A new cleaning hack has stolen the spotlight for trending tips on social media and involves a common item in your kitchen cupboard. Experts have shared why salt works so well for unclogging drains
Cleaning enthusiasts have been trying a viral trend to unclog drains – and claim it works wonders.
We all dread chores, such as sorting out blocked drains, but the tasks have to be done to keep the house in check. At first instance, many people might book a plumber, but this can prove rather costly down the line. Luckily, social media users have been sharing their cleaning hacks and highlighted one particular trend of using salt.
Last week, popular content creator Lynsey Queen of Clean, shared how she uses the household staple to unclog her drains. Her followers flocked to the comment section and praised the helpful tip. One person said: “Salt is amazing isn’t it? Aside from adding to food.” Another commented: “I didn’t know about the benefits of salt – thanks for this.”
Experts have also weighed in on the cheap hack and said it works better alongside a homemade mixture. Clare, from Bust The Dust, says mixing baking soda, white vinegar and salt “works just as well, if not better, than many of the products you’ll find in stores”. The DIY drain recipe is not only “affordable”, but also works “faster” than other methods.
Clare explained that the impressive ingredients “create a powerful reaction that breaks down grease, hair, soap scum, and food particles” that typically cause blockages. For this method, simply pour 100g of table salt and 200g of baking soda into the blocked drain, followed by 500ml white vinegar.
“You’ll immediately notice a fizzy reaction as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to break down debris,” said Clare. The expert explained the mixture needs to sit for around 30 minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water. For “particularly stubborn clogs”, the process can be repeated to ensure the blockage is completely cleared.
So how does this solution work?
This homemade method works by harnessing the chemical reaction between the vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base). The fizzing action created when they combine helps to dissolve the fats and grease that can clog pipes, while the salt “adds extra cleaning power” and “helps to scrub away any stubborn grime”, reports the Express.
It’s a completely natural process, meaning there are no harsh chemicals involved – making it a safer option for both your home and the environment. Clare said: “What’s great about this method is that it’s so simple, but it’s also really effective. The natural ingredients break down organic materials like hair and food waste that are often responsible for blockages, and because it’s non-toxic, there’s no risk to your pipes, pets, or family.”
For best results, Clare recommends using this solution as soon as you notice your drains starting to slow. She claimed: “If you catch the blockage early, this homemade recipe is usually all you need to get your pipes flowing freely again.”
