Tired of a clogged drain? Unclog the sink with these handy tips!

A clogged drain can be really annoying. Often, it's caused by food scraps getting stuck in the sink or clumps of hair and soap blocking the bathroom drain. How can you get rid of it and, even better, prevent it from happening? I've got some handy tips for that.

Tip from Keith:

Wipe food scraps off your plates and pans before rinsing them, so these leftovers won't end up in the drain.

Let's get started

Tip 1: Minimize the amount of hair and food scraps going into the drain

It sounds simple, but often simple works best. If nothing goes into the drain, it can't get clogged. After showering, remove as much hair as possible from the drain and use sink strainers to catch most of the scraps.

Tip 2: Flush the drain regularly with a generous amount of hot water

For example, pour the contents of a kettle down the sink occasionally. The hot water will melt grease and soap residues, making them easier to flush away.

Tip 3: Use baking soda and white vinegar to clear a clog

Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda on the drain, then pour vinegar over it and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the drain with boiling water afterward.

Tip 4: Use a sink plunger for stubborn clogs

Make sure there's a layer of water in the sink. Rinse the rubber part of the plunger under warm water to make it more flexible, then place the plunger directly over the drain. Move the plunger vigorously up and down. This creates a vacuum that dislodges the dirt.

Tip 5: Never unclog with chemical substances

There are unclogging agents with chemical components, but these chemicals can damage your sink, pipes, and skin.

More cleaning tips for the kitchen

If your kitchen needs a thorough cleaning or if you have more time, check out these cleaning tips for the kitchen.