Natural Ways to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal and Washing Machine with Vinegar

Do you have a smelly drain that's stubbornly clogged? Well, before you reach for your trusty bottle of Drano, we wanted to let you know that you're actually damaging your pipes when you use it.

The harsh chemicals in Drano and other commercial drain cleaners can cause corrosion on your pipes. That means they won't last as long and will likely cost you more money in the long run.

If you want to clean your drains the right way, try a bio-enzyme cleaner or one of the homemade solutions below. They're better for your pipes and better for the environment.

Whether you're cleaning your garbage disposal, drains, washing machine, or your coffee pot, vinegar is the answer.

First, remember not to combine vinegar with bleach—it's a toxic combination. Then just pour some vinegar down the drain, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. If the smell is too strong, add some lemon juice. Then rinse it all out with hot water, and you're done!

With your coffee machine, pour a half-cup of vinegar into the water tank and run it through a full cycle. Discard the liquid, then run another cycle with clean water to make sure you get rid of all the residue. Once that's done, your machine should be as good as new!

In need of a professional to inspect your washing machine or disposal? Contact Atlantic Plumbing Services for a complimentary quote.