Overview

• ÖKO-TEST warns that common alkali-based cleaners can corrode seals and plastic pipes, release irritating fumes, and burden wastewater systems.
• Reporting notes that chemical products often only perforate the blockage, leaving the main plug in place and setting up fast recurrences.
• A combined approach is advised: physically extract clogs with a drain snake using gentle rotation, then maintain flow with enzyme or microbe-based cleaners.
• A low-cost option highlighted today uses washing soda followed by vinegar, left to react for minutes and flushed with hot water, with manual siphon cleaning as the green fallback.
• Prevention tips include hair strainers in baths and sinks, keeping fats out of kitchen drains, periodic hot vinegar rinses, weekly bioenzyme use, and calling a professional for multi-room backups, persistent odors, or repeat clogs.