Hairy Situation: Three Steps to Unclogging Your Drain Chemical-Free

It’s the season for entertaining and unless you have a family full of bald uncles, your drains will be working overtime and might have you pulling your family’s locks out of your shower. Here’s what you can do to try to clear that hair clog without using harsh chemicals.

While a tangled mess in your drain is better than having your relatives tangle over politics at the dinner table, solving the problem with chemicals isn’t good for your pipes or the environment. In addition to hair, all the hair products your relatives brought to fix their tresses—like gels and mousses—attach to the trapped hair, clumping up an already hairy situation.

Instead of reaching for a caustic chemical, the solution might be in your pantry.

The Hidden Home Remedy for Clogged Drains

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is more than just a pantry staple. It’s a powerful natural cleaner that can break down hair, grease, soap scum, and even minor mineral buildup. Combined with white vinegar, it creates a fizzing chemical reaction that loosens grime and dislodges clogs—without damaging your pipes or harming the environment.

3 Easy Steps to Use Baking Soda to Unclog a Hair-Clogged Drain

You’ll need:

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 2 quarts of hot (near-boiling) water

Step 1: Pour in the Baking Soda
Start by pouring one full cup of baking soda directly into the clogged drain. Try to get as much of the powder into the pipe as possible.

Step 2: Add the Vinegar
Immediately follow with one cup of white vinegar. The mixture will start fizzing and bubbling—this is where the magic happens. Let the solution sit for at least 5–10 minutes while it breaks down organic material like hair and soap residue.

Step 3: Flush With Hot Water
Once the fizzing stops, pour two quarts of very hot (but not boiling) water down the drain to flush everything out. Test the drain flow—if water is still slow, repeat the process a second time.

For Stubborn Hair Clogs: Salt + Baking Soda Method

If the standard baking soda and vinegar method doesn’t fully clear the clog, try this overnight deep clean:

• Pour 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of table salt down the drain.

• Let the mixture sit overnight—at least 8 hours.

• In the morning, pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain to flush the softened clog away.

This method works well for thicker, deeper clogs caused by matted hair or compacted soap and oil.

Bonus Tip: These DIY drain cleaning methods are gentle and safe for all types of pipes—PVC, metal, or old cast iron—and they’re much safer for the environment than chemical-based alternatives.

The Secret to Keeping Your Drains Hair-Free

The best way to clear hair-clogged drains is to avoid getting them clogged in the first place!

• Use a hair catcher or drain screen in your shower or tub. Clean it out regularly to keep hair from entering the drain.

• Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands.

• Run the water while shaving to help move small clippings down the drain more effectively.

• Flush your drains regularly with the baking soda and vinegar method—even if there’s no clog yet. It’s an easy, chemical-free maintenance habit that keeps buildup from forming.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

While these home remedies work well for most minor to moderate hair clogs, they can’t fix everything. If the clog is deep within your pipes or water is backing up into multiple fixtures, it may be time to call in a professional.

At Len The Plumber, we use advanced drain cleaning equipment and video inspections to locate and remove stubborn clogs—whether it’s a tangle of hair, a buildup of grease, or something far worse. We’ll get your water flowing again in no time, no mess and no stress.