Unblock kitchen sink with one simple product that works in minutes

-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


Dealing with a clogged or slow-draining sink is a real nuisance, creating not just inconvenience but also causing nasty smells, potential structural damage to pipes, and could even attract pests if neglected too long.

Blocked drains are often the consequence of food scraps, oils, and fats that get washed down the pipes on a daily basis, leading to stubborn build-ups. The good news is that resolving this issue is often straightforward.

Home care professionals Bright and Beautiful have shared their top method for unclogging kitchen sinks - and it doesn't involve any harsh chemicals. Their go-to solution involves a commonly found household item that can tackle blockages in no time at all.

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

But why are soda crystals considered so potent?

While vinegar and baking soda are common cleaning agents, combining them doesn't produce enough power to cut through the greasy residue in drains. This mix results in mild fizzy salty water, incapable of clearing out food or soap remnants because vinegar is acidic and baking soda mildly alkaline.

Soda crystals have a strong alkaline composition, allowing them to effectively break down acidic grease and fat, making it easy to dissolve them in water. Additionally, soda crystals can dissolve organic build-ups, making them useful for clearing bathroom sinks clogged with hair or soap scum.

To use soda crystals to clear a blocked drain:

1. Boil water in a kettle and pour it down the drain

Wait for the water to drain completely

2. Fill a mug with soda crystals and pour them down the drain

3. Allow the soda crystals to sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the greasy blockage

4. Boil water again and slowly pour it down the drain to rinse away the soda crystals and the broken-down grease and fat

The expert advises: "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 you sink still doesn't drain, you should contact a plumber."