What is the best way to unclog a shower drain clogged with hairs? I have kids and pets, so I hate using commercial drain cleaners. They are so toxic. Is there a cleaner I can make with natural ingredients at home?
Jamie Dinwiddie, Fresno, CA
The best way to unclog a backed-up shower drain depends on how bad the clog is. You might solve the problem with a plunger. Or, you might need to use a drain snake or drain auger to remove the blockage. Either of these methods might help clear out water, but the shower will still drain slowly.
In that case, it’s time to try some old-fashioned safe and cheap all natural homemade drain cleaner. You’ll need a few supplies like boiling hot water, a measuring cup, vinegar, and baking soda. It’s also important to grab a stopper or something to block the drain.
The first thing to try is simply pouring boiling water down the drain. That might be enough to loosen up the blockage and clear the pipe. But if you want to be certain the clogged shower drain is clear, mix up this drain cleaner.
To begin, pour a half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then combine 2 cups of vinegar with one cup of hot water and pour that down the drain. Of course, this causes quite a reaction, and that’s why you’ll want the drain stopper in place right away. Let the reaction work on your drain up to ten minutes. This solution also works well for a smell coming from shower drain.
Now uncork the drain and flush it with more boiling water. Your drain should hopefully be clear. Sometimes you might need to repeat the process.
The same ingredients that you use to take care of a clogged drain can be used for cleaning your shower, too. Baking soda and vinegar create a powerhouse for cleaning and sanitizing that is hard to beat and a mixture only costs a few pennies to make. Take care of the shower walls, the tub area, showerhead, handles, the glass door, and even the rest of the bathroom surfaces with a paste of the two ingredients. You can add them to a spray bottle with a little water and dish soap, too!
For more tips on clearing clogs in drains and toilets, check out our detailed post on unclogging and drain cleaning: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-unclog-a-drain-shower-or-toilet-homemade-cleaner-recipe/
Joan