White vinegar and baking soda are praised for their environmentally friendly properties and cost-effectiveness.
However, when it comes to drains, these two ingredients should be avoided. Mark McShane, a plumbing and heating expert from Boiler Cover UK, warns that doing so could lead to damage and expensive repairs.
“If you use this mixture too often, your pipes will corrode and your plumbing system will be damaged,” the specialist told the Express. “Many people use baking soda and vinegar to clean the house because they say it is a cheaper and easier option than buying tons of expensive cleaning products.”
“It’s true that this combination can work for some tasks, but you have to remember that it’s a chemical reaction. When the acetic acid in the vinegar mixes with the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda, it creates foam by releasing carbon dioxide gas, water and other byproducts.”
While this reaction can clean the pipes, it can also damage rubber seals and the pipes themselves, especially in older systems. Mark instead recommends using special cleaning products that are safe and proven to work.
In cases of severe damage, Brits should contact a local plumber to prevent further damage. Kitchen and bathroom drains can easily become blocked over time by grease, dirt, food scraps and hair.
To ensure that they continue to function smoothly, the expert recommends cleaning the drains every one to two weeks. He also lists things that should never be poured down the drain, such as grease, eggshell residue, coffee grounds, hair care products and starchy food scraps.
The plumbing expert further advises: “Clogged pipes are noticeable by gurgling, slow-draining water, stains around the drain, bad smells and residue in the water. Pay attention to this.”
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