A simple £1.54 combination of bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar from budget stores Home Bargains and Aldi can prevent blocked plugholes and drains, according to a parenting editor. The mixture creates a fizzing reaction that removes built-up debris and odours, avoiding the need for expensive drain unblockers or plumber callouts.
How the cheap cleaning hack works
Emma Gill, parents editor, recommends shaking bicarbonate of soda down the plughole followed by an equal amount of white vinegar. The resulting fizz helps clear grime and smells. A 500g box of bicarbonate of soda costs £1.19 at Home Bargains, while a 500ml bottle of distilled vinegar costs 49p there. However, Gill gets the vinegar cheaper at Aldi, where a 568ml bottle is just 35p. Total spend: £1.54.
Additional uses for bicarb and vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda can also neutralise odours from carpet spills, clean cookers, sinks, and tiles, or be left in the fridge to absorb smells. White vinegar, due to its acid content, breaks down grease, grime, and dirt. It can be diluted 50-50 with water for cleaning windows and shower screens. Many store-bought household cleaners contain vinegar but cost more than the £1.54 combination.
