If your sink is clogged and you don't have any drain cleaning products on hand, don't worry - you can remedy the problem by using vinegar and iodized salt. The combination of the abrasive action of the salt and the degreasing power of the vinegar will help you to unclog even the most clogged sink. Also, if you add a little boiling water, you will be able to get the solution into the pipes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using a Salt and Vinegar Blend
Step 1. Mix salt and vinegar
Take a bowl and pour 270 g of salt. Add 240ml of vinegar. Mix well so that the salt absorbs all the vinegar. Continue to mix until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add 120 ml of lemon juice and mix thoroughly so that the paste is even more effective thanks to the acidity of the lemon.
- If the obstruction is deep inside the tube or if you don't add lemon juice, use more vinegar to make a slightly more liquid paste that can penetrate more easily.
Step 2. Pour the mixture down the drain
First remove the plug from the sink. Then pour the mixture directly into the drain. Cover it to make sure it is completely absorbed by the mass that creates the engorgement. Leave it on for 15 minutes, the time it takes to be absorbed as much as possible. If the engorgement is particularly stubborn, leave it for 30 minutes.
If you can't remove the cap, add more vinegar to the mixture before pouring it to make it more liquid
Step 3. Pour the boiling water
Boil half a liter of water in a kettle or saucepan. Then, pour it directly down the drain. Go slowly so you don't splash everywhere and burn yourself. Do this by aiming the water directly down the drain instead of pouring it into the sink, otherwise the heat may dissipate and the water may cool on the surface of the sink before entering the drain.
Use boiling water instead of turning on hot tap water, as it may take longer to warm up
Part 2 of 3: Mix Baking Soda, Salt and Vinegar
Step 1. Pour the dry ingredients down the drain
Use a thin cup or glass to combine them. Put 100 g of baking soda. Add 70 g of salt. Mix evenly. Remove the plug from the drain. Then, pour the contents inside.
Step 2. Add the hot vinegar
Heat 240ml of vinegar in the microwave or on the stove. Once it reaches a boil, pour it directly down the drain. Immediately cover it with the stopper, a closure or even the bottom of the cup or glass used to mix the dry ingredients, because the vinegar will produce a foam on contact with the baking soda. For best results, keep this reaction in the drain as much as possible.
Step 3. Pour boiling water down the drain
Wait 15 minutes for the mass forming the engorgement to absorb as much of the mixture as possible. If he's stubborn, wait 30 minutes. Meanwhile, bring half a liter of water to a boil. Once the obstacle has had time to absorb everything, remove the drain plug and pour in the boiling water directly. Then turn on the hot tap water.
Part 3 of 3: Use Salt Only
Step 1. Pour the salt down the drain
Although the acidity of the vinegar helps to de-scale the grease and remove other congestion, the salt is able to clean the inside of the pipes thanks to its abrasive force. Pour 140 g of salt directly down the drain.
Step 2. Pour boiling water down the drain
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Pour it slowly, pointing it directly down the drain to avoid burning yourself if it splashes. Once done, run hot water from the faucet to further rinse the drain.
Step 3. Repeat the operation
Since you are only using salt, you will need to repeat the same process to make sure you remove the congestion properly. Continue adding 140g of salt at a time, rinsing with boiling water before adding more. Avoid pouring too much in one go.
Advice
- Repeat the steps if you haven't cleared the drain.
- These methods do not involve septic tank problems.
- Always use boiling water to rinse the drain rather than cold or lukewarm water, because the hotter it is, the more effective it is against grease.
- For the most stubborn traffic jams, before any other operation pour the boiling water down the drain so that the dispersing solution dissolves and eliminates as much fat as possible.
- If necessary, use the wire with the hooked end to pick up hair or other solid trapped debris.
