Cleaning expert shares ‘magic’ £2 hack for unblocking drains that melts away grease

Cleaning experts have shared two cheap everyday items, which you’ve probably already got in your cupboard, that can help unblock drains and melt away troublesome grease

There are plenty of things we shouldn’t be pouring down our sinks – from coffee grounds to grease, fat and oil.

If you do this regularly, there is a high chance you will clog the pipes – leading to some sticky plumbing situations.

If the worst does happen, your first thought might be to go out and buy something with strong chemicals or bleach to fix the problem.

But before you go out and buy expensive cleaning products, you can try out a natural method using two items you probably already have at home.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, experts have advised that by using bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, and white distilled vinegar, you can unblock those drains without having to fork out on expensive products.

Sue Caldwell from eco-friendly cleaning brand Clean Living International told the publication: “Baking soda and white distilled vinegar are two of nature’s greatest natural cleaners, and they work wonders when it comes to effectively unblocking drains.

“Firstly, pour hot water down the drain to flush away and melt any grease, then mix equal measures of baking soda with white distilled vinegar in a jug. The mixture will begin to fizz, at which point you can simply pour it down the drain and leave it for one hour to work its magic.”

James Roberts, Director at Sanctuary Bathrooms, agreed, saying the best place to start is with the combination of these two household items, which will only set you back about £2 from your local supermarket.

The expert recommends pouring hot water down the drain first, followed by eight tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.

He continued: “Follow this with about 250ml of white vinegar, and leave this for around 10 minutes. Finally, flush away with more boiling water.”

Anthony West, plumbing expert at Housetastic.co.uk explained that the fizzing this creates helps “lift debris that’s clinging to your pipework”.

He added: “Once the fizzing has stopped, rinse with boiling water to wash away the loosened particles.”

You can buy 500g packet of bicarbonate of soda from Wilko for £1.75, while a 568ml bottle of distilled vinegar costs 29p from Tesco.

The bicarb packet will last you many uses, while you’ll use about half a bottle of vinegar each time.

White vinegar is a miracle product that can be used for so many more things.

We’ve previously shared how you can use vinegar to wipe over your car windscreen and windows, and in the morning it will prevent you from having to de-ice.

You can also use it as a natural way to remove mould from your home.

Do you use white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to clean? Let us know how in the comments below.