The Best Drain Cleaners: Natural, Homemade, Non-Toxic and Organic Options

Last Updated On October 6, 2024

Updated on July 29, 2022

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The Best Drain Cleaners Natural, Homemade, Non-Toxic and Organic Options

When you have a drain clog, it can be a frustrating experience. Dealing with a sink or tub that won’t drain water as expected makes everyday tasks more daunting and uncomfortable.

The moment you notice the problem starting to develop, you need to do something about it before you develop foul odors and a complete drain clog that makes the fixture unusable. 

Drain cleaners provide an easy and cost-effective way for homeowners to handle a stubborn clog effectively. However, it can take a long time to learn about the different options and find the right one for you. 

Additionally, what if you prefer a natural or non-toxic drain cleaner? Let’s go over your options so you can choose based on your household preference. 

In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:

  • What are the best drain cleaners? 
  • What are the different types of drain cleaners? 
  • What should you look for in natural or non-toxic drain cleaners? 
  • Review of top 5 drain cleaners

ImageProduct
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Pure Lye Drain Cleaner, 2 lb.
  • No animal testing
  • Odorless 
  • Highly effective for multiple uses
  • No animal testing
  • Odorless 
  • Highly effective for multiple uses
View on Amazon
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Drano Max Gel, 5 lbs.
  • Moneyback guarantee and cost-effective
  • Pierces through standing water 
  • PVC-pipe friendly and metal-pipe friendly
  • Moneyback guarantee and cost-effective
  • Pierces through standing water 
  • PVC-pipe friendly and metal-pipe friendly
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Bio-Clean Ultimate Drain Cleaning Kit, 2 lbs.
  • Accessories come with the kit (including a magnet)
  • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • 100% guarantee or your money back
  • Accessories come with the kit (including a magnet)
  • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • 100% guarantee or your money back
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Thrift Marketing GIDDS-TY-0400879 Drain Cleaner 2 lb
  • Fast-acting
  • Effective
  • Eliminate septic tank odors
  • Fast-acting
  • Effective
  • Eliminate septic tank odors
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Bio-Ross Drain Elimination Enzyme Drain and Septic Cleaner, 2 lbs
  • Works on any drain
  • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • Natural enzymes break down clog better than most chemicals
  • Works on any drain
  • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • Natural enzymes break down clog better than most chemicals
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On October 6, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Pure Lye Drain Cleaner, 2 lb.

This non-GMO food grade drain cleaner uses the main ingredient of caustic soda and has fewer impurities than technical grade drain cleaners, making it non-toxic and safe to use around food. However, it is still a chemical and needs to be handled with caution.

It also has a wide range of possible uses, including cleaning metal and treating textiles, increasing its value to the consumer. 

The Best Drain Cleaners

What's In This Guide?

      What Are The Best Drain Cleaners?

      The best cleaners for slow drains work well and fit into your budget while also being easy to use and consistent with your personal lifestyle choices. 

      The best drain cleaner also specifically tackles your exact concern behind the clog. Different products may work better for cooking oil and grease than hair, so choose wisely. You may want to use one particular product for the kitchen sink and garbage disposal compared to the bathroom sink or shower drain. 

      Try a drain snake or plunger if you don’t want to use a drain cleaner or it doesn’t seem to work. 

      What Are The Different Types Of Clogged Drain Cleaners?

      Chemical Drain Cleaner

      A chemical drain cleaner uses a chemical to help break down whatever you find in your drain. 

      Some of the most common chemicals found in drain cleaners include:

      • Hydrochloric acid (HCI)
      • Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
      • Caustic soda (NaOH)
      • Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
      • Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
      • Nitrate (NO₃)
      • Bleach (NaCIO)

      These chemicals tend to produce great results, and you can find them at almost any hardware store. They are also easy to use, but aren’t without risks.

      Unfortunately, these harsh chemicals can damage the plumbing in your home. It can also damage the skin if you don’t use gloves or accidentally spill some on yourself.

      Chemicals can also become deadly if accidentally ingested. For these reasons, more and more homeowners want to move to natural options. 

      *** If someone in your household suffers from accidental drain cleaner poisoning, get them to the emergency room immediately! Time is of the essence in health emergencies, so don’t wait. Get medical assistance right away. ***

      Homemade DIY Drain Cleaner

      Why spend money on manufactured drain cleaners when you can simply make your homemade cleaners with everyday household items? 

      The Connecticut state government’s homemade drain cleaner recipe advises homeowners to pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar (and the optional addition of lemon juice). After you pour these items down the drain, follow it up by pouring boiling water down the drain as well.

      did you know The Best Drain Cleaners

      Natural Drain Cleaner (Non-Toxic Drain Cleaner or Organic Drain Cleaner)

      Natural drain cleaners only use natural products found in nature. This is especially appealing to people who want to live an organic and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

      These options may cost a bit more, but they are always safe to use for both the user and the pipes in your home. 

      In most cases, organic options use enzymes and bacteria to eat through natural items, such as hair and food, clogging the drain. In addition, to drain cleaning, beneficial enzymes from these products may also help maintain and treat your septic tank if you have one.

      These products will also help to clear up a smelly bathroom sink drain as well.

      What Do You Look For In The Best Drain Cleaners?

      Ingredients 

      The first thing to consider is the ingredients in the product you plan to buy to ensure it aligns with your goals. 

      Some people insist on solely using drain cleaners like the popular Green Gobbler with natural ingredients, and other people want something with strong chemicals like Liquid Fire that will be sure to get the job done. 

      Positive Reviews 

      How do you know if a product actually works or not? Start by reading the reviews!

      The idea is to look for products with a high number of positive reviews. Every product will have a bad review here and there, but it can help you to read through what other consumers have to say to learn what you should buy. 

      Environmentally Friendly Practices

      As consumers, we have a responsibility to buy from companies that contribute to the preservation of the planet instead of its destruction. 

      We can’t completely get rid of pollution created during the manufacturing process. However, we can do our best to buy from conscious organizations that do their best to reduce their carbon footprint with eco-friendly drain cleaners.

      Best Drain Cleaners Reviewed

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Pure Lye Drain Cleaner, 2 lb.

      This non-GMO food grade drain cleaner uses the main ingredient of caustic soda and has fewer impurities than technical grade drain cleaners, making it non-toxic and safe to use around food. However, it is still a chemical and needs to be handled with caution.

      It also has a wide range of possible uses, including cleaning metal and treating textiles, increasing its value to the consumer. 

      Pros

      • No animal testing
      • Odorless 
      • Highly effective for multiple uses

      Cons

      • May eat through an old metal trap
      • Chemical fumes may irritate the eyes and skin
      • Requires airtight storage

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Drano Max Gel, 5 lbs.

      Drano has established itself as a popular name in drain cleaning for a reason. This product works using bleach as its main ingredient and also comes at a surprisingly affordable price. You can even get in in just a couple of hours when you purchase it from Amazon Fresh, but you can find it at most hardware stores and superstores. 

      While it uses bleach as the main ingredient, Drano uses a recyclable container and uses 30% renewable energy during manufacturing. This is obviously not an organic or all natural option, but it’s very effective on most clogs.

      Pros

      • Moneyback guarantee and cost-effective
      • Pierces through standing water 
      • PVC-pipe friendly and metal-pipe friendly

      Cons

      • Not suitable for use in toilet or floor drain
      • Bleach may irritate skin and eyes and is harmful if ingested
      • Not organic

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Bio-Clean Ultimate Drain Cleaning Kit, 2 lbs.

      Get absolutely everything you need to clean your stubborn clog, including a guarantee from the manufacturer with this entire drain cleaning kit. You get the enzyme-based cleaner, a mixing cup, a decorative magnet, and a drain cleaning tool. It eliminates all types of natural clogs, and it works on all drains.

      Pros

      • Accessories come with the kit (including a magnet)
      • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
      • 100% guarantee or your money back

      Cons

      • Expensive in comparison 
      • Works best on clogs made from natural items
      • Somewhat flimsy cleaning tool

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Thrift Marketing GIDDS-TY-0400879 Drain Cleaner 2 lb

      You only need about 60 seconds to see the effects of this drain cleaner that uses a specialized formula activated by hot water. It not only breaks up clogs but also helps eliminate odor. 

      It comes in a durable container that keeps the product preserved for an extended period of time.

      Pros

      • Fast-acting
      • Effective
      • Eliminate septic tank odors

      Cons

      • Can damage pipes when used in excess
      • Toxic and not organic
      • Flakes – not liquid

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Bio-Ross Drain Elimination Enzyme Drain and Septic Cleaner, 2 lbs

      When you have a truly stubborn drain clog or need to maintain a larger system, such as for a small water feature on your property, you want this enzyme-based drain cleaner that will treat up to 1000 gallons with its 900 billion organisms. This makes this product suitable as a commercial drain cleaner. 

      The product is entirely non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It’s especially effective in regards to grease, fats, and oils, but it will also work on soap scum and toilet paper. 

      Pros

      • Works on any drain
      • Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
      • Natural enzymes break down clog better than most chemicals

      Cons

      • Expensive
      • More complicated than other drain cleaners
      • Use for prevention more than declogging

      Final Thoughts On Best Drain Cleaners

      Clean a clogged sink quickly and effectively with our top 5 picks for the best drain cleaners and mix them with plenty of warm water. 

      You can choose between chemical cleaners that tend to dissolve materials fast, or natural cleaners that contribute to better health, safety, and PVC pipe use. You can also make your own homemade drain opener with ingredients at home. 

      If all else fails, consider investing in an electric drain auger. You can also explore our DIY guides on drain cleaning before calling the plumber!

      FAQs for Best Drain Cleaners

      What is the best homemade drain cleaner? 

      Baking soda and vinegar is an effective drain cleaner and a great first option to try.

      How do you unclog a drain naturally?

      To unclog a drain naturally, use a simple recipe of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. This will work on basic clogs, but may not be sufficient for tougher clogs like a bathtub drain full of hair.

      What is the best non-chemical drain cleaner?

      Look to enzymes for the best non-chemical drain cleaning options. We like this one the best: Bio-Ross Drain Elimination Enzyme Drain and Septic Cleaner, 2 lbs

      How do you clear a drain without chemicals?

      If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can also try a drain snake or plunger.

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      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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