A foaming treatment to break down grease and odours
Two ingredients and five minutes: that’s all it takes to keep your drains running freely. I started making this when I realised what was in conventional drain cleaners, and I’ve never gone back. Bicarb and vinegar react the moment they meet, creating a fizzing action that breaks down grease and neutralises odours without a single synthetic chemical.
Yield Single use · Difficulty Beginner · Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
½ cup Bicarbonate of Soda (Food Grade)
1 cup Cleaning Vinegar
5 drops Lemon Essential Oil (optional; add to vinegar before pouring)
Method
Ensure the drain is clear of standing water.
Pour Bicarbonate of Soda directly down the drain.
If using, stir Lemon Essential Oil into the Cleaning Vinegar in a small jug.
Pour the Cleaning Vinegar slowly over the bicarb, it will foam vigorously.
Place a cloth loosely over the drain to direct the reaction downward. Do not seal.
Leave for 15–30 minutes.
Flush with a full kettle of boiling water.
Equipment
Kettle
Measuring cup
Small jug
Cloth to loosely cover drain
How to use
Use weekly for routine drain maintenance. Repeat two to three times for persistent slow drains. Do not use on a completely blocked drain with standing water.
Storage
Store ingredients separately in their original containers. Mix only at the point of use; never pre-mix.
Safety
Ensure ventilation during use; the reaction produces CO₂. Use a cloth loosely over the drain, not sealed. Handle boiling water with care. Do not use after commercial chemical drain cleaners. Keep out of reach of children.
What else is in this recipe
Cleaning Vinegar provides the acid that reacts with bicarb to create the cleaning fizz, and dissolves mineral deposits and grease residue
Lemon Essential Oil optional addition to the vinegar, adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antibacterial action
Make it yourself: every ingredient is available at homemadehaven.com.au.
