The Complete Natural Drain Cleaning Guide

Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by John Coleman

If you have ever experienced a clogged drain in your home, you have likely considered using a chemical drain cleaner to unclog it. Before you rush to the store, you need to know that there are cost-efficient and safer options. As someone who’s dealt with multiple drain issues in my own home, I’ve discovered that natural drain cleaning solutions aren’t just better for the environment and your health – they’re often more effective and gentler on your plumbing system too! I’ve put together this natural drain cleaning guide for a more eco-friendly and health-conscious approach to drain maintenance.

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Understanding Drain Clogs and Their Causes

Common Culprits Behind Blocked Drains

Let’s talk about what’s really going on in those pipes! In the kitchen, food particles, grease, and oils are the usual suspects, while bathroom drains typically struggle with hair, soap scum, personal care products, and mineral buildup. Understanding these causes is your first step toward effective natural drain maintenance.

Understanding the Impact of Chemical Cleaners

Before we jump to natural pipe cleaning solutions, let’s talk about why traditional cleaners are so problematic. You know that strong chemical smell that makes your eyes water? That’s not just unpleasant – it’s a warning sign. Chemical cleaners can cause breakdown or corrode pipes, harm beneficial bacteria in septic systems, and even release toxic fumes that can be harmful to your health. Thankfully, the demand for eco-friendly and safer products has been steadily increasing and is projected to continue rising in the years to come. People are finding safer alternatives and methods of cleaning.

Costs of Chemical Solutions vs Natural and Eco-Friendly

Traditional chemical cleaners might seem like a quick fix and in many cases, they work. However, they may also be slowly damaging your plumbing. After researching, I found the average cost per bottle of chemical solutions to be $15-$25. This is very comparable to the cost of natural, safe, and eco-friendly solutions. After identifying that the costs were comparable, I was even more convinced that it made sense to go with the safer option.

Essential Natural Cleaning Ingredients

The Power of Pantry Items

You’ll be amazed at what you already have in your pantry! Here is a list of common items you likely already have on hand that can be used to naturally clean a drain.

• Baking soda – A mild abrasive and deodorizer, baking soda helps break down grime and neutralizes odors.
• White vinegar – The acidity dissolves mineral deposits, soap scum, and grease.
• Salt – Coarse salt can scour pipes and is especially effective on grease buildup.
• Borax household cleaner and laundry booster – A natural disinfectant and cleaner, borax can help cut through grease and kill odor-causing bacteria.
• Lemon Juice – Contains citric acid, which dissolves grime and adds a fresh, pleasant scent.
• Boiling water – Helps melt grease, soften debris, and flush away loose material.
• Essential oils – Adds fragrance without synthetic chemicals, leaving drains smelling fresh.

Methods of How to Clean a Drain with Natural Ingredients

Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some methods of eco-friendly and natural drain cleaning.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Any methods below that use salt are not recommended for metal pipes. Salt can cause corrosion in metal pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: The Dynamic Duo

This combination is my go-to solution for minor clogs. The fizzing action helps break down organic matter like hair and soap buildup while still being safe for your pipes. Not to mention, the cost is much lower per application. Here’s how to use them:

• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain
• Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar (Adding a little lemon juice with the vinegar will give off a fresh and clean lemon aroma)
• Cover with the drain cover or a cloth and let it fizz for 15-30 minutes
• Flush with hot water

The Hot Water Flush Method

Sometimes the simplest solution can be useful! Though I typically use this method for maintenance, it could be attempted with a minimal clog.

1. Boil a full kettle of water
2. Pour it slowly down the drain in three stages
3. Wait 30 seconds between each pour
4. Repeat weekly for maintenance

The Salt, Baking Soda, and Boiling Water Method

This natural pipe treatment works wonders on grease and soap clogs:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of coarse salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain
2. Follow immediately with boiling water
3. Let sit for 15 minutes
4. Flush with hot tap water

Dish Soap and Hot Water

This is one that I perform almost every time I finish washing dishes in the sink. It helps clear out any grease or food particles that may have accumulated while you were doing the dishes. With an empty sink just:

1. Put a few teaspoons or squirts of dish soap directly in your drain.
2. Follow immediately with a pot of hot water. (Don’t leave the tap running because you want it to sit in the drain for a little while)
3. Let sit for 15 minutes
4. Flush with hot tap water

A Mixture of Borax, Salt, and Vinegar

I try to incorporate Borax into all of my cleaning tasks because it is so effective. If you have never used it, you really should give it a try. This method is especially effective for grease clogs:

1. Pour 1/4 cup of coarse salt and 1/4 cup of Borax down the drain
2. Then, follow with a 1/2 cup of vinegar.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes
4. Flush with hot tap water

The Enzyme Cleaner Approach

For regular sustainable drain maintenance, enzyme cleaners are fantastic! These biodegradable drain cleaners contain beneficial bacteria that break down organic matter naturally. There are many enzyme drain cleaners out there to choose from. If you read further down, I will list some of the more popular options. The one I have had the best results with is Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner. No matter what brand you choose, this is basically, how they will work:

• Pour the recommended amount (varies by product) down the drain
• Let sit for 6-8 hours or overnight
• Flush with hot water

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Commercial Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaners

You may not feel up to mixing your own drain-cleaning solutions. There are commercial options that have natural fragrances, are good for your pipes, and are still eco-friendly. Here are a few to consider.

Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner

• Uses lipase-based enzymes to dissolve grease, food particles, and soap scum.
• Safe for pipes and the environment.

Bioda Professional Strength Enzyme Drain Cleaner

• Contains natural enzymes and probiotics that break down organic material and prevent clogs from building.
• Safe for septic systems and gray water.

Earthworm Drain Cleaner

• Uses natural enzymes to clear clogs without harsh chemicals.
• Non-toxic and biodegradable.

Maintaining the Freshness of Your Drain

There have been times when my drains have had terrible odors coming from them (even when they weren’t clogged). Not only are there natural ways to unclog your drain but there are also natural remedies to keep your drains smelling fresh. Here are few techniques and products that I have found to be effective.

Baking Soda and Essential Oils

Mixing baking soda with essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil can create a powerful odor-fighting combination. Simply mix 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Then, add your chosen essential oil. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

Boiling Water and Lemon Juice

Boiling water mixed with fresh lemon juice can also help freshen up your drains. Simply pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of lemon juice. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing with hot water.

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Choosing the Right Natural Drain Cleaning Method

Before you choose one of the methods above, you should know that the type of water you have (hard or soft) and where you live will influence the effectiveness of the method you choose.

High-Humidity Regions

Areas with high humidity are going to accumulate additional moisture which contributes to mold and mildew growth along with odors. In these areas, a cleaning routine would focus more on odor-reducing methods like using essential oils more frequently. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil are great options because they have antifungal properties.

Cold Climate Regions

In areas with colder weather, grease is more likely to solidify in pipes and lead to clogs. Cold pipes can decrease the effectiveness of a baking soda and vinegar mixture. This is because the lower temperature slows down the chemical reaction. Hot water and dish soap may be more effective in melting the grease and breaking down the clog.

Hard Water Areas

Hard water has a higher amount of magnesium and calcium (or calcium carbonate) in it. As hard water evaporates, it creates a hard chalky substance called “limescale”. Limescale can build up, decrease water flow, and cause clogs. If you live in an area with hard water, a solution that includes vinegar will help break down limescale.

If you are unsure what type of water you have, the USGS (United States Geological Survey) has a water hardness map that is useful to help identify what type of water you may have in your area. The map shows the amount of calcium carbonate in surface water. The lower the number of calcium carbonate, the softer the water is.

Areas with Septic Systems

Many people who live in rural areas have septic systems. With these systems, anything that goes down your drains should be septic-safe to avoid disrupting the balance of the beneficial bacteria in the system. The natural bacteria is what makes the system run efficiently. It’s okay to use baking soda and salt in moderation but you don’t want to do it excessively. Instead, use enzyme-based cleaners like the ones I listed above. Using enzyme-based cleaners on at least a quarterly basis will help break down organic matter and prevent clogs.

Preventive Measures and Best Practices

So, we have been talking about natural drain “cleaning” but let’s talk about how to avoid having drain clogs in the first place. Prevention is much easier than trying to clear a clog. In fact, prevention doesn’t really take that much effort. You just have to create preventative habits and be consistent. I will mention below a few ways and items I use to make clog prevention a little bit easier. Also, if you continue reading a little further below, I have put together a basic drain maintenance schedule.

Kitchen Drain Care

The key to sustainable drain maintenance is prevention. In the kitchen:

• Use kitchen drain strainers to catch food particles
• Never pour grease down the drain
• Run cold water while using the garbage disposal
• Flush with hot water and dish soap weekly

Bathroom Drain Maintenance

For bathroom drain natural care:

• Install hair catchers in all sink, shower, and tub drains
• Clean strainers weekly
• Pour boiling water down drains monthly
• Use enzyme drain treatment quarterly

Creating Your Natural Maintenance Routine

Weekly Tasks

• Hot water flush
• Clean drain covers
• Check for slow drainage

Monthly Tasks

• Deep clean with baking soda and vinegar
• Enzymatic cleaner treatment (I use Green Gobbler Drain Sticks. Every month, just drop one in each drain.)
• Inspect visible pipes
• Apply natural drain deodorizer

Quarterly Tasks

• Professional inspection if needed
• Deep cleaning of all drains

Manual Tools for Natural Drain Cleaning

Plunger

A plunger is a handy tool to have around the house for manual drain cleaning. It works by creating suction and forcing air or water pressure through the clog, breaking it up and allowing it to move through the pipes. There are smaller plungers used for sinks and then there are larger plungers used for clogged toilets.

Drain Snake/Auger

For tougher clogs, you may need a drain snake or auger. These tools are designed to physically break apart and remove larger obstructions in your pipes. They can be used for any drain; providing the clog in the pipe is close enough to the drain opening to be reached by the drain snake.

Disassembling the Drain

If you have a clogged sink and none of the above solutions have worked, then sometimes the last resort is to manually clean the pipes directly under the sink. This involves taking the pipes loose from the sink down to the trap and manually cleaning each one. It is a little time-consuming but sometimes it is necessary. Below, is a video with step-by-step instructions of how I take my sink drains apart and clean them.

Handling Stubborn or Severe Clogs

When to Call a Pro

While DIY drain unclogging is effective for many situations, some signs indicate you need professional help:

• Multiple clogged drains
• Gurgling sounds from pipes
• Sewage odors
• Repeated clogs despite maintenance

Conclusion

Switching to natural drain cleaning methods isn’t just about being environmentally conscious – it’s about taking better care of your health and your home while saving money. By implementing these sustainable drain practices and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you’ll avoid most major plumbing issues and contribute to a healthier planet. Remember, the best cure is prevention, and with these natural solutions, you’re well-equipped to keep your drains flowing freely for years to come.

Do you have natural techniques you use to naturally unclog your drains or keep them fresh? Please share them in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my drains naturally?

For maintenance, perform weekly hot water flushes and monthly deep cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Quarterly enzyme treatments are recommended for optimal results.

Are natural cleaners as effective as chemical ones?

Yes, when used properly and regularly, natural cleaners can be just as effective as chemical alternatives, without the risks of pipe damage or environmental harm.

What’s the best natural solution for hair clogs?

A combination of baking soda and vinegar, followed by a plumber’s snake or drain auger, is most effective for hair clogs. Prevention with drain strainers is key.

Can natural cleaners damage pipes?

No, properly used natural cleaners won’t damage your pipes. In fact, they’re much gentler than chemical alternatives while still being effective.

How long should I wait before running water after using natural cleaners?

After using baking soda and vinegar, wait 15-30 minutes before flushing with hot water. For enzyme cleaners, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 6-8 hours.

What’s the most effective natural method for grease clogs?

The salt and boiling water method, followed by baking soda and vinegar, works best for grease clogs. Regular hot water flushes can prevent grease buildup.

Can I use natural cleaners with a septic system?

Yes, natural cleaners are actually better for septic systems as they don’t kill the beneficial bacteria needed for proper septic function.

How can I prevent future clogs naturally?

Install drain strainers, avoid pouring grease down drains, run cold water during garbage disposal use, and perform regular maintenance with natural cleaners.

What are signs that natural cleaning isn’t enough?

Multiple clogged drains, persistent sewage odors, gurgling sounds, or backups that persist despite natural cleaning methods indicate you need professional help.