8 Homemade Drain Cleaners That Are Safe & Effective: Cheap, Natural Solutions For Clogged Drains

Drain cleaners can be a lifesaver when your sink or tub is backed up and you need to get the water moving again. However, many commercial drain cleaners are harsh and toxic and can damage your plumbing if misused.

We’ve found some safe and easy homemade drain cleaners that you can use to clear obstructions. Try one of these eight homemade drain cleaners that are safe for your plumbing and won’t cause any damage.​ Keep reading for some helpful tips.

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1. Salt and Baking Soda

Salt is a cost-effective alternative that works well for minor clogs. Mixing half a cup of table salt with baking soda and pouring it down the drain before adding boiling water can help break down grease and debris. This method is particularly useful for kitchen sinks, where food residue and oils contribute to blockages.

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, 
2. Pour ½ cup of salt. 
3. Then, add boiling water to help flush away the obstruction.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemons are not only great for flavoring food, but they can also help clear clogged drains. For those concerned about chemical exposure, citrus-based cleaners provide a natural and biodegradable alternative. Lemon or orange peels blended with vinegar create an acidic yet non-toxic cleaner that helps break down buildup and leaves behind a fresh scent.

1. Pour 1 cup of lemon juice down the drain and let it sit for an hour. 
2. Then, run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

For those looking for a cheap drain cleaner, one of the most affordable and effective solutions is a simple baking soda and vinegar combination. This mixture creates a fizzy reaction that breaks down buildup inside pipes, helping to resolve drain backups before they become a major issue. To use this method, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of apple cider vinegar. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes before flushing it with hot water. The foaming action helps dislodge minor clogs and deodorizes drains, making it a go-to solution for routine maintenance.

1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Add 1 cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Add boiling water to help flush away the obstruction.
4. Run hot water down the drain to clear any remaining residue.

4. Salt and Boiling Water

1. Pour ½ cup of salt down the drain.
2. Add boiling water and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

5. Cream of Tartar

It is an excellent option if you have a clog that’s preventing water from draining at all.

1. Pour 1 cup of cream of tartar down the drain.
2. Add boiling water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Run hot water to flush away the obstruction.

6. Enzyme Drain Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners are organic, introducing beneficial bacteria to digest organic material in pipes. They are pet-safe and work best when used regularly as a preventive measure. Unlike chemical cleaners that can corrode pipes and pose risks to pets and humans, enzyme-based solutions provide a long-term, non-toxic way to maintain drainage systems.

1. Pour the enzyme drain cleaner down the drain.
2. Add hot water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away the obstruction.

7. Wire Hook

If you can see the clog but can’t reach it, a wire hook can help.

1. Straighten out a wire hanger and create a small hook at the end.
2. Insert the hook into the drain and try to snag the clog.
3. Pull the clog out of the drain and dispose of it properly.

8. Rubber Plunger

Last but not least, a tool you’ve probably seen for unclogging toilets. A rubber plunger is also classic tool for freeing drains by pushing/pulling clogs until they’re dislodged.

1. Ensure enough water is in the sink or tub to cover the plunger.
2. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down.
3. Run hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining obstruction.

Keeping Drains Clear Without Harsh Chemicals

Using harsh chemical cleaners to clear clogged drains may seem like a quick fix, but without the right method it comes with significant drawbacks. Many commercial drain cleaners contain highly corrosive ingredients such as sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide, which can erode pipes over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs. Additionally, these toxic chemicals pose serious health risks if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin or eyes—which is dangerous especially in households with children or pets.

Chemical drain cleaners can also have a negative impact on the environment. When these substances are rinsed down the drain, they eventually make their way into local water systems, where they can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic life. Unlike biodegradable homemade drain cleaners, which break down naturally and safely, chemical-based solutions introduce toxic compounds that persist in the environment.

For tough clogs that homemade solutions cannot resolve, a professional plumber may be necessary. However, incorporating these natural drain-cleaning methods into regular maintenance can help avoid expensive repairs and keep drains flowing smoothly year-round.

Hair In the Shower Drain?

One of the most common causes of drain blockages is the buildup of hair in the drain. If strands accumulate over time, they mix with soap residue and other debris, leading to slow drainage and eventual clogs. To avoid this issue, consider using drain covers in sinks and showers to catch loose hairs before they enter the plumbing.

Regular maintenance also keeps drains clear. Running hot water down the drain after each use can help wash away small debris, and using a homemade drain cleaner once a month can help dissolve any buildup before it turns into a clog. Taking these small steps can save time and money while keeping your plumbing system in top condition.

If you’re looking for a professional plumbing contractor near you, Bill’s Plumbing & Sewer is here to help. We offer comprehensive plumbing services in Winnetka and the surrounding area, including expert drain cleaning.

Contact us today for a free estimate on our services.

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