Who hasn’t found themselves standing ankle-deep in shower water and realized they have to deal with a stubborn clump of hair. Sure, you could call the plumber or find a can of corrosive chemicals. I’m not a fan of either, so I use methods that naturally dissolve hair in drains.
Below, you’ll learn the warning signs of clogs and simple methods to dissolve hair in your drain, as well as natural drain cleaners you can use to keep them clean. I also answer some common questions about keeping drains flowing well.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Drains
Plumbing gives you warning signs before a complete clog occurs. Here’s what to look out for:
- Slow draining: Water takes longer than usual to disappear in the sink or tub.
- Purring sounds: You hear strange noises from the pipes as the water tries to pass through.
- Water pool: Seeing water collect around your feet during the shower or around the drain opening.
- Unpleasant odors: Filthy odors coming from the drain indicate trapped organic matter.
5 ways to clog your drain
If you already have a blockage, try these five simple methods to clear it before tackling heavy chemicals:
- Boiling water: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen soap scum and clumps of hair.
- Baking soda and vinegar: This produces a natural chemical reaction that cleans the inside of the pipes.
- Wire hanger or pliers: Use a straightened coat hanger with a small hook to pull visible hair by hand.
- Plunger: Create suction to remove blockages deep in the pipes.
- Drain the snake or zip-It tool: A versatile tool designed to grab and remove hair clogs. (This 4 pack from Amazon it’s great to have on hand.)
There are some pretty nasty things in most drains, including dangerous bacteria. So wear rubber gloves while you’re dealing with the problem, and then wash the gloves after you’re done.
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Natural drain cleaners
Natural methods are environmentally friendly and won’t damage your plumbing like harsh store-bought cleaners.
The baking soda, dish soap & vinegar method
To boost the effectiveness of a standard rinse, add liquid dish soap to help dissolve the greasy conditioners that hold hair clumps together. Try heating the vinegar too – it will increase the fat-dissolving action.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap into 1 cup of vinegar and pour it on.
- Let it lather for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
The Borax Method
For a more abrasive but natural solution to dissolving hair in drains, try this mix:
- Combine 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup borax, and 1/2 cup vinegar.
- Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Flush the line with boiling water.
What will dissolve hair in a drain?
When hand tools can’t reach a blockage or the drain is too narrow for a snake, you can use depilatory cream (like Nair) to break up the blockage.
- Step 1: Remove any standing water and use a towel to dry the area around the drain.
- Step 2: Pour 2 to 4 ounces of hair removal cream directly down the drain.
- Step 3: Wait 10 minutes until the cream dissolves the hair.
- Step 4: Flush the drain slowly with warm water.
- End: Always run the bathroom exhaust fan during this process to manage the smell.
How to keep hair out of the drain
Prevention is the best way to avoid the inconvenience of a clogged pipe. Follow these maintenance steps to keep your drains clear:
- Use hair clips: Install a mesh strainer or drain cover to trap hair before it enters your plumbing system. (I use it TubShroom which also comes with a universal plug.)
- Brush before bathing: Brushing your hair before you shower removes loose strands that would otherwise end up down the drain. You’ll see less tangles after washing, too!
- Monthly Maintenance: Perform a monthly washing with baking soda and vinegar to prevent soap scum build-up.
- Weekly hot water flush: Simply running hot water on full blast for a few minutes a week can help prevent organic matter from settling.
Note: If you’ve already used chemical drain cleaners, don’t attempt these DIY methods, as mixing chemicals can cause dangerous reactions. If multiple drains are clogged at once or you smell sewage, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Frequently asked questions about clogged drains
To reduce hair blockages in the drain, brush your hair well before showering to remove loose strands and use a hair clip to prevent hair from entering the drain. It takes about two years for human hair to dissolve in drains. But the real problem is that with each shower, more join. So I wouldn’t think the problem will go away.
No. Bleach will not dissolve hair clogging your drain. It can really create a dangerous situation if you used anything else to treat the blockage.
I find that cleaning the drains monthly with baking soda and vinegar helps keep them open and flowing freely. They also smell better since the combo prevents soap suds and other debris that can stick to hair and lead to clogs.
No. Baking soda and vinegar are two of the safest things you can use to clean pipes or get rid of hair clogs in your drains.
So, all my ways to avoid calling the plumber by removing the clogs myself. Try them, but don’t tell your plumber (or mine) our little secret.
