Asked on May 19, 2015
How to get rid of black stuff in bathtub drain?
by Lulu Dubin
+6
My inlaws never use their bathtub (only shower) and now were visiting and our son is using the tub but every time we stop the drain this black stuff is coming up. They never really bother cleaning down in the drain because it's never been a problem but we can't seem to be able to get rid of whatever it is - probably some build up of grime, possibly mold, lime, who knows!! Any idea on what we can do? We tried using pipe cleanings but we can't get it out. I thought maybe there's a type of drain cleaner that we can pour down there and it will do the work for us? Something safe please! Thank you!
9 answers
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Sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda down drain, then add 1 cup boiling white vinegar down drain. Flush with water. The problem is oils have stuck to the walls of the pipes and are sticky and attracting soap scum and dead skin and such. The soda and vinegar will dissolve the substance. You man have to do this a few times. Don't worry about the vinegar odor, it will dissipate and take bad odors with it. This is a natural non-chemical way to flush your pipes.
![Wanda Arganbright]()
Wanda Arganbright
on May 19, 2015
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I forgot to tell you not to panic, but the soda/vinegar solution will cause a foaming action that might come back up out of the drain. Don't worry, it will only last a few seconds. When the foaming stops, then flush with the water.
![Wanda Arganbright]()
Wanda Arganbright
on May 19, 2015
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This may not be strong enough, but I usually start with baking soda and pour as much as possible in the drain. Then I add vinegar and let it bubble and sit for about 30 minutes. Then I flush it out will boiled water directly in the drain (using a funnel if necessary). I did this in an old tub, and it took 3 applications, but worked beautifully. I now do it every season change.
![B. Enne]()
B. Enne
on May 19, 2015
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That is weird... Wanda's posts weren't visible when I posted...great minds think alike...:)
![B. Enne]()
B. Enne
on May 19, 2015
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Drano Max Build Up Remover clears it right up and leaves it smelling nice.
![LINDA D]()
LINDA D
on May 20, 2015
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I found that a paint roller - the mid fluffy kind just fits. I use a mix of dish soap water, and vinegar and push in up and down, rinsing it off in a pail until it comes out clean. MAGIC!
![Jane]()
Jane
on May 20, 2015
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Use pool hth
![Kim]()
Kim
on May 20, 2015
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Try Purple Power, a cleaner/degreaser, sold in most auto parts stores.
![First Maid]()
First Maid
on May 20, 2015
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![Ste33534004]()
Ste33534004
on May 31, 2018
is it bad to be bathing baby & black water come out while bathing ?
Wanda Arganbright
on May 19, 2015
B. Enne
on May 19, 2015
LINDA D
on May 20, 2015
Jane
on May 20, 2015
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