5 Drain Cleaners You Can Make At Home

Dirty drains commonly cause water backlogging, slow drainage and clogging of pipes in households. Since drains are constantly exposed to dirt, grime, debris, and soap scum, bacteria and other illness-causing pathogens form a biofilm for clinging to the surfaces and multiplying. Therefore, in addition to hampering the functionality of the fixtures, the contaminants and germs can make household members sick. Tenants can also lose their bond if the drains are clogged and smelly due to inadequate sanitation. When ending a tenancy, you can take the assistance of professional end of lease cleaners in Darwin and focus on other moving-related tasks. However, for regular cleaning of drains, here are five cleaners you can make at home.

1. Dishwashing Liquid & White Vinegar Solution

Cleaning vinegar with 6% acidity and dishwashing liquid are both degreasers and cleaning agents. They effectively and efficiently remove grime, gunk, dirt, and soap scum from drains. Therefore, you don’t have to use commercial cleaners that contain corrosive chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To make the cleaning solution:

• Mix one cup of cleaning vinegar and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a glass container and mix well.
• Microwave the solution for five minutes.
• Wash the drain with water, pour the simmering solution into it.
• Let the cleaner dwell for 3-5 minutes before scrubbing the drain with a firm-bristled spiral brush.
• Wash the gunk and residues with hot water again.

2. Baking Soda, Cream Of Tartar & Salt Mixture

Baking soda is a natural sanitiser that absorbs smells, dissolves grime and removes rust when activated with water. Cream of tartar works as a natural alternative to bleach, and salt is an effective degreaser. Green end of lease cleaners in Darwin often use natural ingredients to sanitise household fixtures and surfaces. Thus, you can use it to safely and effectively clean the drains in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and other areas of your home. To make a drain cleaner with these ingredients, in a bowl, mix two cups of baking soda, half a cup salt and two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Pour the mixture into the drain after washing it with boiling water. Let the components dwell and remove the gunk for at least an hour, then wash again with boiling water.

3. White Vinegar & Baking Soda Combo

These ingredients are among the most commonly used natural products for unclogging and sanitising drains. Here is what you need to do.

• Pour boiling water in the drain to wash physical debris
• Pour a cup of baking soda and let it dwell for 20 minutes
• Over the baking soda, pour one cup of white vinegar
• Let the components fizzle until no bubbles remain, then wash everything with boiling water again.

Repeat the process if the drains are extremely dirty and water is still draining slower than usual.

4. Salt, Vinegar & Borax Cleaner

Borax and vinegar are potent cleaning agents that dissolve grime and grease within minutes. What’s more, they can kill, mould which is why even green end of lease cleaners in Darwin use them to sanitise household surfaces. For cleaning drains, you can mix a quarter cup of borax with half a cup of vinegar and add a quarter cup of salt for extra strength. Pour this solution directly into the drain with a dash of hot water and let it work its magic for at least an hour. Next, wash the residues with boiling water and if the drain is heavily soiled or clogged, use a spiral brush for scrubbing before washing.

5. Hot Water & Dishwashing Liquid Solutions

Commonly everyone prefers commercial drain cleaners because they are readily available and marketed lucratively. But they contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens like sodium hypochlorite, bleach, ammonia, phthalates, triclosan etc. Therefore, you should use safe homemade cleaners before reaching for store-bought products. To clean most drains, you can use a simple solution of hot water and a good dishwashing liquid. Both dissolve grime and unclog drains within a few minutes. All you need to do is mix a few teaspoons of dishwashing liquid with hot water and pour the solution into the drain. Scrub with a drain cleaning brush and use a plunger if the drain remains clogged. Afterwards, wash with hot water to remove remaining residues and scum. Use this cleaner regularly to keep the drains in your sanitary and prevent bad odours.

The Bottom Line

Keeping the drains in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and other areas is crucial to maintain optimum functionality and prevent the accumulation of harmful pathogens. You can hire professional end of lease cleaners in Darwin to sanitise these fixtures and your entire rental property when ending a tenancy. But for regular drain cleaning, use the cleaning solutions mentioned above. They are easy to make and cheap since all the ingredients are readily available in every household.