How to Clean and Unclog Your Bathroom Drain
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Even if you’re diligent about keeping your bathroom vanity, faucets, and tile and grout clean, a common bathroom neglect is the one thing that needs the most thorough care: your bathtub drain. If you’re noticing that it’s taking longer than usual for water to drain from the tub, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to clean out your drain. In fact, it might not only be clogged, but could even be suffering from soap scum buildup, too. All of this can lead to smelly pipes and a bathroom that just doesn’t feel as clean as you’d like. But learning how to clean the bathroom drain is the first step to making your bathroom truly shine.
A slow-draining bathtub is a signal that there’s a clog or buildup that needs attending to. And it only gets worse when left untreated. As dirty water sits too long waiting to go down the drain, buildup accumulates in the bathtub. That means more time scrubbing the tub, more time dealing with stuck-on scum, and more unwanted smells. That’s why caring for your bathroom pipes is a must. Below, we’re giving you three ways to keep your bathtub working and looking its best. You’ll learn how to clean a bathroom drain, how to unclog your drain, and how to prevent buildup from accumulating in the first place. We also unpack some frequently asked questions about drain cleaning to help you find the answers you’re looking for.
Note: If you find that none of these approaches work, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. At that point, we recommend calling in a professional plumber.
How to Clean a Bathtub Drain
The products you need to clean your bathroom drain are probably already in your home: baking soda and white vinegar. This dynamic duo of cleaning solutions works to break up buildup without the need to use abrasive chemicals that can harm your pipes and the planet. Not to mention, some of these products marketed toward drain-cleaning are actually harming your pipes! So instead of using those harsh products, simply follow these steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, packing it in.
- Then, slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar onto the baking soda. You should see it foam up within seconds.
- Set a 30-minute timer while you tackle another project on your bathroom cleaning checklist.
- Afterward, flush the drain with hot water to keep the pipes clean and clear.
How to Clean a Clogged Drain
How do you rectify stubborn clogs? In a word: snakes. (No need to go all Indiana Jones on your bathtub… We’re talking about the snake tool designed to remove clogs in your drain.) These handy pieces of hardware range in sturdiness, sophistication, and price, so it’s just about choosing the right one to handle your needs.
The simplest version features plastic barbs that catch hair and debris. Or, you can try an option with a manual crank that spins to capture even more ick. And if your drain is more prone to clogging, consider investing in an electric snake—the most powerful of the bunch. No matter which choice you go with, you’ll get to experience that disgustingly satisfying moment of pulling out the gunk that’s been hiding in the drain and giving you problems.Â
How to Prevent Buildup and Blockages
It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair when you’re working in your shampoo and conditioner. And while you can’t stop yourself from shedding, you can purchase a handy hair catcher to prevent your strands from ending up clogging the drain in the first place. This genius device acts as a sieve specifically for your shower drain, preventing clogs before they even start. Besides a drain catcher, though, here are some other handy ways to prevent buildup and blockages in your bathroom drain:
- Run hot water down the drain once a week.
- Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands and limit hair going down the drain.
- Keep up with monthly maintenance using the techniques mentioned above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Dawn dish soap unclog a bathtub drain?
Dawn dish soap can help remove minor clogs in the drain like soap scum, body oil, and other buildup, especially when flushed with hot water. However, it’s not effective for removing more stubborn clogs like hair. In this case, it’s best to use a drain snake to remove the clog completely, and then clean your drain with a cleaner like Dawn dish soap or a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
What will dissolve hair in a drain?
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Amy Gordon
Amy Gordon is a freelance writer and editor who splits her time between New York, NY and Vieques, PR. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll probably find her on a plane with her nose in a book, in the Caribbean snorkeling through coral reefs, or on the couch watching true crime TV. Learn more and read her work at www.amygordonmedia.com.
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