If using the tap isn’t an option, heat a pot of water on the stove. Remove the water from heat before it boils.
Grains of coarse or kosher salt are much larger than grains of table salt, so they are more effective for clearing a drain.
Heat the vinegar or juice on the stove or in the microwave first to give it more cleansing power.
For greater effect, especially if you haven’t cleaned the drain in a while, leave the baking soda mixture in the drain as long as overnight.
For particularly nasty odors, you may need to do another flush. Repeat the treatment with more of the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Clean drain plugs often, at least once a month, to prevent buildup. Buildup like hair and grease not only makes the plug smell, but it may turn into a smelly clog inside the drain pipe. Spraying white vinegar on the drain plug also helps remove debris. Another option is to heat a pot of vinegar until it bubbles gently, then leave the drain plug in it for a few minutes.
Create your own drain stick out of a wire hanger. Straighten it out, adjusting the end into a hook that fits down the drain. Then, use it to pull out hair and other material in the drain. For a more effective drain-clearing tool, purchase an auger or drain snake from a general store. Augurs are longer than plastic sticks and more effective at breaking up solid clogs. Rotate the auger in the drain to loosen the nasty gunk on the walls.
Boiling water can harm PVC pipe joints, so avoid pouring boiling water down the drain unless you’re sure your pipes are metal. Remember this if you need to heat a pot of water for drains without working taps.
The P-trap will likely have water in it, so have a bucket or container nearby! The P-trap is usually visible underneath sinks. The P-trap will be underneath the floor or inaccessible with other types of drain. Try to treat the drain through another method or call a plumber to fix it.
Bottle brushes are available at some home improvement and general stores. If you are unable to get one, try using a straightened wire hanger. Take a look at the connecting pipes as well. They often have smelly debris in them. Use a paper towel to wipe up debris and use an auger to break clogs.
Using baking soda or lemon juice is also an option for neutralizing the remaining odor.
Baking soda neutralizes odors, but it doesn’t break up clogs. Treat clogs as they form to prevent them from becoming an issue.
You can also try using ice to scour the blades and collect grease from your garbage disposal. Add salt or Borax to help deodorize the drain. [14] X Research source
Flush a drain right after using it. It washes away oil or food particles in your kitchen sink, for example, before they settle on the drain pipe. If your drain has a garbage disposal, activate the blades for more cleaning power.
Remember to check the drain stopper as well. Wipe it clean and treat it with vinegar or baking powder as needed.
