If your kitchen sink is draining slowly or emitting unpleasant odours after the festive season, a simple and cost-effective solution may already be in your cupboard. Cleaning enthusiast Chantel Mila, known online as Mama Mila, has shared her straightforward method for tackling blocked and smelly drains using two common household items.
The Simple Two-Ingredient Solution
The method, popularised by Chantel Mila on TikTok, requires just baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and white vinegar. These pantry staples create a powerful chemical reaction that can break down grime, grease, and food debris that cause blockages and bad smells.
To use the technique, simply pour equal amounts of baking soda and white vinegar directly down the plughole. The mixture will begin to fizz vigorously as the alkaline baking soda reacts with the acidic vinegar, producing carbon dioxide gas. This action helps to loosen stubborn build-up on the sides of your pipes.
How It Works to Neutralise Odours
Beyond clearing physical blockages, this combination is highly effective at eliminating foul smells. As cleaning expert Audrey Pariés of Aspen Clean explained to Martha Stewart, many unpleasant odours are caused by acidic compounds.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that neutralises acidic smells through a chemical reaction, transforming them into less odorous compounds. For persistent smells, it can take up to 24 hours for a smell to be fully neutralised, and in some cases, several days may be needed for the baking soda to absorb the odour completely.
After allowing the baking soda and vinegar mixture to work its magic for several minutes, the final step is to flush the drain with a kettle full of boiling water. This rinses away the dissolved grime and any remaining residue, leaving your sink draining freely and smelling fresh.
A Grease-Fighting Power Duo
Bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice (another acidic agent like vinegar) are also brilliant at tackling grease, which is a common source of kitchen drain pongs. The combination helps to break down fatty deposits, eliminating the source of the problem rather than just masking the smell.
This DIY method offers a cheap, non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners, making it a safer choice for households with children or pets. It's a perfect post-Christmas task to get your kitchen back in order and ensure smooth draining for the new year.
