Expert reveals easy trick that will unblock your kitchen sink in minutes that's not vinegar or baking soda

substance being poured into a sink
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Dealing with a clogged or slow drain is an absolute nightmare. Not only does it complicate daily life, but it can also lead to foul smells in the kitchen, damage your pipes structurally, and even attract pests if not addressed quickly.

Drains often get blocked due to food scraps, oils, and grease that are washed down them on a daily basis, leading to blockages over time. But, luckily, resolving this issue is quite straightforward.

Home cleaning experts Bright and Beautiful have shared their top method for unclogging any kitchen sink without resorting to harsh chemical cleaners. Surprisingly, it involves just one simple household item that can clear blockages in no time. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

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They advise: "There's no need to call a plumber for most ordinary or non-severe blockages. Try pouring boiling water down the sink, and once it has drained away, fill a mug with soda crystals and pour it down the plughole."

Why are soda crystals so effective?

While white vinegar and baking soda are common cleaning agents, mixing them together won't create a reaction strong enough to shift greasy build-ups in drains.

They're ineffective at dislodging food or soap residue because vinegar is acidic and baking soda is a mild alkali, resulting in nothing more than fizzy, salty water instead of a solution to a blocked drain.

Soda crystals' highly alkaline nature allows them to tackle acidic grease and fat, ensuring they dissolve with ease in water. What's particularly impressive about these crystals is their ability to tackle organic build-up, making them suitable for clearing clogged bathroom sinks filled with hair or soap residue.

If your sink is smelly or the water is slow moving then you have a blocked sink
If your sink is smelly or the water is slow moving then you have a blocked sink -Credit:Getty

How to use soda crystals to unblock a drain

Begin by boiling your kettle, followed by pouring the hot water directly down the drain. Once the water has sufficiently drained away, take a mugful of soda crystals and dispense them into the drain too.

Allow the crystals a good five to 10 minutes to action on the blockage, giving them ample time to break it down. Proceed to boil another kettle and pour it slowly down the drain, which will flush out both the soda crystals and any dissolved blockage.

The expert said: "To be extra sure your blockage has completely gone, empty a full kettle of hot water down the sink. Et voila - your sink should be blockage-free. If your sink still doesn't drain, you should contact a plumber."