Blocked drains can be a nuisance, but there are several effective ways to clear them without resorting to harsh chemical cleaners. Baking soda and white vinegar are a popular home remedy, but many find that it doesn’t always work effectively. According to numerous members of the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, soda crystals are a much more effective solution, with many reporting that it has worked better than commercial drain cleaners. Plumbers also recommend the use of soda crystals for unblocking drains.
Soda crystals are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from various retailers. A 1kg bag of soda crystals costs around £2 at Sainsbury’s, £4.39 at Robert Dyas, and £7.31 for a pack of three on Amazon.
To use soda crystals to unblock a drain, simply pour a cup down the drain and leave it overnight. In the morning, flush the drain with hot water. This should effectively clear the blockage.
If the blockage is caused by hair, a drain snake may be a more effective solution. Drain snakes are available at most hardware stores and can be used to remove hair and other debris from drains.
To use a drain snake, insert it into the drain and rotate it to catch the hair. Once the hair is caught, slowly pull the snake out of the drain, removing the hair as you go.
By following these tips, you can effectively unblock your drains without harsh chemicals or expensive plumber callouts.
