It sounds like a classic home remedy, but it’s not only inexpensive but also surprisingly effective. At around 13 rubles (a few dozen cents), it’s likely a tried-and-tested combination of two basic ingredients that everyone has in their pantry.

The “old trick” most likely consists of baking soda and vinegar, or even table salt.

How does this “miracle” work for just a few cents?

Most people nowadays buy expensive and harsh chemical gels that can damage plastic seals or older pipes. This recipe is gentler yet highly effective:

Baking soda (approx. 120 ml): Acts as a mild abrasive and alkali that dissolves organic deposits and grease.

Vinegar (approx. 125 ml): Causes a vigorous chemical reaction (foaming) that mechanically loosens stubborn dirt on the inside of the pipes.

Boiling water: Finally, thoroughly rinses everything and dissolves grease deposits.

Alternatively, with salt: For only slightly clogged pipes, many people use a 1:1 mixture of salt and baking soda. Pour the mixture down the drain, let it sit overnight, and then pour boiling water over it the next morning. The salt disinfects and helps dissolve limescale.

Why is this method better than chemical cleaners?

Prevention: With regular use (once a month), deposits don’t have time to build up.

Odor removal: Baking soda neutralizes odors that chemical cleaners often only mask.

Environmentally friendly: You won’t pollute groundwater or your lungs with chlorine fumes.

Quick tip: If you have a food processor or very old metal pipes in your kitchen, be careful not to use water that’s too hot – very hot is sufficient to avoid thermal shock to the material.

Do you use this exact combination, or do you have another secret tip, perhaps using citric acid?

Would you like me to put together the exact mixing ratio of the ingredients for cleaning other household items (e.g., washing machines or kettles)?