{"id":19689,"date":"2026-03-18T17:44:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T21:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drewandjonathan.com\/?p=19689"},"modified":"2026-03-18T17:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T21:44:51","slug":"how-to-clean-bathtub-drain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drewandjonathan.com\/how-to\/how-to-clean-bathtub-drain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean and Unclog Your Bathroom Drain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re diligent about keeping your bathroom vanity<\/a>, faucets, and tile and grout clean<\/a>, a common bathroom neglect is the one thing that needs the most thorough care: your bathtub drain. If you’re noticing that it’s taking longer than usual for water to drain from the tub, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to clean out your drain. In fact, it might not only be clogged, but could even be suffering from soap scum buildup, too.\u00a0All of this can lead to smelly pipes and a bathroom that just doesn’t feel as clean as you’d like. But learning how to clean the bathroom drain is the first step to making your bathroom truly shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A slow-draining bathtub is a signal that there’s a clog or buildup that needs attending to. And it only gets worse when left untreated. As dirty water sits too long waiting to go down the drain, buildup accumulates in the bathtub<\/a>. That means more time scrubbing the tub, more time dealing with stuck-on scum, and more unwanted smells. That’s why caring for your bathroom pipes is a must. Below, we\u2019re giving you three ways to keep your bathtub working and looking its best. You’ll learn how to clean a bathroom drain, how to unclog your drain, and how to prevent buildup from accumulating in the first place. We also unpack some frequently asked questions about drain cleaning to help you find the answers you’re looking for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/em> If you find that none of these approaches work, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. At that point, we recommend calling in a professional plumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Clean a Bathtub Drain<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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The products you need to clean your bathroom drain are probably already in your home: baking soda<\/a> and white vinegar<\/a>. This dynamic duo of cleaning solutions works to break up buildup without the need to use abrasive chemicals that can harm your pipes and the planet. Not to mention, some of these products marketed toward drain-cleaning are actually harming<\/em> your pipes! So instead of using those harsh products, simply follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Pour 1\/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, packing it in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Then, slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar onto the baking soda. You should see it foam up within seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Set a 30-minute timer while you tackle another project on your bathroom cleaning<\/a> checklist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Afterward, flush the drain with hot water to keep the pipes clean and clear.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    How to Clean a Clogged Drain<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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    How do you rectify stubborn clogs? In a word: snakes<\/strong>. (No need to go all Indiana Jones on your bathtub… We\u2019re talking about the snake tool<\/a> designed to remove clogs in your drain.) These handy pieces of hardware range in sturdiness, sophistication, and price, so it\u2019s just about choosing the right one to handle your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The simplest version<\/a> features plastic barbs that catch hair and debris. Or, you can try an option with a manual crank<\/a> that spins to capture even more ick. And if your drain is more prone to clogging, consider investing in an electric snake<\/a>\u2014the most powerful of the bunch. No matter which choice you go with, you\u2019ll get to experience that disgustingly satisfying moment of pulling out the gunk that\u2019s been hiding in the drain and giving you problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    How to Prevent Buildup and Blockages<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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    It\u2019s perfectly normal to lose some hair when you\u2019re working in your shampoo and conditioner. And while you can\u2019t stop yourself from shedding, you can<\/em> purchase a handy hair catcher<\/a> to prevent your strands from ending up clogging the drain in the first place. This genius device acts as a sieve specifically for your shower drain, preventing clogs before they even start. Besides a drain catcher, though, here are some other handy ways to prevent buildup and blockages in your bathroom drain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n