19.04.2025

Get rid of cockroaches for good: the easy method to free the sink drain.

By Vitia

Cockroaches are one of the least desirable visitors at home, and one of their favorite hiding places, oddly enough, is the drains in the kitchen sink. But don’t worry, there is a simple, homemade and economical method to keep them well away using ingredients that you surely already have at home.

Why do cockroaches get into the drain?

Cockroaches are resistant and adapt to any environment. Pool drains are ideal for them for several reasons:

  • Constant humidity: They are fans of humid places and the drain is always damp or wet.
  • Food scraps: Even if you don’t see it, there are always minimal particles that are a banquet for them.
  • Darkness and hiding: The pipes are dark, protected, and allow them to move around the house without being seen.

The home remedy that never fails: vinegar and baking soda

Instead of using expensive or toxic chemicals, you can prepare a natural mixture with vinegar and baking soda that, in addition to cleaning the pipes, scares away cockroaches.

Why does it work?

  • Effervescent reaction: When mixed, baking soda and vinegar generate bubbles that help to remove grease and food debris.
  • Disinfects: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that eliminates bacteria and odors.
  • Unpleasant aroma for cockroaches: The smell of vinegar repels them, that’s why they do not return.

How to apply it step by step

  1. I poured half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
  2. Add a cup of white vinegar slowly. You’re going to see it start to bubble, that’s normal.
  3. Wait 30 minutes for the mixture to act. During that time, avoid using water.
  4. Rinse with hot water, preferably boiling, to wash away all the remains.

You can repeat this process once a week to keep everything clean and free of bugs.

Other tips to prevent cockroaches in the pool

  • Don’t leave food scraps in the sink, or dirty dishes overnight.
  • Use a plug or grate to prevent them from entering the drain.
  • Clean regularly with pure vinegar, especially in corners or areas where there is usually humidity.
  • Put lids on the spouts if you go on a trip or don’t use the kitchen for several days.

What if you already have cockroaches?

In addition to vinegar and baking soda, you can reinforce with these actions:

  • Place homemade traps (sugar and baking soda in equal parts).
  • Use gel baits or pills sold in supermarkets.
  • Call a fumigator if the problem is large or recurring.

Bottom Line:
This vinegar and baking soda trick from grandma not only removes roaches from the drain, but also helps keep the spouts clean and odor-free. It’s cheap, natural, and easy to make. Adopting it as part of your cleansing routine can save you more than one headache.