Best Drain Cleaners of 2020: There are few things more annoying than a slow or clogged drain – oily water sitting in your kitchen sink, or soapy water in your shower or bathtub is not a pretty sight, and something that does can be ignored. The good news is that a blocked or slow drain can often be cleaned without the need for a plumber. Experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s cleaning laboratory say that the safest first step to removing any obstruction is to use the correct plunger based on the location of the obstruction (sink or toilet). Make sure to cover any overflow outlet first for maximum pressure, shut off the water supply and always use a plunger before (not after!) Any chemical cleaner to prevent the chemical from splashing on you and in your eyes.
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Chemical or enzymatic cleaner
After using a plunger, if the drain is still clogged, a chemical or enzymatic cleaner can help. Different cleaners work for different types and the severity of the blockages – for example, one that works for a slow-draining drain probably won’t work for a complete blockage. Chemical-based drain cleaners work the fastest, but can also cause more damage. Enzyme cleaners are slower in removing blockages, but are generally less harmful to your plumbing (or to yourself).
When we assess drain cleaning products and tools at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we interview the company’s scientists and review the data for product efficacy and safety. We also assess how easy and neat the product is to use and how complete and accurate the label and claims are. We check product reviews online and, where possible, have consumers test them on real clogs at home. The drain cleaning tools and products listed here have been selected based on our past product reviews and experiences, company research and favorable online consumer reviews.
here are the best drain cleaners, according to critics from the Good Housekeeping Institute:
Best overall drain cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover
Best drain cleaner for hair clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair hoof eliminator
Best enzymatic drain cleaner: Bio Clean
Best crystal drain cleaner: Thrift odorless drain cleaner
Best single-use drain cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs
Best combined cleaner for chemical and enzymatic drain: XionLab Safer drain opener
Best auger for clogged toilets: Rigid 59787 K-3 Toilet Auger Snake
Best drain cleaning tool for hair clogs: Vastar 3 Pack 19.6 inch Drain Snake
Best bathtub tool to prevent capillary blockages: Bathroom
How to Use Drain Cleaners Safely
Here are some important precautions to take when cleaning clogged drains:
- Follow precisely all directions on the label of a drain cleaner. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Do not leave the drain cleaner inside the drains longer than expected.
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Do not stand in a bathtub or shower enclosure when pouring the drain cleaner.
- Carefully pour the drain cleaner to avoid spills. The caustic nature of some chemical cleaners can damage stone, marble, stainless steel and other surrounding materials.
- Never mix drain cleaners with other cleaning products – even homemade – or add a second cleaner if the first does not work. The chemical reaction can cause toxic gases or even an explosion.
- Always rinse the drain well after using a chemical cleaner, following the package directions for water temperature and rinse time.
- Never try to clean a toilet cap with a chemical cleaner. Use a plunger, a toilet auger (a standard drain snake can damage or crack porcelain) or a natural enzyme cleaner. If the hoof persists, call a professional plumber.
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