[Home Tips] The kitchen drain is clogged with grease. Are there any non-toxic ways to clear it?

🥼 Why are kitchen drains easily clogged with grease?

Hong Kong families often cook by frying or stir -frying. When fat is taken down the drain and solidifies when it cools, it can combine with food residue, rice grains, sauces, etc. to:

  • Adheres to the inner wall of the throat to form thick grease🛢️
  • Hair and vegetable residues form "sludge" blockage
  • Over time, the flow rate slows down or even stops completely.

Moreover, most buildings in Hong Kong use thin-diameter PVC or iron pipes , which have low stain resistance and are easily clogged once dirt accumulates.

🔍 Common signs of grease blockage

  • The water level in the sink drops slowly💧
  • There is a strong smell of oil coming from the drain 😷
  • Oil spots appear on the water surface when washing dishes
  • Gurgling sound in the throat

🧹 Non-toxic drain cleaning method (safe and environmentally friendly ♻️)

We've rounded up a few non-toxic, throat-friendly methods suitable for Hong Kong families to handle on their own, without risking harm to the skin, throat, or the environment.

1️⃣Hot water flushing method🔥

Principle : High temperature dissolves grease, loosening and removing oil stains.
step :

  1. Heat a large pot of hot water (about 80°C, avoid boiling water to avoid damaging the PVC pipe).
  2. Pour it into the drain in 2-3 times, with an interval of 30 seconds between each time.
  3. It is recommended to add a few drops of dish soap to help emulsify the grease.

💡Suitable for : slight oily dirt, daily maintenance.

2️⃣Baking soda + white vinegar reaction method🥤🍋

Principle : Baking soda (weak base) reacts with white vinegar (weak acid) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which vibrate grease and decompose some organic stains.
step :

  1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
  2. Pour half a cup of white vinegar.
  3. After you hear a hissing sound, let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Rinse with hot water.

💡Suitable for : removing medium to light oil stains, removing odors and preventing blockage.

3️⃣Natural enzyme channel solution🌿

Principle : Enzymes break down grease and food residues, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
step :

  1. Buy a commercial natural enzyme cleaner (available in supermarkets/recycling stores in Hong Kong).
  2. Pour down the drain as directed and let sit for several hours or overnight.
  3. Rinse with clean water.

💡Suitable for : long-term maintenance, families with children or pets.

4️⃣Manual drain cleaning tool🪠

  • Plunger : Use air pressure to push away grease and dirt.
  • Drain Snake : Drains deep into the pipe to remove oil and mud.

💡Suitable for : Use when grease and dirt are mixed with a large amount of solid debris.

🚫 Why should we avoid strong acid/alkaline chemical drain openers?

Although chemical drain cleaners (such as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid) are quick-acting, they:

  • Will corrode metal pipes and aging PVC pipes
  • Releases irritating gas, damaging the respiratory tract
  • Great pollution to the environment
  • Accidental splashing on the skin may cause burns

Hong Kong plumbers recommend using non-toxic methods for daily maintenance and using professional tools when necessary .

🏠 Tips for preventing grease and dirt from clogging up your kitchen in Hong Kong

  1. Process before pouring oil🛢️

    • Soak up leftover cooking oil with kitchen paper and put it in the trash can. Do not pour it directly into the sink.

  2. Install filter screen🪤

    • It blocks food scraps and rice grains, reducing the amount of solid debris entering the throat.

  3. Regular hot water flushing

    • Flush the drain with hot water once a week to prevent grease and dirt from accumulating.

  4. Clean with baking soda + white vinegar once a month🥤

    • Keeps throats clear and removes odors.

  5. Rinse the oil bowl with detergent first 🍽️

    • Use a small amount of hot water + dishwashing liquid to rinse off most of the grease and then put it in the sink for cleaning.

💡 Editor's Tips

  • 🌟 For minor blockages, use hot water + detergent first. Do not use chemicals right from the start.
  • 🌟 Baking soda and white vinegar are essential household items in Hong Kong. They are affordable, authentic, and versatile.
  • 🌟 If the pipe is completely blocked, do not flush it, as this may cause the water to overflow. Use tools or call a repairman immediately.
  • 🌟 In old buildings or units with long pipes, grease and dirt easily accumulate at the far end. It is best to hire a professional to perform deep drain cleaning once a year.

💬Editor’s summary :
Most kitchen drains in Hong Kong are clogged with grease due to the accumulation of fat from daily cooking. For a safe and environmentally friendly solution, a combination of hot water flushing, baking soda + white vinegar, and natural enzymes is the best solution for daily use. Combined with a filter and regular cleaning , you can maintain a smooth water flow for a long time, eliminating the worry of grease odors and clogged drains! 🪠✨

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