This post may contain affiliate links, see Disclosure.

A slow drain turns a simple sink into a standing-water nuisance fast. This quick homemade clogged drain remedy uses common pantry staples to tackle light buildup before you reach for a pricey bottle of commercial cleaner (because the drain does not need a dramatic monologue). You mix it, pour it in, and follow with boiling water.

Jump to Recipe Pin

Making your own batch costs far less than a typical store-bought drain opener. Using current retail prices, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup vinegar comes out to about $1.81 per treatment, while many commercial drain cleaners cost several dollars per bottle. You also control exactly what goes down the drain, including the scent and the ingredient list.

You only need 3 materials for the remedy itself, plus 2 quarts boiling water to flush the drain after the mixture goes in. Grab a mixing bowl or measuring cup, measuring cups, and something heat-safe for pouring the boiling water.

✨ Jump to:

🧰 Materials You'll Need
🔧 Tools and Equipment
🛠️ How to Make and Use Clogged Drain Remedy
💡 When to Use This Remedy
🛡️ Safety Information
💸 Cost Breakdown
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Clogged Drain Remedy
📌 Love this Clogged Drain Remedy? Pin it!
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Clogged Drain Remedy

Materials You’ll Need

1 cup salt
1 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
2 quarts boiling water

Back to Menu

Tools and Equipment

Measuring cups
Mixing bowl or large measuring cup
Heat-safe pot or kettle for boiling water

Back to Menu

How to Make and Use Clogged Drain Remedy

Measure 1 cup salt, 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup vinegar.
Mix the salt, baking soda, and vinegar together.
Pour the mixture directly down the clogged drain.
Follow it with 2 quarts boiling water.

This simple remedy works best on light drain buildup and slow-moving clogs. If your sink stays fully blocked or backs up again right away, check the likely cause next in 5 Common Clogged Drain Causes and How You Can Fix Them Quick.

Back to Menu

When to Use This Remedy

Use this remedy when the drain runs slowly, smells stale, or shows early signs of buildup. It makes the most sense for minor clogs, not a drain that is completely packed solid.

If you want a maintenance option for keeping drains fresher between deeper cleanouts, take a look at this related Drain Refresher.

Back to Menu

Safety Information

Do not use this treatment right after a commercial drain cleaner. Mixing leftover cleaner residue with other ingredients can create a bigger problem than the clog you started with.

Pour the boiling water slowly and carefully to avoid splashes. If your drain lines are PVC or your sink is porcelain, use extra caution with very hot water. Home Depot specifically notes to make sure your pipes are not plastic and your sink is not porcelain before using boiling water in this kind of drain-clearing method. See their guidance here: How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink.

Back to Menu

Cost Breakdown

Based on current retail pricing, this batch costs about $1.81 in consumable materials:

1 cup baking soda: about $0.84
1 cup salt: about $0.64
1 cup vinegar: about $0.33

That total is an estimate and will vary by brand, store, and package size. It does not include reusable tools.

Back to Menu

🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?

Back to Menu

Frequently Asked Questions about Clogged Drain Remedy

Can I use this clogged drain remedy in a kitchen sink?

You can use it for a slow kitchen sink drain with light buildup, but it works best on minor clogs. If grease, food scraps, or a solid blockage caused the backup, this remedy may not be enough on its own.

Do I really need to mix the ingredients first?

Yes. This method specifically uses 1 cup salt, 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup vinegar mixed together before you pour it down the drain, then followed with 2 quarts boiling water.

Can I cut the recipe in half?

The original remedy uses equal 1-cup amounts of salt, baking soda, and vinegar. You can scale equal parts down for a smaller drain, but if you want the original method, stick with the full batch listed here.

Should I use this on a completely blocked drain?

No. Start with this for a slow drain or minor clog. If water will not move at all, the clog usually needs mechanical removal, a plunger, or the trap cleaned out. Pantry ingredients only go so far.

Can I store the mixed remedy for later?

No. Mix it when you plan to use it. Since the method combines salt, baking soda, and vinegar, it makes the most sense to prepare it fresh and pour it down the drain right away.

What if I used a commercial drain cleaner earlier?

Wait and do not add this remedy right on top of a recent chemical drain cleaner. Residue left in the drain can react unpredictably, and that is not the kind of household surprise anybody wants.

Can I use hot tap water instead of boiling water?

This specific method calls for 2 quarts boiling water. If you need to be cautious because of sink or pipe material, use the gentlest heat your setup can handle and pour slowly.

Will this damage my pipes?

The main concern is the boiling water, not the pantry ingredients themselves. Use extra care with PVC pipes or porcelain sinks, and pour slowly to reduce the chance of heat shock or splashing.

How often can I use this remedy?

Use it as needed for occasional slow drains. If the same drain clogs often, repeated treatments will not fix the real issue, so it is smarter to track down the cause instead of giving the sink another pep talk.

📌 Love this Clogged Drain Remedy? Pin it!

Did you try this drain remedy, or did you tweak the method for a stubborn slow drain? Share what worked in your sink.

🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Clogged Drain Remedy