Clear Clogged Drains the Eco-Friendly Way

My shower's drain clogs easily. About once a year, I'll notice that long after my shower is over, an ankle-deep pool remains at the bottom of the tub. And with the slow draining, shampoo and soap residue starts demanding that I scrub my bathtub almost daily. Not fun.

I went to the drugstore to stock up on drain-clearing products, but quickly grew uncomfortable with all the hazardous warnings on the bottles. Some told me I needed to wear glasses and a mask. In a well-ventilated space. My bathroom is tiny with no windows. I doubt it qualifies as "well-ventilated."

So I decided to seek clog-treatment elsewhere.

My solution? (Okay, The Good Human's solution.) Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water.

Step 1 - Put the DRY baking soda down the drain. I use about 3/4 of a cup.
Step 2 - Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain after the baking soda. Be sure to cover the drain immediately afterwards with a rag or plug, filling the hole completely so nothing can escape. This is because the interaction of the two will cause a “mini volcano” that will want to come up and out of the drain..you want to keep it down there.
Step 3 - Leave this concoction in the drain for about 30 minutes. While you are waiting, boil a tea kettle full of water.
Step 4 - After 30 minutes, remove the plug and slowly pour the HOT water down the drain.

And the result? Hardly impressive. At first. And then I did it again. And the water now flows easily down the drain.

Cheap, planet-friendly and effective. A triple threat.

Check out other eco-friendly do-it-yourself drain-unclogging options here.

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