If you suspect a grease or soap-scum clog, mix ½ cup of table salt with your baking soda before adding vinegar. Salt acts as an abrasive. As the gas bubbles rise, the salt crystals scrape the inside of the trap like millions of tiny scrub brushes.

: Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes . For stubborn clogs, experts often recommend letting it sit for several hours or even overnight.

When baking soda (a base) and white vinegar (an acid) are combined, they produce carbon dioxide gas. This reaction creates a fizzing action that can help break down soft obstructions. When followed by hot water, the combination of chemical fizzing, heat, and gravity can often push a minor clog through the pipes. Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging To use this method effectively, follow these steps: