10 Environmentally Friendly Drain Cleaners That Works
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Whether you are looking for an environmentally friendly drain cleaner, a biodegradable drain cleaner, or a non-toxic drain cleaner, we have found 10 of the best drain or sink unblockers that meets your expectations.
But first, we are pretty sure you know the most popular drain cleaners contains harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide, aka caustic soda or lye that could:
- Harm Aquatic Organisms;
- Irritate your skin;
- Cause allergies; or even
- Melt the adhesives between PVC drainage pipes resulting in serious damages.
It is no wonder you are looking for an “eco-friendly Drano” that will not put your health at risk, will not harm the environment or your plumbing system, and certainly keep your drains clog-free. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
And while you’re here, you can also check out our guide to eco-friendly cleaning products.
Our Top 1 Pick
Most Environment-Friendly Drain Cleaners
ECOS Earth Enzymes Drain Maintainer
- Made with natural enzymes
- Free from dyes, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates
- Safe for people, pets, and the planet
- Non-corrosive and septic-safe
Our Top 2 Pick
Most Environment-Friendly Drain Cleaners
Earthworm Drain Cleaner
- Made with natural enzymes
- Free from harsh and caustic chemicals
- Safe for pets and children
- Safe for all types of drain pipes
1. ECOS Earth Enzymes Drain Maintainer
The ECOS Earth Enzymes Drain Maintainer is made with enzymes that are gentle to the skin yet tough on grease, proteins, and hairs.
Like how eco-friendly shampoos and body wash are formulated, this environmentally friendly drain cleaner is free from dyes, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates that can cause irritations and health issues.
It is guaranteed safe for people, pets, and the planet.
It is also not tested on animals, septic safe, and greywater safe (it doesn’t harm bacteria that helps dissolves waste).
Moreover, the ECOS Earth Enzymes Drain Maintainer is non-corrosive and doesn’t cause damage to drainage pipes.
Pros
- Safe from harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin
- Safe and can be used on all pipe systems (metal or PVC)
- Septic safe
Cons
- Some users claim it dissolves blockage and clogs very slowly
2. Earthworm Environmentally Friendly Drain Cleaner
You wouldn’t have to worry about skin irritations and toxic fumes with the Earthworm Drain Cleaner since it is made without harsh chemicals.
The Earthworm Drain Cleaner is made with natural enzymes that is safe for you, your children, and pets. Moreover, it has a mild citrus and sage fragrance to help keep your drain and sinks smelling fresh.
And since it won’t damage your pipes, it an excellent drain cleaner for your kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and even for your boat and RV grease traps.
Regular use of Earthworm Drain Cleaner is also said to prevent clogs as it effectively removes buildups of organic material in your drain lines.
Pros
- Free from harsh and caustic chemicals
- You can use it for all types of drain pipes
- Smells good
Cons
- Some users say that it is okay for maintenance but not great for clogs
3. Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Line Opener
With over 12,000 customer reviews on Amazon (most of which are highly positive), the Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Line Opener is one of the best environmentally friendly drain cleaners you can get today.
| Is Green Gobbler Corrosive? | Green Gobbler’s formula do not contain bleach or sodium hydroxide that may be corrode the pipes, hence it is safe for use on any pipes and drain systems. |
| Is Green Gobbler Toxic? | Green Gobbler is made with natural enzymes, and does not contain any caustic chemicals, however, when in contact with eyes and skin, it may cause irritation to some people, and may be harmful when swallowed. |
| Is Green Gobbler Biodegradable? | Yes, the Green Gobbler formula is Biodegradable. |
The Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Line Opener effectively dissolves the following that might block your drainage:
- Grease
- Hair
- Oils
- Soap scum
- Baby wipes; and
- Paper products
It is a septic safe and non-corrosive formula you can use on all types of pipes. And it is excellent for addressing clogs and providing preventive maintenance for your sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers.
And for those who are still on the fence, Green Gobbler offers a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Ingredients
Pros
- Safe to use on all plumbing systems
- Offers a 30-Day Money Back
- Highly rated by thousands of users
Cons
- Some users reported it doesn’t work very well in clogged toilets
| Ingredients | Function |
|---|---|
| Water | Diluent |
| Blend of non-ionic surfactants | De-emulsifier |
| Benzisothiazolinone | Preservative |
| Sodium hydroxide | Preservative |
| Methylchloroisothiazolinone | Preservative |
| Methylisothiazolinone | Preservative |
| Defoamer | Defoaming agent |
| Monopotasium phosphate | Buffer |
| Dipotassium phosphate | Buffer |
| Viable bacteria culture | Cleaning agent |
| Fragrance | Fragrance |
4. Natural Rapport Septic Treatment and Drain Cleaner
Like all all environmentally friendly drain cleaners on this list, the Natural Rapport Septic Treatment and Drain Cleaner relies on active enzymes and bacteria (instead of using caustic chemicals) to attack waste buildup for better flowing drainage systems.
It contains 7 different bacteria strains that attack various organic waste, including hair, grease, food, and other organic matters.
And because it is made with non-corrosive formula, it can be used on all types of pipes for your toilet, shower drains, floor sinks, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, and mobile RVs.
It is also safe to use around children and pets since it is acid and caustic chemical-free.
Pros
- Safe to use around children and pets
- It won’t corrode or eat away your drainage pipes
- All-natural and septic safe formula
Cons
- Some people claim that it is less effective compared to chemical drain cleaners (eg. Drano)
5. Unique Super Digest-It Safe Drain Opener
This non-toxic and eco-friendly drain cleaner is made in the USA and advertised to open a clogged drain in just 1 hour!
It uses scientifically selected, naturally occurring probiotic bacteria to eat clogs and organic matter of your drains.
The Unique Super Digest-It Safe Drain Opener is safe to use around your family and pets as it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.
It is non-corrosive and safe to use on all sink and bath fixtures, including toilets.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Safe to use even without gloves or goggles
- Can be used on all type of pipes
Cons
- Some users reported that it didn’t work very well on hair and oil buildups
6. Biokleen Bac-Out Drain Care
Another natural and environmentally friendly drain cleaner that prevents clogs and treats slow drains is Biokleen Bac-Out Drain Care.
This eco-friendly drain cleaner is made in the USA without harmful acids, chlorine, artificial fragrance, preservatives, or colors.
It is made with live enzyme-producing cultures and plant extracts that effectively cleans and deodorizes your drain and sinks while eliminating tough odors.
Biokleen’s Bac-Out Drain Care is said to be unique gel formula coats thoroughly and stays longer than powders or liquid drain cleaners.
Pros
- Natural and safe for the skin and the environment
- It can be used on all types of pipes
- Unique gel formula prevents clogs better than most liquid and powder competitors
Cons
- Some users claim that it is only useful in dissolving minor clogs
7. BioWonder Septic & Drain Treatment Powder
Say goodbye to clogged pipes and faulty plumbing systems without harming the planet, thanks to this environmentally friendly drain cleaner.
The BioWonder Septic & Drain Treatment Powder is advertised as a superior, all-natural blend of friendly bacteria and enzymes that effectively breaks down waste buildup.
It is biodegradable and made with 100% naturally occurring, non-GMO, and organic ingredients.
But what’s even interesting is that it is said to contain 3 billion CFU (colony-forming units of bacteria) and 6 unique strains of bacteria to guarantee that it gets the job done for your septic or drain system.
Moreover, the BioWonder Septic & Drain Treatment Powder is also non-toxic, so it is safe for your family and the planet.
It is effective and safe to use for all septic tanks, drains, sinks, toilets, showers, RV holding tanks, boats, porta-potties, and other drainage systems.
Pros
- Made with 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Works on all types of pipes and plumbing systems
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
Cons
- Some users claim that it isn’t outstanding in removing clogs
8. XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener
Sick of all the hair blocking your bathroom sink? The XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener is created using an advanced formula for the ultimate hair clog solution.
This award-winning liquid gel shower drain cleaner dissolves hair, grease, soap scum, and other organic matter fast.
But while it’s tough on clogs and blockages, this environmentally friendly drain cleaner is biodegradable, septic safe, non-corrosive, and safe for all pipes.
It is also odorless, releases no toxic fumes, cruelty-free, and meets environmental safety standards.
Furthermore, the XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener comes in a recycled plastic container and offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Pros
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Award-winning drain cleaner formula
- A percentage of each sale goes to supporting NPO working to cure drug addiction
Cons
- Not suited for paper, plastics, or food particles
9. Flo-Kem Flo-Zyme Bio-Enzyme Drain Opener
This eco-friendly drain cleaner has over 225 billion enzyme-producing bacteria per gallon that quickly breaks down organic wastes – including hair, soap scums, oils, greases, and other protein buildups in your drains.
The Flo-Kem Flo-Zyme Bio-Enzyme Drain Opener also has a pleasant scent that helps eliminate foul odors produced from waste products in your drains.
And while this heavy-duty bio-enzyme formula effectively opens up severe clogged drains and sinks, it is harmless to plants, animals, and marine life and doesn’t damage pipelines.
Pros
- Septic safe
- It can be used for all types of pipes
- It has a great smell that most users love
Cons
- Some people report it works best as drain maintenance rather than getting rid of clogs
10. Natural Armor All-Natural Drain Clog Remover & Opener
This all-natural and environmentally friendly drain cleaner contains no harmful or corrosive chemicals that can harm a person’s health and the environment.
It’s concentrated thick gel formulation effectively dissolves hair, grease, soap scums, fats, lint, and other organic waste that are building up in the lining of your drainage pipes.
The Natural Armor All-Natural Drain Clog Remover & Opener can be used on all types of drains and doesn’t damage pipes.
Moreover, Natural Armor offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee for this natural drain cleaner.
Pros
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Safe for all types of pipes and drainage systems
- It contains no corrosive chemicals that can harm your skin, and the pipes
Cons
- Some users claim that it doesn’t work on major clogs
FAQ
Is Drain Cleaner Bad for the Environment?
Drain cleaners that contain corrosive chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sulfates pose a risk to the environment.
These strong chemicals can harm the bacteria in septic systems and can be toxic to various aquatic organisms.
On the other hand, environmentally friendly drain cleaners like the products we mentioned on this list are formulated without harsh chemicals.
Hence, they are generally considered safe for the environment and to a person’s health.
Is Drano Environmentally Friendly?
The thing that makes Drano a potential environmental hazard is because it contains sodium hydroxide.
The fumes it releases can also cause allergies and irritations to someone who is exposed.
And since chemical drain cleaners like Drano are formulated with strong chemicals that attack whatever is clogging your pipes, it can also cause damages to plastic or even metal pipes.
Now, to be clear, a single use of Drano isn’t likely to cause any issues with your pipes or to your health.
However, due to its harsh chemical contents (as we discussed above), prolonged usage of Drano might cause allergies, skin irritations, and even damages to your plumbing systems.
Is it Safe to put Baking Soda and Vinegar down the Drain?
The short answer is, Yes.
The baking soda and vinegar solution is a widely known eco-friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners.
When combined, vinegar and baking soda create carbon dioxide and water bubbles that seeps through clogs and blockages and breaks it up into small pieces that can be easily flushed away.
Flushing the baking soda and vinegar solution using boiling water also helps remove unwanted goop out of the pipes, and unclogs drains.
Unfortunately, while baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, they might not be strong enough to get rid of more challenging clogs.
So if you need something stronger to open up your drains, go ahead and try any environmentally friendly drain cleaners in this list and share your experience with us.
Do Environmentally Friendly Drain Cleaners Work?
Yes. While chemical drain cleaners use strong, corrosive chemicals to dissolve clogs, environmentally friendly drain cleaners utilize live bacteria, enzymes, and natural ingredients to get the job done.
What is the Best Drain Cleaner?
In our opinion, the best drain cleaners are the ones that can effectively remove clogs and maintain a steady flow of fluid in your drainage system without causing harm to anyone’s health and the planet.
Final Thoughts
As you already know by now, keeping your drains and sinks clog-free doesn’t have to come at the expense of our mother, Earth.
With this list of 10 environmentally friendly drain cleaners, we hope you found plenty of options on how to avoid clogs and slow drains while keeping the environment and your family healthy.
Anyways, which of the environmentally friendly drain cleaners above do you find best?
