Unclog Your Sink with 6 Easy, Cost-Effective Kitchen Hacks

A clogged sink is one of the most annoying issues. However, you can easily solve it with these eight simple and effective methods.

1. Use Baking Soda, Salt, and Vinegar

First, pour hot water down the drain to soften and loosen the grease buildup:

– Take 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of salt. Mix them well and pour the mixture into the drain.

– Heat one cup of vinegar until it boils, and then pour it into the mixture.

– Quickly cover the drain to prevent the foam from overflowing.

– Wait for 15 to 30 minutes, and then flush it out with hot water.

2. Salt and Boiling Water

If the clog is not severe or has just formed, you can opt for a gentler approach using salt and boiling water. Salt helps clean the pipes from the inside, removing bacteria and unpleasant odors. Repeat this process regularly, especially if the clog is larger than expected.

– Pour half a cup of water into the drain.

– Follow it with a pot of boiling water. Be careful not to let the water or salt splash onto your hands.

– Turn on the hot water tap and flush the drain with ample water.

– Repeat if necessary.

3. Clear the Trap with Lye

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) has miraculous properties in turning certain hard substances into liquids. Thus, it is used as an ingredient in clog-fighting solutions due to its ability to dissolve hair and other gunk. The formula is as follows:

– Take a bucket and fill it with 3 liters of cold water.

– Add 750 ml of liquid lye to the bucket and mix well (be careful not to touch the mixture with your bare hands).

– Wait until the water starts to hiss and heat up due to the chemical reaction.

– Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for about 20 minutes.

– After 20 minutes, flush the drain with boiling water.

4. Clean the P-Trap

If the above methods don’t work, you might need to apply some physical intervention. The P-shaped pipe under the sink may be clogged with grease and small debris, causing a blockage. Turn off the water, disassemble the P-trap, and remove the accumulated grease and food particles. Then, rinse it with hot water to dissolve any remaining grease before reassembling.

5. Use a Wire Coat Hanger to Clear the Drainpipe

A straightened coat hanger is a handy tool if your clog is not too far down and you don’t have a drain snake:

– Get a wire coat hanger and a pair of pliers.

– Unravel the hanger and straighten it with the pliers.

– Use the pliers to create a small hook at one end.

Now you can use it as a regular drain snake.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are classic ingredients for unclogging drains. This solution is quick, simple, and cost-effective, as you likely already have these ingredients in your kitchen.

– Pour boiling water down the drain. The more, the better—you can even use an entire pot.

– Add between 0.5 to 1 cup of baking soda and let it sit for a minute.

– Mix boiling water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and pour it over the baking soda.

– Cover the drain to let the mixture work its magic inside.

– Finally, flush it out with hot water, and you’re done!

According to Trí Thức Trẻ