Clean Stinky Drain With Vinegar and Baking Soda [Proper Method]
A stinky drain can be a major inconvenience and unpleasant to deal with. Thankfully, there is a simple and natural solution for cleaning and freshening up smelly drains.
By mixing together baking soda and vinegar, you can create a homemade drain cleaner that is effective at breaking down debris and neutralizing odors. This solution is safe to use on all types of drains, including bathroom, kitchen, and garbage disposal drains. With regular use, this homemade drain cleaner can help to prevent clogs and keep your drains smelling fresh and clean.
You'll Learn About
Clean Stinky Drain With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Things You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Table salt
- Vinegar
- Hot water
- Rock salt
Step 1: Mix Baking Soda and Salt
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of table salt. This combination will help to break down any debris or clogs in your drain, as well as neutralize any unpleasant odors.
Step 2: Pour Mixture Down Drain
Carefully pour the baking soda and salt mixture down the drain. This will help to start breaking down any clogs or debris that may be causing the unpleasant smell.
Step 3: Mix with Stand
Mix the mixture near the drain with a stand. It’ll ensure the mixture is mixed properly in the drain.
Step 4: Add Vinegar
Slowly pour 1 cup of heated vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and salt, creating a foaming and bubbling action. This will help to loosen any remaining debris and further break down the clog.
Step 5: Let the Solution Stand
Let the vinegar and baking soda mixture sit in the drain for 15 minutes. This will give the solution time to work and fully break down any remaining debris.
Step 6: Flush with Hot Water
Run hot tap water down the drain for at least 15-30 seconds to flush out the solution. This will help to rinse away any remaining debris and leave your drain smelling fresh and clean. Repeat this step if necessary.
How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal Drain?
This process is also quite similar to the previous process; in terms of effectivity, it’s different.
Things You Will Need
- Lemon or lime
- Hot water
- Ice
- Rock salt
Cut Lemon or Lime into Slices
Cut a lemon or lime into quarters (for lemon) or halves (for lime).
Run Hot Water
Turn on your garbage disposal and run hot water down the drain.
Add Lemon or Lime Slices
Slowly add the lemon or lime slices to the disposal, one at a time. Allow them to be fully ground up before adding more.
Add Ice and Rock Salt
For more thorough cleaning, add 2 cups of ice and 1 cup of rock salt to the disposal. This will help to remove any remaining debris and freshen the disposal. Rock salt is used to clean other things.
Run Hot Water
Run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to rinse away any remaining debris and freshen the disposal.
Repeat if Necessary
If the disposal still smells, repeat the steps above until it is fresh and clean.
Things To Do Properly
You’ve to maintain some things properly. You’ve to maintain it regularly, use hot water and use other proper things.
Use Regularly for Maintenance
To prevent stinky drains, it is important to regularly clean your drains using this homemade drain cleaner. Using it once a week can help to keep your drains smelling fresh and prevent clogs from forming.
Use Hot Water
When using this homemade drain cleaner, be sure to use hot water. Hot water helps to dissolve the debris and break down the clogs, making it more effective than cold water.
Use a Drain Strainer
To help prevent clogs and keep your drains smelling fresh, use a drain strainer to catch any debris before it goes down the drain. This can help to prevent clogs and make cleaning your drains easier.
Use Lemon or Lime Slices for Garbage Disposal
In addition to cleaning your drains, you can also use lemon or lime slices to clean and freshen your garbage disposal. Simply drop a few slices down the disposal and run it for a few seconds to freshen it up.
Things to Avoid
You need to be careful about using some items.
Avoid Pouring Bleach Down the Drain
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage your pipes and harm the environment. Avoid pouring bleach down your drains and opt for a natural solution like vinegar and baking soda instead.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes, as well as be harmful to the environment. Using a natural solution like vinegar and baking soda is a safer and more effective alternative.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Grease can solidify in your drain, causing clogs and unpleasant odors. To prevent this, avoid pouring grease down the drain and dispose of it in the trash instead.
FAQs
- Can I use this homemade drain cleaner on all types of drains?
Yes, this solution is safe to use on all types of drains, including bathroom, kitchen, and garbage disposal drains.
- How often should I use this homemade drain cleaner?
For best results, we recommend using this homemade drain cleaner on a weekly basis to prevent clogs and keep your drains smelling fresh. It also helps you to solve your toilet and shower water problems.
- Can I use this solution if I have a septic system?
Yes, this homemade drain cleaner is safe to use on septic systems. However, avoid using bleach as it can damage your septic tank and pipes.
- What should I do if the drain still smells after using this solution?
If the drain still smells after using this solution, it is possible that the clog is more severe and may require additional treatment. You can try repeating the steps above or call a professional plumber for assistance.
- Can I use this solution to clean my garbage disposal?
Yes, this homemade drain cleaner is also effective at cleaning and freshening up your garbage disposal. Follow the steps above to clean your disposal and remove any unpleasant odors.
Final Words
A stinky drain is a common problem that can be easily solved with a homemade drain cleaner made from baking soda and vinegar. This natural and safe solution is effective at breaking down debris and neutralizing odors, leaving your drains smelling fresh and clean.
By using this homemade drain cleaner on a regular basis, you can prevent clogs and keep your drains in good working order. Whether you’re dealing with a stinky bathroom drain or a smelly garbage disposal, this solution is a simple and effective way to get your drains smelling fresh and clean.
