You Can Clean Sink Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar (Plus 5 More Things to Deep-Clean)

The first week of the January Cure is now complete, and we’ve done so much in such a short time! We’ve spent time decluttering, clearing surfaces, and cleaning. For today’s assignment, let’s devote time to doing whatever needs to be done. 

That’s right! It’s a “choose-your-own-adventure” Cure day, and here’s how it’ll go. 

Today and the next two Fridays of the Cure, you’ll be deciding what you need to work on. Do you need to play some catch-up on previous assignments? Or, want to take on a bigger project that you do in one day or spread out to get done over the weekend? The decision is up to you. Just don’t forget to treat yourself to something good after all your hard work — whether that’s buying some pretty flowers, enjoying your favorite snack, or lighting a nice-smelling candle.

• Declutter one spot in your home and set up an outbox.
• Create a cleaning to-do list.
• Do a three-minute surface sweep.
• Clear the clutter in any room.

For a bigger lift, you can check off a task from the cleaning to-do list you created on day two or do something else you’ve been meaning to finish. For instance, you can take on deep cleaning your kitchen and finally getting around to cleaning the kitchen drain. See below on how to do that!

The kitchen drain can be taken care of with just two ingredients — that’s right! Here’s how to clean drains with baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour — allow the chemical reaction to dislodge things — and then wash it down with hot water. 

You can also spend time cleaning your stovetop, taking grease off the cabinets, getting your oven sparkling clean, or attending to your dishwasher (including the filter!).

Way to go on making it through week one of the Cure! Next week, Apartment Therapy’s Associate Lifestyle Editor, Sofia Rivera, will be joining us to share her go-to tips on getting your home — and life — in order. You’ll get insight on how to achieve your best year yet, the best way to step up your routine, and why resolutions are out (and what’s taking its place!).

Share what you worked on today in the community forum.

• Sign up for email updates.
• Visit the 2025 January Cure page and catch up on assignments.
• Download the January Cure calendar.
• Join the conversation by checking out the Cure board in our community forum.
• Check off that you’ve completed this task and track your overall January Cure progress here!

The Cure Program is a tradition here at Apartment Therapy — it happens every January, April, and September. Click here to learn more about the year-round program and when to sign up.