All-Natural Drain Cleaner

Though I am back to a full-time work schedule, I am still trying to save dollars and cents where I can.  I love an opportunity to do so while keeping the chemicals that are around the house to a minimum. 

And so, without further adieu, my all natural drain cleaner:

Beautiful, ain't it?!  I already buy my vinegar at Costco, as I use it to clean our coffee makers and other household items.  I also buy my baking soda in bulk.  Can you say laundry brightener / pot cleaner / rising agent in baked goods?!  Baking soda does it all! ::SIGH::  Oh, back to the drain cleaning....

Have you ever mixed vinegar and baking soda together?  It fizzes up and expands.  It is what you would mix with red food coloring to make lava in a homemade volcano.  In this case, however, it helps clean out clogged drains.  I'm sure there are quite a few scientific explanations for the way in which this all works.  But for now, I just want you to know that this is the COOLEST way I've ever cleaned my tub drain.

First, remove the drain stopper and (if you can) remove any gunk you can readily reach.  It makes things easier.  Next, take a cup of baking soda and pour it into the drain.  Follow that up with a cup of vinegar right on top of the baking soda.  It begins to react right away.  I gave it 15 minutes and then used a couple of quarts of boiling water to rinse the drain.  Repeat if necessary. 

Another plus....if the mixture gets all over your bathtub, it actually is doing you a favor by cleaning your tub for you.  Just wipe it down and rinse.  BONUS!