I've been trying to cut down on harsh chemicals around the house, and drain cleaners were one of the first things I ditched. Here's what I've been doing instead: first, I pour boiling water down the drain once a week or so. Then, every month-ish, I sprinkle baking soda down there, followed by vinegar—yeah, it bubbles up like a science fair volcano, kinda fun actually—and let it sit for about 15 mins before rinsing with hot water again. Seems to work pretty well so far, but um...does anyone have other tricks or maybe something even better?
"yeah, it bubbles up like a science fair volcano, kinda fun actually"
Haha, totally agree—it's oddly satisfying. A couple other things I've found helpful:
- Every now and then, I toss some citrus peels (lemon or orange) down the disposal. Freshens things up nicely.
- Also, a cheap drain snake from the hardware store has saved me more than once. Gross, yes...but effective and chemical-free.
Your baking soda-vinegar method is solid though; been doing it myself for years without issues.
"Every now and then, I toss some citrus peels (lemon or orange) down the disposal. Freshens things up nicely."
I've tried citrus peels too, but does anyone else find they sometimes clog things up a bit? Maybe I'm just paranoid...but yeah, vinegar and baking soda is my go-to. Cheap and reliable.
I've had the citrus peel clog happen too—you're definitely not paranoid. I think the trick is smaller pieces, but honestly, who has time to finely dice orange peels? Vinegar and baking soda is my jam as well...cheap, easy, and bonus points for making me feel like a mad scientist every time it bubbles up.
Haha, glad I'm not the only one who's had the citrus peel disaster. Ever tried lemon wedges? I thought they'd freshen things up nicely...turns out they're just as stubborn as orange peels. Who knew citrus could be so rebellious?
But yeah, vinegar and baking soda is my go-to as well. Quick question though—does anyone else feel slightly guilty using baking soda for drains when it's also such a baking staple? Every time I pour it down the sink, I picture my grandma shaking her head at me for wasting perfectly good cookie ingredients.
Also, has anyone experimented with coffee grounds? I've heard mixed things—some swear by it, others say it's a clog waiting to happen. I'm tempted, but after the citrus peel fiasco, I'm a bit hesitant to risk another plumbing showdown...
