Pouring Vinegar Down Drains May Not Prevent Future Problems - Tasting Table

"Vinegar and baking soda provide some genius ways to clean your kitchen, but only for certain types of messes. Moreover, mixing them is not the magic solution we've been led to believe. In particular, you should not pour this combo down your drain if you have a clog. You may end up creating more problems for yourself in the long run, including worsening the clog or damaging pipes."

"It's important to note that together, vinegar and baking soda only create carbon dioxide, water, and a little salt. That fizzy reaction is the gas escaping, which also reduces the cleaning effectiveness of both products. While the bubbling action may provide some physical agitation to partially remove a clog, it's no more effective than pouring Coca-Cola down the drain. The gas will simply exit the drain the way it entered without producing enough pressure to move much."

Vinegar and baking soda can clean certain kitchen messes but are not a universal solution. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide, water, and a little salt; the fizzing gas escapes and reduces the effectiveness of both products. The bubbling offers only minor physical agitation and does not generate enough pressure to clear serious clogs. Greasy buildup commonly holds clogs together, and vinegar plus baking soda does not dissolve grease. A simple test with butter shows the vinegar solution leaves fats solid while hot water and dish soap melts them. Pouring the mixture down drains can worsen clogs and stress older pipes as gas follows the path of least resistance.

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