Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipe

Drain cleaner can be expensive and toxic. The label always says to use it in a well ventilated space, but that is not always practical advice, especially in a bathroom or small kitchen. To clean your drains and keep them smelling fresh, try one of these recipes for homemade drain cleaner. Most of these products are probably already on hand.

Baking Soda, Salt and Cream of Tartar

Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/4 cup of cream of tartar together in a bowl, then pour down the drain. Follow this with a pan of very hot water, and let it sit overnight. Next morning, just run cold water down the drain to rinse it away.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with a 1/4 cup of vinegar. You will hear a fizzing sound. Let the mixture bubble away for an hour, then run cold water down the drain to rinse.

Borax and Hot Water

Borax is found in the laundry detergent aisle. You will pour one cup of borax down the drain, and follow with a pan of very hot water. Allow this to sit for an hour, then run cold water for a couple of minutes to rinse.