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In the shuffle of spring cleaning, we don’t mind using all-purpose cleaners. Nor do we mind giving our floors some good lovin’ with a quality hardwood floor cleaner.

But, cleaning bathrooms — that’s a chore we oftentimes don’t want to check off our to-do list.

While scrubbing down your toilet doesn’t seem like butterflies and rainbows, it’s important that you tend to surfaces like your faucets, sinks and drains properly. (Related: best house cleaning products).

That’s where a quality drain cleaner comes in. And no, you shouldn’t only use one when you experience a clog of any kind.

Ahead, we turned to a cleaning expert in our in-depth FAQ section and hand-picked the eight best drain cleaners of 2023 to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.

When you think of drain cleaners (not that you’re day-dreaming of them, but still), Drano likely comes to mind — and for a good reason. The brand has garnered nearly 32,000 rave reviews on Amazon as an acclaimed retailer best-seller, is formulated with natural enzymes to help remove build-ups and also helps prevent septic system back-up.

What’s more, it’s safe to use on garbage disposals, bathroom drains, kitchen drains and even toilets. With this formula, you can also let it sit overnight for best results.

If you’re on the market for a quality snake remover, the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner is your best bet. Not only does it come with five wand refills but it’s nearly instant; simply shuffle it down your drain and watch with awe as its micro-hooks lock into hair, filth and grime.

With an extra-long design of 18″, too, rest assured this drain cleaner will snake — literally — into hard-to-reach areas as its ultra-thin design helps get the job done. Super satisfying, super simple.

The highly effective Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver Formula not only clears clogged drains but it also dissolves hair, toilet paper, flushable personal care wipes, soap scum and other organic matter that may cause clogs. It’s safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers and septic systems.

Even better, the brand’s dual-chamber bottle has two pre-measured pouring spouts for easy use; there’s no need to measure. Simply pour and drain away!

The Green Gobbler Drain Clog Remover is a five-pack worth adding to your Amazon cart, namely for its three pre-measured applications that works on bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, kitchen sinks, floor drains, slop sinks, septic tanks, urinals and more.

Formulated without bleach or sodium hydroxide, this cleaner is one of the easiest to use as well: simply open one pack, pour the entire contents into the drain and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

The Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator contains 70% more actives to clear fully blocked, slow-running drains in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, showers and bathtubs. It’s also safe for all septic systems and pipes, including PVC, plastic, metal and old pipes.

Please note this drain cleaner is not for use on toilets or garbage disposals.

For an affordable drain cleaner that helps prevent monthly build-up, the CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Clog Remover & Cleaner is backed by nearly 4,000 positive reviewers as it effectively eradicates oil, soap scum, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste and kitchen waste.

What’s more, it’s EPA-certified, meaning it’s officially recognized as a safer alternative to chemicals and is formulated without phosphates, ammonia or bleach.

The Rockwell Labs Invade Bio Drain Gel contains microbes and citrus oil to help deep-clean your drains. Uniquely, it can be used in mop buckets, trash chutes and urinals as well.

It’s one of the most versatile, too. Consider it an all-purpose cleaner, in addition to it serving well for your drains.

For a top-rated drain cleaner apt for your septic tank, look no further than the Bio-Clean Septic Drain Cleaner — backed by nearly 7,000 positive reviews. Its specially curated formulation of natural microbes and enzymes help digest organic waste found in your plumbing system.

It’s also eco-friendly, safe to use and multi-purpose: use it on kitchen sinks, showers, bathtubs, garbage disposals, septic tanks, cat litter pans, motor homes and more.

An FAQ on Drain Cleaners

Ahead, Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute, gave New York Post Shopping the 411 on drain cleaners and how to properly use them to deep-clean your space.

How to use a drain cleaner, according to an expert

Sansoni outlines a step-by-step guide to follow when using these types of cleaners:

Carefully open the product: Don’t squeeze the bottle or splash the product. Clean up any spills at once. Make sure you close the cap completely when done using to avoid spills.

Slowly pour product down the drain: Make sure you use the amount recommended on the product label.

Typically, you’ll wait for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes: If there is standing water, wait until the drain is clear.

Flush the drain with hot water to remove leftover cleaner per product label instructions: Repeat steps 1-4 if necessary.

How to clear a clogged drain, according to an expert

Sansoni outlines a step-by-step guide to follow when your drain is clogged:

Take out the stopper and clean the drain and stopper.

For bathroom clogs, check for hair. Use a sponge or your finger to remove small clumps, then use a snake to remove larger clumps.

Plunge the drain. Make sure there is enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger, put the plunger over the drain and push down and up a few times. Block the overflow outlet with a rag to help with suction.

“To prevent clogs, block the drain with a drain screen,” he recommends. “If steps 1-3 do not work, use a drain cleaner.”

What to know about using a drain cleaner, according to an expert

• Keep hands, face, and children away from drains while using.
• Never use a plunger during or after use because cleaner may still be present if drain did not clear.
• For garbage disposal drains, if drain does not clear, do not turn on disposal to avoid splash-back.
• Do not reuse an empty container.
• Rinse container and replace cap before discarding.
• For extra safety precautions, consider wearing gloves when using the product.

Safety notes to follow when using a drain cleaner, if necessary

While drain cleaners are surely safe to use on your drain, you want to take extra precaution when using them. Sansoni outlines important information to keep in mind if your eyes, skin or mouth come into contact with one.

First Aid: Give immediately, then call a poison center, physician, or emergency room. If swallowed, rinse mouth. Immediately drink a glass of water or milk. Do not induce vomiting.

Eyes and skin: Rinse with water, remove contacts (if worn), then rinse with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes. If product gets in eyes, flush immediately with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses first. If on skin, wash immediately with water.

“If swallowed, drink a full glass of water, do not induce vomiting.” Sansoni notes. “In all cases, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.”

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