Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

Occasional use is acceptable, but regular use corrodes pipes. Baking soda and vinegar is safer for regular maintenance.

What causes bathroom drains to clog?

Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and skin oils are the main culprits. Hair is the most common blockage by far.

If baking soda/vinegar and a drain snake do not fix it, or if multiple drains are slow simultaneously (possible main line issue).

Boiling water is fine for occasional use. For PVC pipes, very hot tap water is slightly gentler if you are concerned about repeated use.

Bathroom

Your drain is one of the most-used surfaces in your home. Here's how to get it spotless and keep it that way.

1
Remove visible debris
Put on rubber gloves and remove the drain cover. Pull out any visible hair, soap, or debris clogging the opening.
2
Pour baking soda down the drain
Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to reach the buildup.
3
Follow with vinegar
Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the drain. The fizzing reaction breaks up soap scum, grease, and organic buildup. Cover and wait 15-30 minutes.
4
Flush with boiling water
Pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush the loosened debris. Repeat if the drain is still slow.

TIPUse this baking soda and vinegar method monthly as preventive maintenance, not just when drains are slow.
TIPInstall a drain catch or hair guard to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
TIPA zip-it drain tool (under $5) is the fastest way to remove hair clogs without chemicals.

XUsing chemical drain cleaners regularly, which corrode pipes over time and are hazardous to handle.
XPouring grease or oil down drains, which solidifies and creates stubborn blockages.
XIgnoring slow drains, which only get worse as more debris accumulates on the partial clog.

Monthly preventive cleaning with baking soda and vinegar keeps drains flowing. Clean immediately if draining becomes slow.