how to unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar

Anyone who has ever showered in standing water knows that a clogged drain is a mess and a headache. I wondered, could I ditch the toxic chemicals and still get the job done? I am happy to report that I found one simple, natural, inexpensive and effective solution that will have you dropping Drano, too, in favor of something safer for your home and our earth.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar into the drain.

Let it foam and fizz for a few minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water into your sink or tub.

That's it.

Sometimes you need to repeat the process a few times for a persistent clog, but it works. We've been using baking soda and vinegar on drains with good results for years.

[If your drain is clogged from hair, you're probably going to want another tool in your arsenal: a plastic drain snake, (like the Cobra Zip-It), is available at hardware stores for until three bucks. Magic, I tell you.]

It's a good idea to flush drains periodically as a preventative measure. Septic systems should never be exposed to whatever toxic sludge they put in industrial-strength drain products, but honestly, no one else should either.

We use a lot of baking soda around the house, but it can be tricky to find in bulk sometimes. We get ours at a farm/feed store.  Just don't go calling it baking soda.  It's sold there as sodium bicarbonate, and they look at you like, "Aren't you pretty?" if you ask for baking soda.

We get 50 lbs for $12.99 and use if for myriad tasks around the house--in in the laundry, scouring sinks and stoves, freshening carpets and cushions, deodorizing diaper pails, and in homemade deodorant, too.

How do you use baking soda around the house?

Shared with Your Green Resource, hosted by A Delightful Home, SortaCrunchy, Live Renewed, and The Greenback Gal.