Just by nature of their use, a sink drain can become fully or partially clogged, creating a frustrating nuisance. Before you call the plumber, give this homemade drain cleaner a try. It’s simple, the ingredients are on hand and it’s pocketbook–friendly.

Begin by pouring boiling water into the drain and follow immediately with a half cup of baking soda, allowing it to sit for 5 – 6 minutes. The next step sounds like a grade school experiment but if you’ve got to do this stuff, you may as well enjoy it, right? Pour a cup of white vinegar into the drain and watch the fizz as it reacts with the baking soda. After 5 more minutes follow with another flush of boiling water.