Facing a blocked kitchen drain no longer means an expensive call-out to a professional plumber, thanks to a remarkably simple and natural solution advocated by a leading UK cleaning expert.
The Hidden Problem in Your Kitchen Sink
Amidst our hectic daily routines, it's easy to overlook the slow and steady build-up happening within our kitchen pipes. Every day, a combination of food particles, soap residue, and greasy substances washes down the sink. Over time, this accumulation creates a stubborn, fatty coating on the inside of the pipework.
This greasy layer doesn't just cause slow drainage. It can also attract mould and bacteria, leading to unpleasant odours emanating from your sink. If left untreated, what starts as sluggish water flow can develop into a complete blockage, potentially resulting in costly damage and the need for professional intervention.
Lynsey Crombie's Natural Drain Cleaning Method
Lynsey Crombie, renowned as the Queen of Clean and a regular expert on ITV's This Morning, has shared her straightforward trick for eliminating grease with minimal effort. Her solution relies on a humble kitchen staple you almost certainly already own: table salt.
In a tutorial video, Crombie demonstrated the process, which involves tipping a generous quantity of table salt directly down the kitchen drain. This is immediately followed by pouring boiling water straight from the kettle. She explains that salt is "brilliant" at absorbing liquids and grease, making it a potent, natural cleaner for this specific task.
She elaborated on the versatile power of salt, stating, "Did you know salt isn't just for cooking? It's actually an amazing natural cleaner! Salt absorbs grease and liquid, lifts stubborn stains (even red wine), and is mildly antibacterial." She champions the method as being "simple, eco-friendly, and already in your cupboard."
Alternative Methods and Public Reaction
For those seeking other natural options, an alternative method involves using baking soda and white vinegar. When combined, they create a fizzy reaction that can help to dislodge minor blockages. Washing-up liquid is also effective, as it is specifically formulated to break down oils and grease.
Experts at Get Home Things recommend a combination approach: "Pour half a cup of baking soda down the sink followed by half a cup of vinegar (it will fizz). Then pour down an entire cup of washing up liquid and let it sit for 15 minutes before running hot water through the drain. This should do the trick!"
The public response to Crombie's salt tip has been overwhelmingly positive. One impressed follower commented, "Love cleaning with this salt, only have this one in the home for cleaning." Another admitted, "I actually didn't know that," while a third simply called it "genius." The revelation has clearly provided a valuable and accessible household hint for many.
