Pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain immediately after the baking soda. You will hear an immediate fizzing sound.

There is nothing quite like the moment you realize your sink is draining slower than a sloth on vacation. You turn off the tap, only to watch that greasy, soapy water swirl in lazy circles.

This is the secret step most people miss. Immediately cover the drain opening with a stopper or a damp rag. You want to trap the fizzing reaction inside the pipe so the pressure forces the clog to break up.

You already have the best drain cleaner in your pantry:

Boil a full kettle of water. Remove the stopper and slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. This washes away the dissolved gunk and the vinegar residue. Does it actually work for tough clogs? Yes , for organic clogs like grease, soap scum, and food residue. No , for solid objects (a child’s toy) or massive hair plugs.

Scoop 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Try to get it past the strainer and down the pipe.