Best Natural Drain Cleaners for Hair & Grease (Safe & Effective)

Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on pipes and the environment. If you’re looking for natural drain cleaners for hair and grease, we’ve tested and reviewed the best eco-friendly options that are effective, safe, and easy to use. These solutions work without the toxic chemicals found in traditional drain cleaners, making them ideal for homes with kids, pets, and septic systems.  

 

For a broader look at effective drain solutions, you might also be interested in our best drain cleaners for hair & grease (tested & reviewed) guide.  

 

Why Choose Natural Drain Cleaners?

Traditional chemical drain cleaners contain harsh ingredients like sodium hydroxide (lye) and sulfuric acid that can damage your plumbing over time, especially in older homes with more delicate pipe systems. These chemicals can also pose serious health risks if they come into contact with skin or eyes, or if their fumes are inhaled.  

Natural drain cleaners offer several advantages over chemical-based alternatives:

• Non-Toxic: Safe for your household and plumbing.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and environmentally responsible.
• Septic-Safe: Won’t disrupt beneficial bacteria in septic systems.
• Effective on Hair & Grease: Breaks down organic matter without corroding pipes.
• Preventative: Can be used regularly to maintain clear pipes without damage.
• Cost-Effective: Many natural solutions use affordable household ingredients.

 

If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, check out our top plumbing maintenance tips to prevent future blockages.  

 

Best Natural Drain Cleaners for Hair & Grease (Tested & Reviewed)

1. Best DIY Solution: Baking Soda & Vinegar

🔍 Fact: Baking soda and vinegar create a reaction that produces carbon dioxide bubbles, breaking down clogs naturally (University of Illinois).

Why We Recommend It:

• 100% chemical-free and eco-friendly
• Safe for all pipes, including septic systems
• Ideal for preventative maintenance
• Ingredients are affordable and commonly found at home
• No harsh fumes or residues left behind

📚 Related: How to Unclog a Drain Naturally (No Harsh Chemicals)

 

How to Use:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it fizz.
3. Wait 15-30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
4. For stubborn clogs, repeat the process or leave the solution overnight.

This method works particularly well for slow drains and minor clogs. The fizzing action helps to loosen debris stuck to pipe walls, while the following hot water helps to flush everything away. For best results, use this treatment monthly as preventative maintenance.  

 

2. Best Enzymatic Cleaner: Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner

🔍 Fact: Enzyme-based cleaners can reduce organic buildup by 30% over time with regular use (Journal of Environmental Management).

Why We Recommend It:

• Uses natural bacteria & enzymes to break down clogs
• Prevents grease, soap scum, and hair buildup
• Safe for septic tanks & all plumbing systems
• Works gradually but thoroughly on tough organic matter
• Continues working hours after application

📚 Related: How to Maintain a Clog-Free Drain: Pro Tips  

 

How to Use:

• Mix with warm water per instructions and pour into the drain.
• Let sit overnight for best results.
• Use monthly for preventative maintenance.

 

Enzymatic cleaners like Bio-Clean contain special bacteria that produce enzymes specifically designed to digest organic waste materials. Unlike chemical cleaners that may just push clogs further down the pipe, enzymatic cleaners actually break down the substance causing the blockage, turning it into water, carbon dioxide, and mineral ash that easily wash away.  

 

3. Best Citrus-Based Cleaner: Citra Drain Natural Cleaner

🔍 Fact: Citrus-based cleaners cut through grease 50% faster than traditional soaps (American Cleaning Institute).

Why We Recommend It:

• Made with natural citrus extracts
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Removes grease, oils, and organic waste
• Pleasant citrus scent refreshes drains
• Gentle on pipes but tough on clogs

📚 Related: Best Drain Cleaners for Hair & Grease (Tested & Reviewed)  

 

How to Use:

• Pour ½ cup into the drain.
• Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
• For kitchen sinks, use weekly to prevent grease buildup.

 

Citrus-based cleaners contain d-limonene, a natural solvent found in citrus peels that effectively dissolves grease and oils. This makes them particularly effective for kitchen sinks, where cooking oils and food residues are common culprits behind clogs. The natural degreasing action works gradually but effectively without the pipe damage that can come from caustic chemical solutions.  

 

4. Best Salt-Based Cleaner: Salt, Baking Soda & Boiling Water

🔍 Fact: Salt is a natural abrasive that helps scrub pipe walls while baking soda enhances cleaning power.

Why We Recommend It:

• Budget-friendly & easy to use
• Ideal for minor hair & grease clogs
• Safe for all pipes
• Ingredients available in most kitchens
• Works well as a regular maintenance solution

📚 Related: DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning: When to Call a Plumber  

 

How to Use:

1. Mix ½ cup salt & ½ cup baking soda.
2. Pour down the drain & wait 30 minutes.
3. Flush with boiling water.
4. For bathroom sinks, add 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar for extra cleaning power.

 

This combination creates a natural scouring action inside your pipes. The salt acts as an abrasive while the baking soda helps dissolve fatty acids in grease. When the boiling water is added, it helps melt fats and flush everything through the system. This method is particularly effective for slow-running drains rather than completely blocked ones.  

 

How to Prevent Hair & Grease Clogs Naturally

Prevention is always better than dealing with a clogged drain. Implementing these simple practices can significantly reduce the frequency of clogs in your home:

• Use a drain strainer to catch hair before it enters pipes.
• Flush drains weekly with hot water and baking soda.
• Avoid pouring grease down the sink – collect it in a container instead.
• Use enzymatic drain cleaners regularly for maintenance.
• Pour boiling water down drains weekly to help dissolve buildup.
• Clean pop-up stoppers in bathroom sinks monthly to remove hair and soap scum.
• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal to solidify grease so it can be chopped up.

 

For more prevention tips, check out our guide on how to prevent hair & grease clogs.  

 

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While natural drain cleaners are effective for regular maintenance and minor clogs, some situations call for professional intervention. Consider calling a plumber if:

• Multiple drains in your home are clogged simultaneously
• Natural methods fail to clear the clog after 2-3 attempts
• You notice foul odors coming from drains even after cleaning
• Water backs up into other fixtures when using plumbing
• Your drain has been completely blocked for more than 24 hours

 

A professional plumber has specialized tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetters that can clear even the most stubborn clogs without damaging your pipes.  

 

Final Verdict: Which Natural Drain Cleaner is Best?

For quick DIY fixes, baking soda & vinegar are a reliable go-to. For long-term maintenance, enzyme-based cleaners like Bio-Clean work best. If you need to tackle grease clogs, a citrus-based cleaner is highly effective.  

 

The best approach is often a combination: use enzymatic cleaners monthly for prevention, the salt-baking soda mixture for slow drains, and baking soda with vinegar for regular maintenance. By rotating these natural methods, you’ll keep your plumbing flowing smoothly while avoiding harsh chemicals.