Detergents Used for Clogged Bath Tubs

Washing Soda

• Washing soda, which is located in the laundry aisle of the supermarket, is a useful item to have on hand. One of its many uses around the home is in the bathroom to clear up even the toughest clogs. Measure approximately one cup of washing soda and pour it in the drain. Wait about 30 minutes, then flush the drain with one quart of boiling water. If your pipes are made from PVC, do not use washing soda.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda is commonly used in the kitchen as a baking levener, but its uses far extend beyond this area of the home. It is an effective household cleaner and works well as an added cleaning agent when doing laundry. It also has the ability to unclog drains. For bathtub drains that are partially clogged, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of hot white vinegar. Close the drain or cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then flush the drain with one quart of boiling water. You can also use this method after clearing up some of the clog with the washing soda.

Liquid Dish Detergent

• If you use your bathtub for other purposes, such as to wash pots and pans or clean greasy clothes, then using a liquid dish detergent may be in order to clear out the clog. Pour 1/2 cup of grease-removing dish detergent down the drain. Wait 30 minutes and flush it clean with one quart of boiling water.

Other Home Remedies

• Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain and then one quart of boiling water. Run the hot water for one or two minutes to unclog the drain. You can also mix 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Let it sit over night and flush it with one to two quarts of boiling water the next morning.