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How to Make DIY Drain Cleaner

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated March 28, 2022

Every homeowner has to deal with a clogged sink at some point. Fortunately, you can use some basic household items you likely already have in your home to make your own homemade drain cleaner.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

Liquid going down a drain in a metal sink.

When to Use Drain Cleaner

When your sink or tub begins to drain slowly, there’s a good chance the cause is nothing more than a buildup of gunk in the drain. Hair, soap, scraps of food and other things can become lodged inside the drain, preventing water from exiting as it should. Using drain cleaner will help clear parts of the pipes that you can’t reach.

As effective as standard drain cleaners are, they can be hazardous. Some chemical drain cleaners can cause damage to the skin if they come in contact with your hands or arms. Additionally, if not used properly or if not suitable for your plumbing system, some chemical cleaners may cause damage.

Using homemade drain cleaner with nontoxic ingredients can give you a safe and effective method of cleaning out clogs in your sinks and bathtubs.

How to Use Homemade Drain Cleaner

To clear clogs in your sink, you only need hot water and two ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. This is how to make a vinegar and baking soda drain cleaner.

Instructions

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