I just found another reason to use all natural products to keep my drains free and clear. Effective January 1st in Illinois it will be harder to buy drain cleaner.
In Illinois if you want to buy drain cleaners or similar products you will need to show your state issued ID along with current address and phone number, your birth date and how much of the product you are purchasing.
Apparently the chemicals in drain cleaners can be used in meth labs, not to mention they can cause pretty severe burns if they are used incorrectly. I don’t want to have something that dangerous in my home. No matter how careful you are, kids are curious and may find a way to get at your harmful cleaners.
My drain cleaner of choice is baking soda and vinegar and prevention. I clean all the drains in my home at the beginning of every month as a way to prevent build up and clogs. Simply pour baking soda down the drain, follow with vinegar, let it bubble while you boil a pot of water and then flush everything down with the boiling water.
I use this for tub, bathroom sink and kitchen sink and so far it’s worked. In five years both in my home and the apartment I lived in prior to buying the house, I have not had a clogged sink. Twice a year I also pull out the drains of the sinks and bathtub and get rid of all the hair that manages to accumulate there. Depending on how many people use your bathroom you may need to do this more often but with just Hailey and I twice a year works great.
I have a plunger and a plumbing snake, just in case, but so far I haven’t had to use them and I hope to be able to keep it that way. If you feel that you have to keep drain cleaner on hand make sure it is stored securely and is out of reach. As dangerous as drain cleaner can be you should treat it as a deadly weapon.