Hundreds of natural hacks recommend clearing drains by pouring one cup of baking soda down them, followed by one cup of vinegar. When baking soda and vinegar are combined, the chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates pressure in a closed container. However, the baking soda and vinegar reaction created in a household plumbing system does not take place in a closed system, so pressure can’t build up enough to blast a clog out of the pipes.
Instead, natural cleaning expert Bren took to her blog, Bren Did, to share a solution that “works better” on both bathroom and kitchen drains. She recommends using salt and hot water to clear blockages, claiming that it works on grease or soap clogs on slow-draining kitchen and bathroom drains.
So why does salt work? Well, the hot water melts some of the grease that is narrowing the pipes.
The salt has an abrasive texture that acts as a natural scouring agent, forcing more greasy buildup out.
Similar to sandpaper, each grain of salt has a sharp edge that may be used to scrape away stains, food fragments, unpleasant deposits, and other residues.
As salt is porous, it may also absorb excess water, which aids in clearing obstructions.
This combination of salt and hot water removes the gunky buildup and allows drain pipes to run more freely.
However, to ensure your safety and prevent plumbing damage, you shouldn’t heat the water up too much.
For this method, pour one-half cup of salt down the slow-moving drain. Heat two litres of water until it is nearly boiling, then slowly pour it down the drain and flush with hot tap water.
It may take several rounds of salt and hot water. You can use any type of salt (table salt, sea salt, or kosher salt).
Experts at Deer Valley Plumbing & Air Conditioning also recommend using this salt method. They explained: “Salt will break down grease and emulsified fats by itself, and especially when combined with hot water, it can contribute to clearer pipes.”
