Everyone’s familiar with this problem: The water in the sink or shower drains slower and slower because hair and soap scum have gotten caught in the trap. Before resorting to harsh chemical cleaners, a look into Grandma’s bag of tricks often helps.

Here’s the most efficient way to solve the problem in just a few minutes:

The “Volcano Method”: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a classic home remedy. The chemical reaction between a base (baking soda) and an acid (vinegar) produces carbon dioxide, which mechanically loosens the blockage.

Prepare: Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda (or baking powder) directly into the drain.

Activate: Immediately pour about half a cup of white vinegar after it.

Wait: It will fizz and bubble. Cover the drain with a wet cloth to force the foam down. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Flush: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of hot (not boiling!) water to wash away the loosened hair and grease.

The mechanical secret: The cable tie trick
If hair is stuck deep in the drain, chemicals alone often aren’t enough. If you don’t have a drain snake, this life hack will help:

Take a long cable tie.

Use scissors to cut small, angled notches (barbs) into the sides of the plastic strip.

Insert the cable tie into the drain, move it up and down, and then pull it out again. The hair will get caught on the barbs.

Why this is better than chemicals: Gentle on materials: Conventional drain cleaners generate extreme heat, which can deform plastic pipes (especially in modern rental apartments).

Environmentally friendly: Baking soda and vinegar are biodegradable.

Cost-effective: The ingredients cost only a few cents and are usually already in your pantry.

Pro tip: To permanently prevent blockages, it’s worth investing in a simple stainless steel drain strainer. It catches hair before it can even enter the pipe system.

Should I explain how to safely unscrew the siphon under the sink if the blockage is more stubborn?