People have been urged to swap out chemical drain blockers for a natural item that’s just as effective. Moral Fibres, a site dedicated to sustainable and zero-waste living, has provided a new natural way to unblock a clogged drain.
Many recommend bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, but the site pointed out that this combination produces only water, salt, and fizzing, which may not be the most effective for cleaning. Instead, Moral Fibres suggested using soda crystals for the job. The naturally occurring crystals are bleach-free and have detergent properties, meaning they can help tackle dirt and grease. First, boil a kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain to melt any fat. Once drained, pour a large cup of soda crystals down and let them sit for up to 10 minutes.
Boil another kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain to wash away the crystals and any broken-down dirt. Repeat this process as needed to clear the drain.
If hair is blocking the drain, soda crystals probably won’t dislodge it. Instead, Moral Fibres suggests a reusable drain-clearing brush, which is inexpensive and chemical-free.
The site said it’s a “pretty disgusting job” but that “the effort is worth it when your drain starts running freely again”. They recommend drain covers as a preventative step for households with long hair.
Moral Fibres also recommends making cleaning solutions in order to avoid shop-bought chemicals. These include making an oven cleaner out of xantham gum and glycerine, and making a kitchen spray out of castile soap and essential oils.
Other cleaning solutions include a stainless steel cleaner made from olive oil and white vinegar, and a fabric conditioner made from white vinegar and essential oils.
The site encourages using white vinegar, castile soap, bicarbonate of soda, and citric acid for cleaning around the house but urges against using baking soda and vinegar, borax and baking powder.
