So how do they work? Soda crystals are a water softener and a degreaser rolled into one. When hot water hits them, they create an alkaline solution that breaks down fatty acids (grease) into soap. That soap then dissolves into the water. They don’t violently melt the blockage like acid would; instead, they it.
Before you reach for that industrial-grade, “don’t-breathe-near-it” chemical gel, there’s a humble hero sitting on the bottom shelf of the laundry aisle: (Sodium Carbonate).
But are they actually up to the job, or is this just another old wives’ tale? Let’s pull the plug on the science and find out. First, let’s distinguish our whites. Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) is the heavy-duty industrial stuff. It’s highly corrosive; it will burn skin, damage aluminum, and dissolve organic matter aggressively. Soda Crystals are much gentler. They are alkaline, but safe enough to handle (mostly) with bare hands.
Next time the sink burps at you, skip the toxic sludge. Go make a cup of tea, and use the leftover kettle water to give your drains a spa day.