A step-by-step DIY drain cleaner experiment using simple tools and natural ingredients. Learn how to unclog a slow bathroom sink without harsh chemicals — even if you’ve never done it before.
A slow-draining sink is one of those small household frustrations that somehow feels unreasonably irritating. For a while now, my bathroom sink backed up every time I brushed my teeth. Standing water. Repeated sighs. And repeat purchases of chemical drain cleaners that worked… until they didn’t.
As I’ve been intentionally moving toward less-toxic, homemade cleaning solutions — using up what I already had before buying anything new — I figured this sink was a good place to start. A simple DIY drain cleaner experiment, right?
What followed was a slightly bigger project, a learning curve, and an outcome that surprised me in the best way.
The Problem: A Chronically Slow Bathroom Sink
Every morning and evening brought the same routine. Brush teeth (water off while brushing — always), rinse, and wait for the sink to drain. Sometimes it took minutes. Sometimes longer. Chemical drain cleaners gave temporary relief, but the issue always returned.
It became clear: this wasn’t just soap scum.
Step One: Boiling Water
Boiling water is often recommended when clogs are caused by soap or residue. So I boiled a kettle and poured it at the drain.
And by at, I mean… it mostly pooled.
Five minutes later, the water level had lowered slightly, but the sink was still clogged. Helpful, but not sufficient.
Step Two: Baking Soda, Vinegar… or a Drain Snake
Most DIY drain-cleaning advice offers two next steps:
- Baking soda and white vinegar
- Snaking the drain
I hesitated at the second option — mainly because I didn’t own a drain snake. Ordering one felt unnecessary when I learned you could make a simple version using a zip tie, cutting small notches along each side.
That I did have.
However, before snaking the drain, the pop-up drain stopper had to come out.
Learning Curve: The Pop-Up Stopper Situation
A quick YouTube search later, I learned that the stopper is attached under the sink by a pivot rod and clevis strap — and yes, you typically need a wrench.
I honestly wasn’t sure I even owned one.
Turns out, I did.
Once loosened, the stopper lifted out… along with a smell and visual I was not emotionally prepared for.
The Discovery (Brace Yourself)
If it’s been a while since your drain stopper was cleaned, here’s your warning:
It may be stinky.
It will likely be gross.
What came out of my drain resembled a small rodent made entirely of hair, toothpaste residue, and poor life choices.
I boiled another kettle of water to flush the drain thoroughly, then used a scrub brush, actually a grout brush from Grove – but an old tooth brush may have worked- to clean the stopper before reinserting it.
A note for future me: brushing and combing hair somewhere other than directly over the sink might be wise.
DIY Drain Cleaner Recipe (Natural & Non-Toxic)
Once everything was physically cleared, I used this simple maintenance cleaner to help keep the drain fresh:
Homemade Drain Cleaner
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 kettle of boiling water
- Couple of drops of Essential Oil – your choice
Directions:
- Pour baking soda directly down the drain
- Follow with vinegar and allow it to fizz for 10–15 minutes
- Flush with boiling water
- Sprinkle a couple of drops of essential oil (optional)
This can be used monthly as preventative maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Totally Doable (Even for Me)
This project was bigger than expected — and not particularly glamorous. Still, it was manageable, affordable, and ultimately empowering.
As someone who doesn’t regularly work with tools, I learned:
- I can remove a drain stopper
- I can unclog a sink without harsh chemicals
- And I don’t need to outsource every home repair task
The sink now drains properly. I used fewer chemical products. And I gained a little confidence along the way.
Not bad for a “simple” DIY experiment.
-Laura