Does vinegar dissolve hair in drains?

Author: Norene Kassulke PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Another option for dissolving hair in a drain is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This mixture will create a chemical reaction that will break down the hair. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain to use this method.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.

Does vinegar remove hair from the drain?

Baking soda and vinegar can be an extremely effective way of dispatching many clogs, and hair clogs are no exception. For best results, start by squirting a little dish soap into your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda.

What is the fastest way to get hair out of a drain?

Boiling Water: Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water can help break down the hair and wash it away. Repeat this process a few times to ensure that the hair is completely cleared.

🔴Put aluminum foil in the toilet! Once and you will be surprised by the result!

What is the best hair dissolver for drains?

The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.

Do baking soda and vinegar dissolve hair?

Baking Soda And Vinegar Is A Potent Mixture That Dissolves Hair. Allow five minutes for this mixture to undergo a chemical reaction, where it formulates and fizzes.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda + Vinegar
  • Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain.
  • Plug drain and let sit for one hour.
  • Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

What chemical breaks down hair?

Sodium hypochlorite, better known as bleach, is a common household chemical. It's also highly basic, which means it has the useful property of dissolving hair, which is acidic. Here's how to unclog your shower drain with bleach. Remember to always use protective gloves when handling bleach.

How to unblock hair from shower drain?

An effective way of breaking up hair clogs is through the use of baking soda and vinegar. Firstly, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then after a few minutes pour a cup of vinegar down the drain as well. After a couple of hours you can turn the shower on and see if the blockage has been dissolved.

Does vinegar damage PVC pipes?

While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.

Can I pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

Does Clorox dissolve hair?

Bleach can dissolve hair caught in tub drains and bathroom sinks and that may be why some people believe it is an effective fix. If the hair has been accumulating in the drain for even a short while, it has gathered soap scum and other debris and is now largely protected from being dissolved by bleach.

How to make a drain snake?

To make a drain snake, all you need is a wire coat hanger that you can unwind and straighten. Bend the end of the wire into a hook shape and insert it into the drain. Move it around until you feel resistance and then pull out any hair or debris that may be blocking the drain.

How to prevent dog hair from clogging drain?

Using a Drain Cover or Strainer

These simple little tools are total lifesavers for stopping pet hair clogs before they start. Drain covers and strainers catch all that fur and gunk as the bathwater drains so it never makes its way into your pipes.

What eats hair out of a drain?

If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain. To try this safe and easy method at home – first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.

What liquid dissolves hair in drains?

To use a hair dissolver, follow the instructions on the package. Another option for dissolving hair in a drain is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This mixture will create a chemical reaction that will break down the hair.

Do baking soda and vinegar clean drains?

Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean a drain, as it helps to break down grease, mineral deposits, and bacteria that may be causing clogs or unpleasant odors. This maintenance method is a natural and chemical-free alternative to commercial cleaning products.

What do you mix with vinegar to unclog a drain?

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain slowly. Immediately cover the drain with a clean cloth or drain plug to enhance the effectiveness of the foaming action. Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, then remove the cloth or drain plug.

How to unclog a drain with hair naturally?

Try Baking Soda & Vinegar

First, pour a cup of baking soda right into the drain. Wait a couple minutes, then pour a cup of vinegar down there. Let this mixture sit in the drain for a few hours as it works its magic. After a few hours, the mixture should dissolve the clogged hair.

Can you use Dawn and baking soda for drains?

Weekly, flush drains with boiling water mixed with liquid grease-fighting dish soap, such as Dawn. Clean your drain with baking soda as soon as you notice the water is draining slowly. You can also use this process as a regular maintenance method for your drains.

What happens if you put too much baking soda down the drain?

If you put too much baking soda down a drain onto a clog, it can sit on the clog and become a solid mass as it is subjected to more and more water. This will make the block worse and even harder to remove.

How do you unclog a severely clogged drain?

Pour one-half cup table salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. Or try a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar—let it bubble, wait 15 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. You can also try a cup of baking soda and a half-cup of salt; let it sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water.

Does white vinegar unblock drains?

A completely clogged drain will require the help of a professional plumber, but baking soda and vinegar might be a quick fix for a partially clogged drain. This solution will dissolve and push the sludge through the pipes to allow water to flow through easily. Let hot water run for a minute to warm up the pipes.

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