Soda crystals can unblock a clogged drain in as little as 10 minutes, according to plumbing experts, offering a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. The method is particularly useful during summer when drains frequently become blocked by melted ice cream, salad leftovers, and grease from burgers.
Why Drains Clog in Summer
As temperatures rise, foods like melted ice cream and greasy burger residue are often tipped down sinks, causing oils and fats to accumulate in pipes and form a thick, greasy coating. This buildup not only slows drainage but also attracts flies due to the odour.
The Soda Crystals Solution
Experts at AC Plumbing recommend using soda crystals instead of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, a popular social media hack. They explained: "Soda crystals contain sodium carbonate, an alkaline compound that dissolves grease and fatty residues when activated with hot water. Unlike acidic drain cleaners producing corrosive fumes, soda crystals soften and separate grease bonds through alkaline reaction."
While vinegar and baking soda produce a weak fizzing reaction that generates salt, it is not powerful enough to break down grease. Soda crystals, however, rapidly break down fat molecules, allowing blockages to be flushed away easily.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain with Soda Crystals
For a severely blocked sink, scoop out as much standing water as possible. If the drain is fairly clear, add two to four tablespoons of soda crystals directly into the plughole. Next, boil a full kettle and pour the hot water down the plughole to activate the crystals and loosen grease buildup. Leave the sink undisturbed for at least 10 minutes, then pour another kettle of boiling water to flush the blockage away. For stubborn blockages, repeat the process once or twice more.
Soda crystals are widely available in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets for around £2, making them a convenient and affordable solution without the need for expensive chemical cleaners or unreliable social media hacks.
