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Plumbing Expert Tells Homeowners To Ditch Baking Soda for Hair Clogs, Reach for a Drain Snake

Enzyme-based cleaners work better on kitchen grease than homemade mixes.

Overview

  • Justin Cornforth of Ace Plumbing says baking soda and vinegar do not clear hair-driven bathroom blockages.
  • He advises mechanical removal for bathroom drains, with a drain snake that can catch and extract hair effectively.
  • A stainless-steel snake is recommended over plastic versions, which can snap and worsen clogs.
  • A straightened wire coat hanger with a small hook can serve as a careful DIY alternative to fish out debris.
  • For kitchen sinks, enzymatic cleaners target grease and food residues more effectively than vinegar, baking soda, or harsh chemicals, though they work more slowly.