Learn how to clean a sink drain using a drain snake to remove clogs, hair, and debris. This easy DIY method keeps your bathroom sink running smoothly!
Welcome back to Things We Forget to Clean series! Today we are tackling one of my least favorite and sometimes purposely forgotten tasks.
Honestly, it grosses me out…
If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a sink drain without harsh chemicals (that sometimes work and sometimes don’t), a drain snake is the solution you need.
Seriously, it’s the best drain cleaning tip and tool!
Why Use a Drain Snake?
You might be wondering, Why use a drain snake? and Do drain snakes really work?
A drain snake is affordable and I have found it to be an effective tool for clearing sink clogs. It has barbs on it and is designed to pull out hair (yuck), soap scum (yuck, yuck), and other unidentifiable debris (triple yuck), that accumulates over time.
Unlike chemical cleaners, a drain snake won’t damage your pipes. It’s a bendy plastic, so it should be safe. It’s an eco-friendly way to clean drains and safe to have around pets and kids.
That’s a total bonus!
Things to Help You Clean Your Drain
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- Drain snake (the best drain cleaning tool!)
- Gloves (optional depending on how grossed out you are going to get)
- Baking soda and vinegar (a bonus to freshen your drain)
How to Clean a Sink Drain Guide
Cleaning a sink drain may seem like a bigger task than you are ready to take on, but you got this!
The drain snake is going to be your saving grace!
Step 1: Remove the Drain Stopper
The first step in learning how to clean a sink drain is removing the drain stopper. This can be a little tricky. Don’t force it or you might break it off…
I may or may not be speaking from experience….
Every sink is different, so carefully check out yours to see how it comes apart.
If you can’t fully remove the stopper, don’t worry – you can still clean the drain effectively by working around it…
More on that later…
I was only able to unscrew the top of the stopper.
Step 2: Insert the Drain Snake
I’m breaking out the best drain cleaning too!
Feed the drain snake into the sink drain by gently pushing it down as far as it can go. The flexible design allows it to navigate bends in the pipes. The bendy nature also prevents it from damaging your pipes.
Step 3: Pull Out the Clog
This is where things get interesting…
Slowly pull the drain snake back out. The barbs on the drain snake will do all the work for you. You’ll likely find hair, soap residue, and other gunk clinging to the barbs.
It’s not pretty, but it’s incredibly satisfying to see the results!
Step 4: Repeat If Necessary
If the sink is still draining slowly, repeat the process until you have removed all of the gunk.
If you are unable to remove the stopper, you will need to work on sections around the stopper. That’s what I had to do with mine.
Step 5: Freshen the Drain
Now that you have everything out of the drain, let’s freshen it up! Sprinkle baking soda into the drain and pour vinegar over it.
This might remind you of a grade school science project when you made a volcano erupt.
Be sure, it is going to fizz for a few minutes and once it’s done fizzing, rinse with warm water. This step will help deodorize the sink, now that all of the obstructions are out of the way.
Tips for Preventing Clogs
Now you know how to clean a sink drain, but here are some steps you can take so you won’t have to!
- Use a drain cover to catch hair and debris.
- Avoid washing items like hairbrushes or combs in the sink.
- Regularly use baking soda and vinegar to maintain a fresh and clog-free sink,.
Clogged drains are a hassle, but with a drain snake and a little know-how, you can handle them in no time. Learning how to clean a sink drain is a simple DIY skill that saves money and keeps the plumber away!
Here are Some of the Topics We Have Covered Already!
Here are some other Things We Forget to Clean:
- How to Clean Grease from Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Way to Clean Windows and Mirrors
- How to Clean Curtains: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How to Clean Jewelry in 3 Easy Steps
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Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!
Mona