Baking Soda For Cleaning Drains -

The most popular method for using baking soda involves pairing it with vinegar (acetic acid). This combination creates an acid-base reaction: $$NaHCO_3 + CH_3COOH \rightarrow CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2$$ This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas ($CO_2$). The rapid expansion of gas creates the famous "fizzing" action. While this does not dissolve hair the way lye does, the agitation and pressure from the expanding gas can help loosen physical blockages and push sludge through the P-trap.

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali (base) with a pH of roughly 9. Many drain odors are caused by bacteria that thrive in acidic environments or by the release of sulfur compounds. By raising the pH level within the drain, baking soda neutralizes acidic odors and creates a less hospitable environment for certain odor-causing bacteria. baking soda for cleaning drains