A clean home starts with clean drains. Clogged drains can lead to unpleasant odors, slow water flow, and even backups. Here’s a comprehensive guide to deep cleaning your home’s drains, broken down by room.
As the leaves change and the air crisps, it’s the perfect time to launch my Fall home intensive series to help you tackle deep cleaning tasks around the home that are may be safety risks or costing you money! This series will offer expert how-tos, tips I’ve learned along the way, checklists, and practical hacks to help you tackle every nook and cranny in your home.
Supplies:
- Drain Clog Remover (6 pack)
- Baking Soda
- Distilled Vinegar
- Boiling Water
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Hair Catcher for Shower/Tub
- Angled Electric Scrubber Brush
Kitchen Sink Drain
Step 1:
Start by pouring boiling water down the drain to dissolve grease and food particles.
Step 2:
Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with more boiling water.
Step 3:
For stubborn clogs, use a drain snake to physically remove debris. If the clog persists, you’ll need to access and clean the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink).
Kitchen Garbage Disposal
Step 1:
Grease and bacteria from daily usage can create a pretty smelly mixture in the garbage disposal. First I like to start by cleaning the disposal using this angled electric scrubber to that instantly removes any tough residue.
Step 2:
Next, I’ll take a mixture of ice cubes (that help to clean and sharpen the blades), mixed with citrus peels of your choice (lemon, orange, grapefruit) for a scent boost and a handful of rock salt.
Step 3:
Turn on the disposal and let it run while dropping in the ice mixture.
Step 4:
Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar into the disposal. Let it fizz for a few minutes.
Step 5:
Run hot water down the drain to rinse away the baking soda and vinegar.
Time Saving Hack:
In addition to deep cleaning with the steps above (every 3 months), as an easy hack in between I love using these garbage disposal pods for a quick clean. All you have to do is put one tablet down the disposal and run hot water over it!
Dishwasher Drain
Step 1:
Locate the filter, which is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It might be a circular or square filter. Carefully remove it and rinse it under warm water. If the filter is heavily clogged, soak it in a solution of hot water and detergent for a few minutes before rinsing.
Step 2:
Use a toothbrush or this angled electric brush to clean the drain hole, which is located near the filter. Remove any food particles or debris that may be blocking the drain.
Step 3:
Pour a cup of white vinegar into the drain hole, followed by a cup of baking soda. Let the solution sit for about 30 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Step 4:
Turn on the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle without any dishes inside. This will help flush out the cleaning solution and any remaining debris.
Step 5:
Once the cycle is complete, reinsert the cleaned filter into the dishwasher, ensuring that it is properly secured.
Step 6:
As the last step and to make sure your dishwasher is extra clean, I like to run another hot cycle using these active cleaning pods.
Bathroom Sink Drain
Step 1:
Use the same method as the sink drain (baking soda + vinegar + hot water) to clean out any odors and mildew for both your sink drain and tub drain.
Step 2:
For tub drains, remove the drain stopper and use the drain snake to clear hair or other debris creating a clog.
Tip: I like to install a hair catcher in your shower/tub drain to prevent any hair clogs.
For a step by step guide on how to deep clean and refresh your laundry machines, follow along here.
I love that this tutorial only requires you to use household staples and very few supplies. These easy steps can make all the difference to deep clean your drains!
If you liked this guide, check out our other posts in the series including hacks to deep cleaning washing machines!
