Hot water: the effective trigger
Continue with very hot water (about 1 liter, not boiling) – be careful not to burn yourself. This step helps liquefy grease deposits and activates the salt-dishwashing liquid duo. Plus, if your pipes are plastic, the heat expands them slightly, making it easier for water and residue to pass through. A real thermal boost.
The upside-down bottle: a simple but clever weapon
Here’s the key step: Take an empty plastic water bottle , fill it with hot water, and briefly plug the opening with your hand. Place it upside down over the sink drain (a dish towel around it helps seal it better), then give it a sharp squeeze. This action sends a localized surge of water down the drain , much like a mini-cleaning wave. This targeted pressure can clear a minor clog or restart a slow drain.
A gentle method… but really useful
What makes this trick interesting is its simplicity: no corrosive products, no disassembly. It relies on a combined effect of heat, gentle abrasion, and mechanical pressure. It’s a good solution for routine maintenance or quick troubleshooting when you don’t have a suction cup.
Things to know before you start
Let’s be clear: this method won’t replace professional intervention for a complete clog or an object stuck in the drain. But for a slow-draining sink or accumulated grease, it can really help. Just be sure to use a sturdy bottle to get enough pressure.
Which just goes to show that sometimes it doesn’t take much to unblock a situation!
