9 Best Drain Cleaners to Quickly Unclog Your Sink

This drain cleaner is made with a plant-based surfactant and other eco-friendly ingredients that won’t damage your pipes or septic system. The high-density formula allows it to sink through water and cling to pipes to liquefy drain obstructions, including grease, hair, oils, soap scum and paper products.

More proof this is the best drain cleaner: More than 20,000 reviewers have given this drain cleaner a five-star rating for its effectiveness at unclogging everything from sinks to tubs to toilets. It even breaks up baby wipes, which Wakefield says contain plastic fibers and are often to blame for clogged toilets. His message: Just as there are certain things you shouldn’t pour down the drain, there are things you shouldn’t flush down the toilet, baby wipes among them.

Pros

• Effective
• Eco-friendly
• Odorless

Cons

• Only a 30-day money back guarantee

You’ve undoubtedly come across Drano in your local grocery or hardware store. It’s one of the best liquid drain cleaners that you can buy for cheap. This caustic gel can cut through standing water to remove hair, soap scum and other gunk clogging your drains or garbage disposal. It’s safe for PVC, metal pipes and septic systems, but note that it should not be used on toilets.

This drain cleaner has more than 47,000 five-star reviews, but some users make a minor tweak to the instructions. “The direction says to use hot water for step three, but as I tried twice, it simply doesn’t work with the usual hot water that comes from the pipe, so I tried with boiling water,” writes reviewer Summer. “I just boiled a big pot of water on the stove top and poured [it] into the sink after the suggested time, and the sink was unclogged immediately!” Next up on your cleaning to-do list: Clean your stainless steel appliances.

Pros

• Affordable
• Safe for the bathroom and kitchen
• Works in just 15 minutes

Cons

• May require multiple applications

The bacterial solution in this drain cleaner works by producing lipase enzymes that target and degrade large oil and grease molecules. The de-emulsifying surfactant promotes the separation of water from fats, oil, and grease, which are then digested by the bacteria. How well does it work?

Reviewer Sasha Nicole writes, “For months my bathroom had a super-funky smell that never went away no matter how much I cleaned it. I’m kind of ashamed at how long it took me to realize the smell was not, in fact, the toilet or hidden food but my own sink! I’ve been pouring a few ounces once a week for the last four weeks, and the smell is literally gone.” Speaking of grease buildup, here’s how to clean it off your oven.

Pros

• Can be used weekly or monthly for maintenance
• Eliminates odors
• Can be used on drains, grease traps, toilets, septic tanks, wet wells, collection systems and sewers

Cons

• Some reviewers have an issue with the scent

For tough clogs caused by food, grease or soap scum, this alkaline-based drain cleaner will help. All you have to do is run the hot water, add one cup of granules directly into the drain opening, and continue running the hot water until the granules are completely dissolved. Wait one minute, then run the hot water again.

That’s it! You can’t use this drain cleaner on your toilet bowl or garbage disposal, but it can be used on drains, grease traps and septic tanks. As for helpful hints, reviewer A. E. says, “This will burn your skin, so wear gloves and don’t hover over the drain while it’s working.” Another caution: Drain cleaners are among the cleaning products you should never mix.

Pros

• Clears a drain line in less than 60 seconds
• No fumes
• Easy to use

Cons

• Must wear gloves

If you have luscious locks, you know that no matter how careful you are, some of your hair is going to make its way down your shower drain and cause a clog. Snaking out a mess of hair matted in soap scum is a dirty job, and you can’t always get it all out. In that case, Green Gobbler’s product—one of the best drain uncloggers—will come in handy.

Its thick formula goes right through standing water to dissolve paper, liquefy hair and break up soap. More than 52,000 users swear by this product, thanks to its ability to get rid of clogs and, according to many, keep them from coming back. While you’re unclogging the drain, be sure to clean your shower head and scrub those tiles of mold.

Pros

• Effectively removes hair and clogs
• Comes with two pre-measured applications
• Can be used in toilets

Cons

• Doesn’t help with odors

Soap scum, toothpaste, shaving cream and oils are just a few things that can clog kitchen and bathroom sinks. Keep yours clear with this monthly buildup remover, which will dissolve crud before it has the chance to clog your drains. According to reviewer Laura G., it can even be used for smelly washing machines! She writes, “I used it in my side-by-side washer to fight that bad mildew odor, and it worked better than cleaning tablets or powders previously tried.” While you’re in the spirit, tackle cleaning your microwave.

Pros

• Degrades oils from personal care products
• Fragrance-free
• Prevents buildup
• Can be used in sinks, drains, toilets, all pipes and garbage disposals

Cons

• Not fast-acting

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t be dumping much down your garbage disposal. Wakefield recommends emptying large food particles into the trash before rinsing your dish in the sink and putting it in the dishwasher. (And never put these things down your garbage disposal!) When it comes to unclogging your garbage disposal, most drain cleaners aren’t up to the task, and you’ll want to get a cleaner that’s specially formulated to tackle it.

This bleach alternative foam cleaner will effectively clean and deodorize your garbage disposal sidewalls, blades under the splash guard, and other hidden areas. More than 31,000 users have given this cleaner a five-star review, including KS, who writes, “It seems counterintuitive to put a little packet down your garbage disposal to clean it, but this does actually seem to work, at least for getting out weird smells that baking soda and vinegar don’t really touch.”

Pros

• Specifically made for garbage disposals
• Smells fresh
• Can be used weekly

Cons

• Only cleans, doesn’t unclog drains

Hair clogs can be plumbing nightmares and are the number one cause of blocked drains, but they’re no match for this pro-strength gel. Not only will it clear a fully blocked and slow-running drain, but it’ll do it in just 15 minutes, leaving you time to clean your refrigerator and other appliances. According to reviewers, one bottle of this drain cleaner works better than four bottles of other cleaners.

Reviewer Kate B., whose clog couldn’t be bested by regular Drano, gave this hair eliminator gel a try. “It took a while for it all to go down the drain, but I started the 15-minute clock when it did and turned on the water after the 15 minutes were up, and it was magic!” she writes. “No digging out hair!! Definitely recommend!!”

Pros

• Specially formulated to get rid of hair clogs
• Works in 15 minutes
• Safe for all septic systems and pipes, including PVC, plastic, metal and old pipes

Cons

• Excessive heat or cold may cause some of the ingredients to form clumps

According to Wakefield, natural cleaning products are the safer way to go. He names this family-safe brand the best drain cleaner without harsh chemicals. It’s safe for all slow-running drains, sinks and garbage disposals. Its natural enzymes help remove buildup and stop clogs before they start, while its unique citrus and sage fragrance will keep everything smelling nice and fresh.

Pros

• No harsh chemicals
• Smells great
• Can also be used in your dishwasher

Cons

• Pricier than other options