Frequent shavers—especially those who share a bathroom with other frequent shavers—are no strangers to clogged pipes and slow-draining sinks. That daily barrage of thick whiskers and sticky lather might block even the widest pipes given enough time, but you don’t have to keep your plumber on speed dial just because you enjoy a clean shave. Roto-Rooter’s Paul Abrams has a pipe-clearing trick that’s simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly (unlike most drain cleaners, which use harsh chemicals). Here’s how it’s done:
Step #1: Remove the stopper on your drain
Step #2: Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain
Step #3: Pour 1 cup white vinegar down the drain
Step #4: Wait 10 minutes (heat some water while you’re waiting)
Step #5: Carefully pour hot (but not boiling!) water down the drain
“A monthly or even a quarterly treatment of the drain using this method should clear your pipes of soap products, shaving creams and even whiskers,” Abrams says. “Plus, it doesn’t involve caustic chemicals, and it’s easy—most people have baking soda and white vinegar laying around the house.”
So there you go: Now you can finally quit shaving over your toilet.