Drains can become blocked after the holidays due to the amount of food and grease going down the plug (Image: Getty)
If the water in your sink is draining away slowly or emitting a horrible smell, then you may be dealing with a blocked drain, but do not worry, as it is incredibly simple to fix.
are more likely to become blocked after Christmas as more food scraps, oil and grease are going down the plug which can eventually cause a big build-up.
However, you do not have to spend money on a plumber just yet as there is an easy and natural way to a clogged drain using soda crystals according to the experts at .
They said: “Soda crystals, also known as washing soda or sodium carbonate, can be an effective solution for keeping your drains clear.
“This method can help dissolve grease, soap scum, and other deposits that may be causing the blockage.”
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Soda crystals are highly alkaline and can break down grease deposits (Image: Getty)
Why use soda crystals to unblock a drain?
Soda crystals are highly alkaline which means they are excellent at breaking down organic matter like grease and fat, which are the most common causes of drain blockages.
They are easy to use and unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, they will not damage pipes while still being effective enough to clear away stubborn blockages.
How to use soda crystals to clear a drain
All you need to do is boil your kettle and measure out 250g of soda crystals.
Add the soda crystals to the plug hole and then pour the boiling hot water down the sink.
Leave your sink alone for at least 30 minutes to give the soda crystals time to break down the blockages. For tougher clogs, consider leaving the soda crystals to sit overnight,
Once the time is up boil the kettle again, and pour the water down the drain to flush away the greasy blockage and any remaining debris.
Your sink should now be completely clear and the blockages completely removed.
All you need to do is add soda crystals to the plug and then pour boiling hot water down the drain (Image: Getty)
Can you use any other natural remedies to unblock a drain?
Vinegar and baking soda are other natural alternatives often recommended online to remove sink blockages, but tend not to be strong enough to completely clear your drain.
Vinegar is acidic and while excellent at removing limescale or certain stains, will not be able to dissolve grease like soda crystals can.
Baking soda is mildly alkaline and can maybe work but is not as powerful as soda crystals and may take a few tries to get rid of any greasy blockages.
Soda crystals tend to be much more effective than both vinegar or baking soda, and can be bought in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets such as Tesco, where one pack only costs £2.