The Wonders of Homemade Drano

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Last Updated on October 15, 2024

One of the nastiest and the most annoying thing you could ever experience is a clogged sink, especially if you just finished brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, taking a shower, etc. The thought of it makes you want to go to the nearest store and splurge on some Drano, as it could offer a good and fast solution to your problem. However, this quick fix is full of harsh chemicals that could accidentally burn your skin and could eventually fade the quality of your pipes.

A good and safe alternative to unclog those nasty sinks would be to make your own homemade Drano. Let us learn different ways on how to make your own version through this article. 

What Causes a Clogged Sink?

Honestly, one could only think of buying a Drano when he/she sees that the sink already slowly drains the water or worse, is already clogged. These clogs are caused by the following:

1. Grease and Oil

Clogs in your kitchen sink are mainly caused by the congealed and sticky oil, grease, and fat after cooking. If you cooked your food with oil or greasy content, the tendency is that you let it sit for a while before cleaning it. This causes the oil, grease, or fat to harden like a gel and eventually clog up your pipe. 

2. Food

There is a higher chance that you still have some leftover particles when you clean your plates, utensils, and other things you used in the kitchen. These particles can easily go down your sink, however, the previous leftover particles plus the hardened grease or oil could pile up and eventually lead to a clogged sink. 

3. Hair

For your sinks in the bathroom, the main culprit for clog is your clusters of hair that normally falls off during bath. 

4. Soap Scum

Scums from soap could also cause clogs in the bathroom sinks. It goes down the drain every time you shower. These soap scums plus the bands of hair are a perfect recipe for a clogged bathroom sink. 

The Benefit of Making your Own Drano

Here are some of the benefits that could help you decide to make your own version

1. You Know the Ingredients Used

If you decide to create your own Drano, then you know that the ingredients being used come from natural sources. This is much safer not only for you but for your pipes as well. Synthetic cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide that will eventually eat out your pipes in the long run. Although you are given a quick fix, it will erode your plumbing, thus giving you a much bigger headache. 

2. Cheaper

Making your own Drano will help you save a few more bucks rather than buying the ready-made one. This is because you have to pay for the manufacturing, transport, and all other processes involve in the marketing of the produce. But, if you choose to make your own Drano, you can use ingredients that are easily found inside your kitchen or home. 

3. Environment-Friendly

When you make your own Drano, you have helped save mother earth in your own little way. Doing away from the harsh chemicals coming from that instant fix will save the environment from the effects of such strong compounds. 

Ingredients to Use for your Homemade Drano

These are the simple and basic ingredients in making your own version of Drano that you could easily find in the comforts of your home. 

• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• 1 cup of Vinegar or Lemon Juice
• Boiling Water (on your own discretion)

Steps in Making your Own Drano

Here is the step-by-step guide in Making your DIY Drano.

1. The first step is to ensure that all the water in the sink or tub has drained. If the sink drains slowly, wait for it to completely empty the excess water. Get rid of the stoppers or drain plugs that keep it from draining. You ultimately want an opening that could easily pour down the solution. 
2. Next, boil some water in the pot. When it is already boiling, carefully pour it in the drain to help loosen up the stack of dirt or hardened oil or grease. Again, wait for the water to completely drain out.
3. Then, pour the baking soda into the drain. Try to get in as much, if not all, baking soda down the drain. You can use a funnel if deemed necessary. 
4. Next, pour in the lemon juice or vinegar (whatever suits you) down the drain. The acidity of the vinegar or lemon juice will cause some bubbling and fizzing action with your baking soda.
5. Let the baking soda do the magic, and cover the drain with a tub stopper or cloth. Wait for around 30 minutes for the foaming to break down the stack of clogs. 
6. Once finish, uncover the drain, and again, carefully pour loads of hot, boiling water to flush those unwanted clogs out. Do take note that if you are using a plastic pipe in your home, just use very hot water instead of boiling water. 
7. Once done, check if the drain is already working. If not, then you may have to repeat the process all over again until you achieve your desired result. However, if you have already done so many failed attempts, then you could already seek the professional help of a plumber for that matter. 

Other DIY Alternatives to Drain the Sink

• Dish Soap and Hot Water

Try to boil around 2 L of water and add in some tablespoons of your liquid dish soap. Pour this mixture directly onto the sink. You may have to repeat this method a few times to get the results you want. 

• Baking Soda and Salt

Combine ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Wait for at least 30 minutes or let it sit overnight. Then, pour in a pot of boiling water into the drain. 

• Salt, Borax, and Vinegar

Put ¼ C of Borax, ¼ C of Salt and half a cup of vinegar into the drain. Then, pour in some boiling water, and let it sit for an hour or until completely clean. Lastly, rinse with hot water to flush out all the ingredients in the drain. 

• Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Salt

Mix well 2 C of baking soda, ½ C of salt, and approximately 2 T of cream of Tartar and set aside. Pour 2 C of boiling water into the drain; then, add in your homemade mix. Let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Then, check if the drain already works, and repeat the process as you like. 

Conclusion

You can already drain those horrible clogs as easy as 123 by making your own homemade Drano. This will not only let you save on some cash, but it will also let you be more aware of the ingredients and the chemicals you used for your pipes; plus, you get to contribute in restoring the mother nature as well—indeed a triple win situation. Once you get those stinky clogs again, you are now confident to drain it away using your own version of homemade Drano.

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