White vinegar and baking soda are praised for their environmentally friendly properties and are also affordable.
However, when it comes to drains, these two ingredients are absolutely taboo.
Mark McShane, plumbing and heating expert at Boiler Cover UK, warned that damage and costly repairs could occur.
The expert said: “If you use this mixture too often, your pipes will corrode and your plumbing system will be damaged.
“Many people use baking soda and vinegar to clean their homes because they say it is a cheaper and easier alternative than buying tons of expensive cleaning products.
“It is true that this combination can work for some jobs, but you have to remember that it is a chemical reaction.
“When the acetic acid in vinegar mixes with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda, it creates foam by releasing carbon dioxide gas, water and other byproducts.”
Although this reaction can clean the pipes, it can also damage the rubber seals and the pipes themselves, especially in older systems.
Instead, Mark recommends using special cleaning products that are safe and proven to work.
In case of serious damage, Brits should call a local plumber to prevent further damage.
Kitchen and bathroom drains can easily become clogged over time with grease, dirt, food scraps and hair.
To ensure that they function smoothly, the expert recommends cleaning the drains every one to two weeks.
He also listed things that should never be poured down the drain, including grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, hair products and starchy food scraps.
The plumbing professional added: “Clogged pipes show signs such as gurgling, slow-draining water, stains around the drain, foul odors and residue in the water. Keep an eye out for these.”
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