Experts are advising homeowners to pour vinegar down their drains this October — here's why

Vinegar being tipped into a drain on top of baking soda — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The hack of pouring vinegar and bicarbonate of soda down your kitchen drain is hardly new. This simple trick can break down the buildup of common household waste, preventing nasty smells and even saving you from more serious, costly blockages.

But as we enter the fall and winter months, experts warning homeowners to not let up on this routine. You're likely staying home more, cooking meals that are higher in fat, and perhaps even picking up some overdue DIY tasks around your house. There are plenty of reasons why October can be a peak month for drain blockages.

Being proactive now can prevent long-term damage

Natural cleaning supplies including baking soda and lemon — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

While I occasionally use chemical cleaners to bust blockages in my drains, I'm reluctant to do this too often. When I had my bathroom renovated, my plumbers explicitly warned me that my pipes were susceptible to damage if I used common drain cleaners too heavily.

“Though these might seem like a quick fix, most contain strong alkaline or acidic chemicals and overuse can sometimes do more harm than good in the long run," warns Anna Thunstrom, home insurance expert at Saga. "It can erode metal and plastic pipes, leading to pipe corrosion, and worsen blockages if it doesn't fully clear and hardens inside pipes.”

The best way to avoid overuse of these strong chemical cleaners is to get into a routine of using less abrasive cleaners to flush out buildup from drains on a regular basis.

According to a survey by Saga, 43% of those polled clean their drains "as and when needed." This includes incidents where "water runs slowly or there’s a bad smell."

Instead, homeowners should make it a rountine to flush vinegar down their drains on a regular basis, which could in turn prevent the buildup of more costly blockages.

How to use vinegar to clear your drains

Someone wearing gloves cleaning a bathroom with vinegar — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

"For best results, pour the baking soda down the drain first then the vinegar, cover it and let it sit for around 30 minutes to an hour before flushing it away with hot water."
Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux

Using vinegar to prevent blockages in drains can be quick, cheap and easy.

“There are some really simple and effective ways to unclog drains and you can use some items you already have in your home such as salt and white vinegar," says Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux.co.uk.

“You can even use things like indigestion tablets and vodka to help unblock and neutralise any odours!”

To use vinegar and baking soda, Ellis recommends first going in with your baking soda.

"For best results, pour the baking soda down the drain first then the vinegar, cover it and let it sit for around 30 minutes to an hour before flushing it away with hot water."

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.