the soda crystals to break down the blockage. For tougher clogs, consider leaving it overnight.
Once the time is up, pour more hot water down the drain to flush away the greasy blockage and any remaining debris. Your sink should now be sparkling clean and free of any blockages.
Soda crystals tend to outperform both vinegar and baking soda in effectiveness, and they’re readily available in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets like Tesco, with a single pack setting you back just £2.