The classic DIY drain-unclogging combo: vinegar and baking soda! Let's review the effectiveness of this method.
Proponents of the method argue that this expanding gas creates pressure that pushes the clog through the pipes, or that the mixture acts as a solvent to dissolve the blockage. However, the reality is more complicated. The reaction happens very quickly and primarily at the top of the drain where the two substances first meet. By the time the fizzing subsides, the chemical reaction has effectively finished. What remains in the pipe is largely water and sodium acetate—a salt solution that possesses no significant cleaning or clog-busting properties. Unlike commercial drain cleaners, which use harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye) to generate heat and physically dissolve hair and grease, the vinegar and baking soda mixture lacks the potency to break down the organic matter typically responsible for clogs. can vinegar and baking soda unclog a drain
If the drain is plugged immediately after mixing, the expanding gas can create mild pressure to help push a blockage through the pipe. Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging a Drain The classic DIY drain-unclogging combo: vinegar and baking