It started with a slow gurgle, the kind of sound a drain makes when it’s questioning its life choices. By Tuesday, the kitchen sink had staged a full-blown sit-in. Standing water, gray and murky with the ghosts of last night’s pasta water, refused to budge.

He began by bailing out the stagnant water with a coffee mug until the drain was a dark, gaping maw. Then, he poured a generous cup of dry baking soda down the pipe. It looked peaceful, like a fresh snowfall in a metal canyon. Next came the white vinegar. The reaction was instantaneous. Fzzzt!

By using baking soda and vinegar, you can create a natural and effective solution to unclog your sink without resorting to harsh chemicals.