How to Unclog a Sink with Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Simple DIY Fix
A clogged sink can be a real headache — especially when you’re in the middle of cooking, washing dishes, or getting ready for work. But before you spend money on a plumber, try this easy and natural method that uses just three common household ingredients: baking soda, white vinegar, and boiling water.
This DIY drain cleaning solution is safe, affordable, and surprisingly effective for clearing stubborn blockages and keeping your pipes clean.
🧪 Why Cleaning a Clogged Sink with Baking Soda and Vinegar Works
When baking soda and vinegar mix, they create a powerful fizzing reaction. This bubbling action naturally breaks down grease, soap scum, hair, and food residue that build up inside your drain over time.
Finally, the boiling water helps flush away the loosened debris, leaving your sink fresh, clean, and draining smoothly again.
🧴 What You’ll Need to Unclog Your Sink
To get started, gather these simple items:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- About 2 cups of boiling water
- A funnel or measuring cup (optional, for easier pouring)
🪠 Step-by-Step: How to Unclog a Sink Naturally
Step 1: Add Baking Soda to the Drain
Pour 1 teaspoon of baking soda directly into the clogged drain. Make sure it goes deep into the pipe where the blockage is forming.
Step 2: Pour in the Vinegar
Next, slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain. As soon as the vinegar hits the baking soda, you’ll see it fizz and bubble — that’s the natural chemical reaction working to loosen the clog.
Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit
Allow the baking soda and vinegar combination to sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives the reaction enough time to dissolve grease, grime, and buildup inside your pipes.
Step 4: Flush with Boiling Water
After waiting, carefully pour about 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. This step washes away the loosened debris and clears the blockage completely.
Step 5: Test the Drain
Run water into the sink to check if the clog is gone.
If the drain is still slow, simply repeat the process until the water flows freely.
💡 Extra Tips to Prevent Future Sink Clogs
- Use a drain strainer: Catch food scraps and hair before they enter the drain.
- Clean drains weekly: Flush your sink with ½ cup of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda once a week to prevent buildup.
- Avoid pouring grease or oil: These solidify and cause serious blockages inside kitchen pipes.
You don’t need expensive chemicals or a plumber to fix a clogged sink. With this simple baking soda and vinegar drain cleaning method, you can clear most minor blockages naturally, safely, and affordably.
Repeat this routine regularly, and your sink will stay clean, odor-free, and flowing like new.