We all have an occasional clog in our sink and toilet. The last thing we want to do is call in the plumber for a minor clog. Any heavily used bathroom sink will experience slow-moving water in the drain, as well as an occasional clog. Families with teenagers can expect them more often. I think it’s best to understand what it is and how you can prevent it in the first place. Black slime, also called bio-slime, is a combination of the buildup of bacteria that lives on soap film, hair, phlegm, skin, hand lotion, toothpaste, and other grooming products. After clinging to the pipes, it catches everything in its path. Hair is usually the biggest culprit when it adheres to the slime. It continues to grow until it eventually starts slowing down the water from draining until it ultimately creates a clog. Then you’ll need a drain cleaning solution that’s fast and affordable.
You’ll Hear It Cleaning Your Drain Right From The Start
Let’s start with the most common, vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda is a great way to clear your drains without using harsh chemicals. I’ll let you in a small secret. While most people are telling you to mix the two, I would advise pouring a small amount down the drain when the sink is dry. You’ll need about 1/4 cup, then drizzle vinegar over it. You’ll be able to hear it working right from the start. You can repeat the process depending on how backed up your drain is. Once complete, boil a kettle of water and pour it directly down the drain. It can also work on kitchen drains. For a heavily clogged bathroom drain, you can use a Zip-It or a clothes hanger with a small hook at the end to fish out some of the hair before you start the process. But remember, you won’t achieve your goal until the slime is removed.
Similar Drain Cleaning Methods Using Baking Soda
If you’re working with a slow-moving kitchen drain, consider replacing the vinegar with lemon juice. The lemon juice will not only activate the baking soda, but it will also leave your drain smelling fresh and clean. Use 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup lemon juice. Apply it to the sink when the sink is dry, then drizzle the lemon juice over the baking soda and finish with a pot of boiling water.
Salt + Baking Soda + Boiling Water
Here is a slightly more aggressive method. Take a 1/2 cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda, mix them together and pour it down the drain for 1 hour. For tough clogs, allow it to sit overnight. Don’t forget to pour boiling water down the drain.
How To Properly Maintain Your Drains
For proper maintenance, pour a kettle of boiling water down your bathroom drains each month, this will keep black slime from growing in your drain. For an aggressive approach, use a small dose of vinegar and baking soda to keep your drains flowing.
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