While cleaning our homes, we clean the attic, we clean the storage space, we clean our porch, the garage and take out the extra things that are not required. We clean every place and I agree it takes time, but we always tend to forget to clean our drain.
The more we delay the process, the more the matter gets out of hand. We shower and our hair gets clogged in the drain, we wash the dishes and at times the food gets clogged. If you remember the scene from Stuart Little, when Stuart was going into the drain to get the ring, you know what I’m talking about. Clogging is not good. At first, we ignore it and soon when it jams the complete drain system then we get a plumber to fix it.
Here we will discuss on how to clean your drain properly and a few ways to make your cleaner at home:
1. Clean your stopper
Most of the time, food, hair and anything else gets stuck in the stopper causing the water to jam at the surface. Always make sure to clean your stopper once a while and every time after you wash your hair because hair always tends to stick to the sides and is not easily washed down. It doesn’t take much time and also helps to prevent the water from clogging.
2. Use a Plunger
If your sink or drain is clogged, use a plunger to unclog it. Using a plunger is fairly easy, all you need to do is fill your sink or tub with water so it’s covering the drain. Next, seal the drain by pushing the plunger firmly over it. Once there is enough water do quick pumps to unclog your drain.
If you have a double bowl sink to make sure you have created a complete seal just close the other drain.
3. Use Enzymatic Cleaner
Most people prefer using chemical drain cleaners over enzymatic cleaners because enzymatic cleaners tend to be a little pricier. Chemical cleaners can be harmful but enzymatic cleaners tend to eat away the things causing the clog and converting the oils and fats into different elements like hydrogen and oxygen by using their natural enzyme and bacteria. Try and switch to enzymatic cleaners as they are not harmful and gets the job done pretty well.
4. Use a drain screen
Using a drain screen makes the cleaning process a lot easier. Darin screens allow water and smaller particles to pass through your sink/ drain and stops the entry of hair and big chunks, preventing the possibility of clogs and making the cleaning process easier.
5. Get rid of the grease
Grease causes the most problems in the drainage system, it sticks to the side and creates blockage and clogs. To clean it.
First, pour hot water (not boiling) down your sink followed by very hot vinegar. Then rinse it with cold water (it helps to solidify the grease). Then again, pour half a cup of hot vinegar to wash away the grease and other particles down the drain.
This cleans your drain and the vinegar helps to restore the odour.
Now, how will you make your own drain cleaner at home?
- Add a few tablespoons of dish soap liquid with hot water and pour it down the drain slowly. Do it a few times to get rid of the grease and particles stuck to the sides.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it sit for an hour followed by adding hot water down the drain.
- If you don’t have vinegar, just use half a cup of lemon juice.
- Mix half a cup of table salt with half a cup of baking soda and let it sit in the drain overnight. Wash it away in the morning with hot water.
Few guidelines to avoid clogs
Cleaning your drains will get rid of the clogs but if you follow 3 simple rules you can stop the drain from clogging regularly:
- Avoid washing your hair in a sink or a bathtub, long hair sticks to the surface doesn’t let other substances get through.
- Do not flush away hygiene products.
- Avoid throwing eggshells and greasy substances down the drain.
Wrap Up
Try and keep your drains clean and clear on a daily basis. Make sure to avoid chemical cleaners. Keeping your drain clean is essential to avoid any plumbing issues and maintaining a clean space.
Hope through this article you were able to know of ways to clean your drain and how to make your own cleaner at home. It won’t take much of your time and save you from seeing a drain filled with hairs and other particles.
