5 DIY Drain Cleaner Recipes That Use Natural Ingredients to Prevent Clogs

Sink drains often fly under the radar when it comes to routine cleaning—that is, until a clog arises. From the kitchen to the bathroom, sink drains can accumulate hair, soap scum, food scraps, and other debris, causing them to drain more slowly.

Adding this chore to your cleaning checklist can prevent future clogs and keep your drains running efficiently. But that doesn't mean you need to run to the store to buy drain cleaner—there are plenty of natural drain-cleaning solutions you can make at home using everyday supplies. We spoke with cleaning experts to learn the best ways to make your own DIY drain cleaner.

How Often to Clean Your Drains

To prevent a buildup of hair, food scraps, dirt, and other debris, it's best to deep clean your drains monthly. But you should also practice some routine care throughout the week. "Weekly, it’s a good idea to pour a bit of hot water down the drain," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home. "It’s a simple step that can easily become a nightly routine for best practice."

DIY Drain Cleaner #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction between baking soda and white vinegar creates a fizzing, bubbling action that helps break down grease, soap scum, and other debris in the drain, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started, then follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with baking soda and white vinegar.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Pot of boiling water
• Measuring cup
• Drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)

Steps

1. Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
2. Measure 1/2 cup to 1 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain.
3. Pour an equal amount of white vinegar down the drain.
4. Let the mixture sit in the drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or rag to keep the fizzing action contained within the drain.
5. After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
   
6. Check to see if the drain is flowing more freely. If the water still drains slowly, you can repeat the process.
   

DIY Drain Cleaner #2: Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Salt

While cream of tartar is typically used for cooking, it is also a powerful, non-toxic cleaning agent. When combined with baking soda and salt, it is a great way to keep your drain free of debris. Gather thes necessary materials, then follow these steps from Poepping to deep clean your drain with baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• Table salt
• Cream of tartar
• Pot of boiling water
• Measuring cup
• Small bowl

Steps

1. Remove any visible debris near the drain opening.
2. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon cream of tarter. Sprinkle the mixture down the drain.
3. Let the mixture sit in the drain for 30 minutes.
4. After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. (You can also use hot vinegar).
5. Check to see if the drain is flowing more freely. If the water still drains slowly, you can repeat the process.
   

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DIY Drain Cleaner #3: Dish Soap and Hot Water

The easiest way to clean your drain is with two items you likely use every day: soap and water. "The hot water will help dissolve and wash away the soap residue and loosen any grease or debris in the drain," says Sokolowski. Get some dish soap, then follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with dish soap and hot water.

Materials Needed

• Natural liquid dish soap
• Kettle or pot for boiling water
• Measuring cup
• Drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)

Steps

1. Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
2. Measure 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of natural liquid dish soap. Avoid using too much soap, as it can create excessive suds.
3. Pour the measured dish soap directly down the drain.
4. Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
5. Let the soap and hot water mixture sit in the drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or rag to keep the solution contained within the drain.
6. After the waiting period, boil another pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain to remove any soap residue.

DIY Drain Cleaner #4: Borax, Vinegar, and Salt

Borax is commonly used as a laundry booster to brighten whites, but it can be used for cleaning around your home, too. Make sure you have these materials on hand, then follow these steps from Sokolowski to deep clean your drain with borax, vinegar, and salt.

Materials Needed

• Borax powder
• White vinegar
• Table salt
• Pot of boiling water
• Measuring cup
• Small bowl
• Drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)

Steps

1. Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
2. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup borax powder, 1/2 cup table salt, and 1 cup white vinegar. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste-like consistency.
3. Pour the borax, salt, and white vinegar mixture directly down the drain.
4. Let the mixture sit in the drain for at least 30 minutes. Cover the drain with a drain stopper or a rag to keep the mixture contained within the drain.
5. After the waiting period, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain.
6. Check if the drain is flowing more freely. If it's still slow, you can repeat the process.

DIY Drain Cleaner #5: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

The natural deodorizer of baking soda, combined with the citric acid of lemon juice, creates a natural cleaning combination for the drain. It's a similar method to baking soda and vinegar but with the fresh scent of lemon juice, which can help neutralize funky odors. Get some baking soda and lemon juice, then follow these steps.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Pot of boiling water
• Measuring cup
• Drain stopper or rag (to cover the drain)
  

Steps

1. Remove any visible debris or hair near the drain opening.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
3. Follow with 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
4. Cover the drain with a stopper or rag and let the mixture fizz for 15 to 30 minutes.
5. After the waiting period, carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush it clean.
6. If needed, repeat the process to help eliminate lingering odors or buildup.