The Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners: 7 Safer Alternatives for Toronto Residents

You have a clogged drain, so you reach for the drain cleaner since it’s convenient and easy to use. It sits for a short time, eats away at the clog, and is then flushed through with hot water. What could be so wrong about this process?

Chemical cleaners do work for drain cleaning in Toronto, but they can also cause a myriad of issues, such as skin irritations and chemical reactions producing toxic fumes. They were developed for ease of use in order to fit in with our busy lives, and are heavily advertised as convenient items.

However, the focus is now shifting again to the health and safety of the end consumer, and chemical cleaners are not looking so good. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are much safer, cheaper, and just as easy and efficient to use.

Chemical Cleaners and Their Hazards

There are many different commercial cleaning products available, designed for various jobs; as such, they all work differently.

Some chemical products for organic matter, such as those found in garbage disposals, toilets, and kitchen sinks, are either oxidizing agents or caustic materials. They break down organic items such as food and grease, and help to move the clog along.

Then, there are the cleaning agents that are acidic or enzyme-based. Acidic agents break down organic matter, such as hair, by a chemical reaction involving heat and gas. Enzymatic agents use bacteria or enzymes to dissolve the matter, but they take a much longer time to work.

These chemical reactions can cause serious burns and scalding if they come into contact with the skin. If they splash into your eyes, they can result in blindness. As well, toxic gases if inhaled can cause respiratory distress. 

While these occurrences are rare, you should take extra care when handling such products and consider drain cleaning services in Toronto. You should also never mix the chemicals, as this can result in some explosive results.

Additionally, chemical cleaners can cause damage to your pipes over time, so watch for signs such as leaking, discolouration, strange smells, and decreased water pressure.

Safer Cleaning Alternatives

Many cleaning product alternatives work just as effectively and without serious health risks. Most of the components of these products can be found in your kitchen pantry.

However, will they clean just as well without the chemicals? Yes, absolutely they will. Most of the chemical cleaners on the market have foundations in the properties of these safer alternatives, so you do not have to skimp on the cleaning. 

Of course, for the really stubborn clogs and drain issues, it is best to call the Toronto drain cleaning professionals who can quickly tackle any issue safely. Next, though, we’ll discuss seven safe cleaning alternatives. 

1. Hot water and dish soap

Let’s go back to basics. Nothing beats hot water for dissolving organic material, killing bacteria, and washing away dirt.

Combined with dish soap, it is designed to be safer on our skin and used regularly. Therefore, soap and water work in harmony, thoroughly clean all surfaces, and can be flushed down the drains.

While great for breading, pastries, and other yummy treats, baking soda is also an impressive cleaning agent.

2. Baking soda

In the chemical world, baking soda is an alkali, so it is opposite on the pH scale. It is reactive to many items and easily dissolves organic matter in water quickly and efficiently, keeping the pipes flowing.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is an acid-based liquid, but not as harsh as the acids used in chemical cleaners. It can dissolve organic matter, minerals, dirt, and grease quickly and safely. It also has germ-killing power, so bacteria cannot grow or regrow on surfaces cleaned with vinegar.

4. Citric acid

Citric acid occurs naturally in lemons, limes, and oranges. This acid is powerful and acts in a similar way to that of vinegar—only with a better scent. 

Citrus fruits have been used for centuries in European countries for their ability to provide a deep clean and smell fresh at the same time. The juices contain acids, while the peels contain organically occurring properties that act as a degreasing agent.

5. Salt

Salt is a desiccant and a natural antibacterial mineral found worldwide. It, too, has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent. 

Not only will salt dry out organic matter, but it also soaks up grease and oil, making it a lot easier to clean up. When combined with other natural agents, such as vinegar, it becomes a powerful drain cleaner, which is safe enough to use daily.

6. Cream of tartar

Cream of tartar is not just an ingredient used in salad dressings or to accompany fish and chips; there are metal-cleaning properties that can be exploited.

For those with steel fixtures and appliances in the kitchen, bathroom, and the garage, you can apply cream of tartar and shine up that metal. It can also break down rust for easy cleaning.

7. Combining organic cleaners

Any one of these ingredients is powerful on its own, but when combined with at least one other agent, you can have exceptional cleaning power at your fingertips.  

Depending on the nature of the clog, smell, or just to keep things flowing with regular cleaning, you can create your own cleaning product with just a few simple items.

Such products will also last longer, so making a large jar of baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar allows you to use some now and save the rest for a later time. Vinegar and orange peels can be prepared ahead of time, and stored in a dark cupboard.

With some cleaning products, you should only have them ready when needed. Vinegar and baking soda create an instant chemical reaction, which works in short bursts. Thus, they need to be used when required and not combined to store for later.

Contact the Plumbing Experts

For over 50 years, Brothers Plumbing has been delivering exceptional drain cleaning services in Toronto. As we are dedicated and reliable, with no hidden fees, just honest work done for reasonable prices, it’s no wonder we have become trusted plumbers and drainage experts.

You can call us at 416-656-6717 or visit us online today to book your free consultation, and let us take care of your drains.