Drains can cause a lot of hassle in homes as they can block easily and start to develop nasty odours.
In the battle against persistent blockages and pungent stenches wafting from drains, households may not need to look further than their kitchen cupboards for a simple solution.
James Elston of Boiler Central has shared an “effective yet simple method” using two common household items – baking soda and white vinegar.
Just like when removing mould and limescale from washing machines, he explained that this method works due to the chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and white vinegar (acetic acid).
The plumber said: “When combined, these two ingredients create a fizzy reaction that can help break down debris, grease, and grime that accumulate in drains. It works like magic.”
Revealing how to execute the method, he said: “Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
“Then, follow it up with a cup of vinegar and allow the mixture to fizz and work its magic for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with hot water to wash away the loosened debris.
James stressed the importance of using hot water afterwards to “effectively dissolve and flush away” the loosened particles.
He added: “This method is particularly effective for minor clogs and eliminating unpleasant odours.
“It’s eco-friendly and doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, making it safe for both your plumbing and the environment.”
The expert suggests repeating the process monthly as a preventative measure to keep drains flowing smoothly and odour-free.
He also advised against using the method immediately after using commercial drain cleaners, as the residue from these cleaners can neutralise the reaction.
For tougher clogs, James recommends using a plumbing snake before resorting to chemical cleaners, which can be “harsh on pipes and harmful to the environment”.
James added: “In many cases, simple household remedies like baking soda and vinegar can be just as effective, if not more so, than commercial products.
“A large tub of baking soda will set you back just £1 from Poundland, while a bottle of white vinegar costs 40p from Sainsbury’s.
“By combining these affordable household items, you can create a powerful cleaning hack that costs you roughly 51p each time you use it.”
Before using white vinegar to clean anything else, it’s important to know what this household staple should never be used on.
