Should We Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Unclog Drains?
The secret to achieving full potential is in understanding this chemical reaction.
Let’s explore the fascinating chemistry of creating our own remedies and cleaners. Knowledge of the chemical reactions is essential in making successful DIY remedies. Alexis Rochester, B.S Chemistry, has authored a most insightful e-book, a chemical reference book. It is a valuable source of information on ingredients that are frequently used in homemade cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda.
Vinegar and baking soda undergo a chemical reaction when combined, using the same fundamental principles. Understanding this reaction is necessary to harness vinegar and baking soda’s full cleaning potential.
Let’s Explore the Chemistry of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Let us discuss the fascinating chemistry of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a base, as it is alkaline and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Vinegar is acetic (CH3COOH) with a low pH value. Due to its acidity, vinegar is a good cleaner for dirt and stains.
When Combined, These Two Chemicals React in a Very Distinctive Chemical Process:
NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → NaC2H3O2 (sodium acetate) + H2O (water) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) The reaction most often takes the form of bubbling and effervescence, a process many of us have seen when mixing vinegar and baking soda. Seeing this reaction often sparks an initial interest in chemical reactions and scientific phenomena.
Understanding the Specific Cleaning Application
When vinegar and baking soda are combined, a unique chemical reaction occurs. The reaction between water and carbon dioxide creates gas bubbles. A salt called sodium acetate is created in this reaction, which is basic on the pH scale. Although the reaction is tilted towards neutralization on the pH scale, it is not a complete neutralization.
When you combine vinegar and baking soda, the reaction continues bubbling and fizzing and ultimately stops. Observe that this reaction doesn’t replicate itself, most notably in cleaning applications.
For example, vinegar and baking soda are both used separately in a homemade carpet cleaner recipe. However, when used together, the reaction facilitates the effective breaking up of the stains. Once this reaction is attained, it no longer makes an impact. The realization that the reaction only happens once is central to understanding cleaning effectiveness.
What Occurs When Mixed in a Bottle
True enough that when you put vinegar and baking soda in a bottle together, they create a special chemical reaction. However, let it be known that no ongoing activity will be present when the reaction is complete. Essentially, you’re left with a solution of salt that has no real cleaning benefit. Cleaning with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in a bottle is not as effective as you would like.
Poor Handling of Grease Accumulation
As noted earlier, don’t use baking soda and vinegar together when drain cleaning. Why not? This combination is not as efficient in handling grease buildup. Although they might first cooperate in decomposing surface material in the drain, it will never go beyond the surface of the clog after the reaction.
This Blend is Better Suited to Tackle Challenging Grease
The technique is not as effective in cleaning a drain when dealing with stubborn grease. It is better suited for use in a bathroom drain where it can prevent soap scum buildup with vinegar’s acidic properties that are effective in combatting soap scum and water deposits. In kitchen drains with stubborn blockages, a better course is to use a surfactant like dish soap with boiling water. This is more effective in handling stubborn grease blockages and is a more comprehensive solution for maintaining kitchen drains.
I Highly Recommend Using a Homemade Carpet Cleaner
When you clean with vinegar and baking soda, you must understand that their effectiveness is dependent on the chemical reaction they undergo. While they are useful in many ways, their cleaning power is most active during this reaction. Once this reaction has been completed, their cleaning power is no longer as effective.
Here is the reason that you don’t have to mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle or a container: The reaction occurs when you combine them, and it doesn’t leave you with ongoing cleaning advantages. What I do suggest is this e-book on homemade cleaning recipes called CHEMISTRY HACKS FOR HOME AND OUTDOORS by Alexis Rochester, BS in Professional Chemistry. The book is ten bucks and is worth every penny. By the way, we don’t make a dime on the book.
Their cleaning formula is very effective in eliminating both new and old stains, making it a great solution for ensuring that your carpet is clean, although it is not for use in drain cleaning.
The Comprehensive Resource is a Good Starting Point.
If you are interested in creating homemade cleaners yourself, I suggest you look at our science-based DIY cleaning guide. This in-depth guide is a wonderful place to start and ensures that you are using ingredients correctly and most effectively. Even with homemade cleaners, safety is the priority.
For instance, there is a widespread myth circulating online that vinegar is a universal cleaner. However, as discussed in this article, vinegar is quite acidic and actually damages surfaces, especially those made of natural stone used in most modern houses. Regular use of vinegar will wear down surfaces over time.
We don’t know if these plumbing companies promoting vinegar and baking soda are attempting to oblige their customers. Without a doubt, they have not tried to clear a drain with them, nor are they aware of the science of baking soda and vinegar. Even Liquid Plumr® has fed into the frenzy with a list of info on their website. They do state, however, that Liquid-Plumr is your best bet for tackling tough clogs. The “tough clog” they refer to is a slow-moving bathroom or kitchen drain. In other words, they are hearing what their customers like. In fact, drain cleaners are designed for small clogs. Tough clogs need a plumbing professional.
Avoid Potential Pitfalls and Do Not Compromise on Your Drains and Surfaces
Although homemade cleaners are a cost-saving and safe alternative to commercial ones, you must handle them with care and knowledge. With the proper information, whether for everyday messes or tackling a full-scale cleaning project, you can create effective homemade cleaners that suit your needs. Here’s to cleaner homes and brighter days to come!
