If you don’t properly maintain and keep your water pipes clean, they will develop bacteria and get pretty gross. If you don’t have the budget to spend on hiring a professional, but also don’t want to ruin your pipes with harsh chemicals, it’s time to break out the baking soda and vinegar to unclog your drain.
How It’s Used
Remember those baking soda volcanoes that are synonymous with elementary school science fairs? That same chemical reaction occurring between the baking soda and vinegar in the pseudo volcano can also be used for cleaning.
In fact, it’s a common trick for unclogging drainpipes. Follow it up with some hot (maybe boiling) water, and then flush it out with colder water. While doing this, you can also use the baking soda to scrub the outside of your sink. Lemon juice can be substituted in place of vinegar if you prefer the citrus smell.
Why It Works
Because baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid, the two chemicals go through a complicated chain of reactions to produce the famous explosion. But why are they so good at cleaning things? Baking soda can get rid of organic compounds, like dirt and grease. It also absorbs odors and is abrasive enough to clean better than soap in some situations.
That’s why you can also use it in the laundry or to wash your countertops. Simultaneously, the vinegar works to remove leftover minerals. And, because both of them are natural and non-toxic, they’re great alternatives to other cleaning products, like bleach.
Need More Plumbing Help?
While this trick can be good, you might still prefer the advice and help of a trained professional. That’s where ClearWater Plumbers comes in. Whether you need that drain unclogged or have a water heater to replace, we’re here to help. Contact us today.
