Homeowners are being advised to check and clean their drains ahead of the warmer weather to prevent odours from entering their homes.
The home and shower experts at Vidalux.co.uk have shared eight cheap and unusual ways to freshen up bathrooms.
Over time, drains can get clogged up due to things like hair buildup, soap scum and product buildup.
Whilst slow drainage is typically a telltale sign of clogged drains they can sometimes go amiss.
As we head into the warmer months, higher temperatures can cause blocked drains to create a foul smell and the experts are encouraging all Brits to give their drains a refresh beforehand to prevent this from happening.
Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux.co.uk said: “No one wants a foul smell entering their home which is why it’s worth giving your drains a refresh as we head into spring.
“Unknown blockages can start to smell when the weather warms up and the longer you leave them, the more damage they’re doing to pipework – which could leave you with an even bigger and more expensive problem.
“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.
“You can even use things like indigestion tablets and vodka to help unblock and neutralise any odours!”
Seven cheap and unusual hacks for cleaning the drains:
- Boiling water
Pouring boiling water down drains is a simple yet effective hack that can help fix drain clogs by melting and loosening any grease or scum that is in the pipes. It’s important to remember that this method is only effective for minor clogs, more stubborn ones will need to be tackled using stronger ingredients.
- Baking soda and vinegar
These cleaning cupboard staples work great when sprinkled onto drains. When mixed together they begin to fizz which can help break down clogs and build up. This is particularly effective in tackling clogs that have formed from everyday use and include hair, grease and other debris. 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.
- Effervescent indigestion tablets
Similar to white vinegar and baking soda, the fizzy reaction from effervescent indigestion tablets can help loosen debris in clogged drains. Drop a few tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few moments until the fizzing stops and wash the solution away with hot water.
- Salt
Salt can act as a mild abrasive that can help break down grease and debris, simply pour salt down the drain followed by boiling water, wait for around 15 minutes before pouring more boiling water down the drain to flush the salt away. Salt can also be added to baking soda and white vinegar for more stubborn clogs.
- Lemon juice
Lemon juice is another great ingredient to help combat clogged drains thanks to its acidic nature. It also helps combat any odours by leaving behind a fresh, citric scent. Combine with baking soda for extra strength and pour the solution down the drain. Let it sit for half an hour and wash away with boiling water.
- Vodka
Whilst vodka won’t necessarily unclog your drains, it can be used for drain maintenance to help clear loose debris, kill bacteria and neutralise any odours. Pour half a cup down the drain, let it sit for up to 30 minutes and rinse away with boiling water.
