When your drain blocks or emits unpleasant odours, you might be tempted to reach for harsh chemical cleaners; however, these products can harm the environment, negatively impact your health, and damage your pipes.
There is a growing awareness about the harmful effects of traditional chemical drain cleaners, which is driving the demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
The next time your drain needs a cleaning, give these chemical-free alternatives a try.
Baking soda and vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda paired with vinegar offers a powerful yet gentle cleaning solution. Pour four tablespoons of soda into the blocked drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. The fizzing action dislodges the gunk, and you can use boiling water to rinse out the residue.
Steam cleaning
Using a steam cleaner with a nozzle, direct hot steam into the drain, shielding yourself with a microfibre cloth to catch splashes. This technique effectively dissolves grease and dirt, even in hard-to-reach corners, without damaging plastic components if direct contact is avoided.
Use a plunger
A plunger can dislodge buildup in a U-bend by submerging it in water and pumping it up and down several times.
If you have a blockage that won’t shift, a CCTV drain survey Coventry by a company such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/coventry/ can help identify the issue and rectify it.
Boiling water and lemon flush
Boil a kettle and pour the water directly down the drain to dissolve any oily buildup. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to neutralise odours and make your drain smell fresh.