Unclog and deodorize drains (baking soda and vinegar)

Baking soda neutralizes those acidic odor compounds on contact, which takes the smell out rather than perfuming over it. The catch is that the bacteria keep regrowing, so this is upkeep, not a one-time cure. A regular treatment keeps kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and garbage disposals fresh between deeper cleanings. For an actual clog or grease buildup, use the washing soda treatment in Recipe 14.4, since baking soda is too mild to dissolve a blockage. For ongoing odor, though, baking soda is the better pick: it is gentle on pipes and safe for unlimited use on any plumbing, PVC included.

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• White vinegar (5% acidity)
• Hot water

1. Pour half a cup of dry baking soda directly into the drain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes; overnight is even better for stubborn odor, since the longer it sits, the more of the acidic compounds deep in the pipe it can neutralize. Then flush with a quart of hot tap water to push the spent powder through.
2. After flushing, pour half a cup of white vinegar into the drain as a separate follow-up. The acid knocks back the odor-causing bacteria clinging to the pipe walls and helps loosen their slimy biofilm, though it will not fully clear a heavy buildup, which is why you repeat the routine. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush again with hot tap water. Do not pour vinegar onto dry baking soda still sitting in the drain: the acid cancels the baking soda before it can work, and the fizz does no real cleaning.
3. For garbage disposals, pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, let it sit for 30 minutes, then run cold water and turn on the disposal for 15 to 20 seconds to flush the powder through the grinding chamber. Follow with half a cup of vinegar, wait 10 minutes, then flush with cold water.
4. Repeat weekly for drains that turn odorous regularly, such as kitchen sinks with heavy food use or bathroom drains with standing water. Baking soda and vinegar are both safe for all pipe materials and septic systems at any frequency.

Store baking soda in a sealed container away from moisture and strong odors. Shelf life is indefinite when kept dry. Best container: sealed HDPE container or glass jar, keep moisture-free. Avoid metal in humid conditions (promotes corrosion). See the Containers section.