Few things disrupt the flow of daily life like a clogged drain.

One minute you’re brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes, and the next, you’re staring down at a sink full of murky, stagnant water that refuses to budge.

Clogged drains are an all-too-common household headache, cropping up in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas, and they seem to strike at the most inconvenient times.

Whether it’s hair buildup in the bathroom or grease and food debris in the kitchen, these blockages create unpleasant odours, slow down your routine, and can even lead to more costly plumbing issues if not addressed.

Many commercial drain cleaners are loaded with harsh chemicals, which not only pose environmental concerns but can also be harmful to pipes and costly to buy repeatedly.

Thankfully, cleaning influencer Judy Gilroy’s easy, natural remedy for unclogging drains in just 15 minutes is resonating with so many.

Her solution is as simple as it is satisfying, providing a quick fix without the harsh fumes or high price tag associated with typical drain cleaners.

And according to Gilroy, all it takes is a few pantry staples and a bit of patience to get things flowing smoothly again.

Taking to social media with the easy hack, Gilroy revealed her four-step process for unblocking drains without harsh chemicals. "Nothing drives me crazy like blocked bathroom drains," Gilroy shared in her post.

"I discovered this great hack to clean them naturally, and it works a charm! The best part? It’s so simple and quick to do."

Here’s How It Works

Gilroy recommends starting with just two simple ingredients: baking soda and white vinegar. She explained that, although exact measurements aren’t critical, sticking to a 1:2 ratio is helpful.

1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain – This forms the base for the reaction that will loosen debris and grime.

2. Follow with 2 cups of white vinegar – Pouring the vinegar over the baking soda creates a fizzing reaction, which Gilroy says is key to breaking down the blockage. Once the vinegar is added, she advises covering the drain immediately with a cloth and leaving it undisturbed for 10-15 minutes to allow the fizz to work its magic.

3. Flush with hot or boiling water – After letting the solution sit, Gilroy pours hot or boiling water down the drain to clear out any remaining debris. "You can just use the hot tap, although I used the kettle here," she noted.

4. Add lemon juice to freshen – To eliminate any lingering odours, Gilroy suggests finishing off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which not only neutralizes smells but also leaves the drain smelling clean and fresh.