copyright 2021 Art of Living, Prima Media Inc/Maria Liberati
Clogged kitchen sinks are one of the most common problems a homeowner experiences. All too often food debris and soap residue builds up to make it nearly impossible to drain. Make your kitchen sink drain faster by using baking soda and vinegar, using a drain cleaner, and pouring boiling water down.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
The chemical reaction that occurs when baking soda and vinegar are mixed is very effective in unclogging a drain. Your ratio should be about equal: one cup of baking soda, one cup of white or apple cider vinegar. Before trying this technique, you should remove any standing water so the baking soda and vinegar can work its magic. First pour the baking soda, then the vinegar. When the bubbles subside, cover with the stopper, and set the timer for 15 minutes. After the time has expired, try flushing the drain with hot water to assess the drainage situation. If needed, repeat the process.
Use Drain Cleaner
Sometimes, the buildup in your pipes will be more stubborn than you initially thought. Drain cleaners can break up materials that accumulate in your plumbing system. Because of the chemical compounds, it is important to wear gloves, avoid spills, follow directions, and not to mix with other cleaners. You would not want an adverse chemical reaction to harm you or your home. The chemical and enzymatic cleaners available are excellent sources for clearing anything that is in the way of your sink from draining properly.
Pour Boiling Water
When it comes to cleaning inside the home, water is damage free. Often your sink has buildup of soap and food debris that just needs a little encouragement to make it down the drain. Hot water will loosen the blockage and promote healthy draining.
Pouring boiling water down your drain really is as simple as it sounds. Bring a half gallon of water to a boil, pour the boiling water directly into the drain, wait for 1-3 minutes, then turn on the faucet to check water flow. If you need the sink to drain even faster, repeat the process.
When your sink is clogged or draining slowly, it is important to fix the issue as soon as possible, to prevent flooding and further damage. Keep your home and your drain healthy with frequent maintenance and avoiding materials the drain cannot process. When needed, use the tips above to restore swift flow.
Read this next: How You Can Promote Food Safety in Your Kitchen
Foodie, traveler, and art enthusiast? Immerse yourself in “The Maria Liberati Show,” where Gourmand World award-winning author/ chef Maria Liberati explores the world through the lens of food, culture, and art.
Join Maria as she engages fascinating guests in lively conversations about:**
Culinary experiences and traditions from around the globe.
The connections between food, wine, art, and literature.
The unique stories and inspirations behind people’s food journeys.
What food means to them personally and culturally. Learn how food connects us all!
Ashley Scheuring, Alina Sabrina and Hetal Vasavada join Maria to discuss Holiday traditions, travel tips, and recipes for the season! You don’t want to miss this episode!
Enter, “The Maria Liberati Show,” based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, “The Basic Art of Italian Cooking,” and “The Basic Art of…” Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com
—–
music: “First Day of Spring” by David Hilowitz – available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/