You step into the shower to get ready for your day, and within a few minutes you’re standing in several inches of soapy water because your drain is clogged–yet again. Cleaning out a clogged shower drain can be a disgusting job, especially when the cause of the clog is a clump of hair. The best way to avoid having to clean a drain is to prevent it from getting clogged in the first place. Keeping your drain clear only takes a few minutes and saves you the annoyance, and possible damage, that comes from a clogged drain.
Step One
Install a hair catcher or screen for your drain. Most hardware or home improvement stores carry these screens, which attach over the drain with suction to prevent hair from going down the drain. Clean the catcher after each shower.
Step Two
Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands. While it’s inevitable to lose strands of hair while shampooing, brushing beforehand can reduce the number of hairs that fall out.
Step Three
Collect the hairs while you shampoo. It may sound strange, but while you shampoo and condition, do your best to hang on to the hairs that fall out and put them on the side of the tub or shower enclosure. When you are done showering, throw the clump of hairs away.
Step Four
Clean your drain monthly to remove hair or other debris that could cause a clog. Avoid toxic commercial drain cleaners. Instead pour ¾ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain for approximately 30 minutes, until you no longer hear the baking soda fizz, then pour 6 to 8 cups of boiling water down the drain to rinse away the baking soda and any remaining debris.