The 9 Best Drain Cleaners of 2023

Best Overall

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

4.9

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This drain cleaner from Drano is affordable, easy to apply (thanks to its gel formula), and effective on most clogs. It will work through standing water in the pipe to get to the clog itself and dissolve it. It works on hair, food, soap scum, and general buildup in your pipes that can lead to slow draining or even backups. This gel should not be used in toilets, however. 

We appreciate how quickly this gel works! You only need to wait minutes for the Drano gel to start working. For small clogs, it can take care of the debris in as little as seven minutes. However, larger clogs or more buildup might take longer—you can leave it overnight for really stubborn situations and flush it after it has had hours to work.

It is also safe for septic systems, garbage disposals, and older pipes. While it is a professional-strength solution that can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, it won’t damage your pipes or plumbing when you use it. Depending on the material of your sink, you should take care not to let it splash. That is especially important if you have delicate natural stone that stains easily, such as marble.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: 7 minutes | Intended Use: Drains, sinks, tub, and shower}

Best Budget

Rockwell Labs InVade Bio Drain Gel

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This gel formula is easy to apply and a good option if you only need a few applications and don’t want to spend a lot on a large quantity of drain cleaner. It uses microbes to get rid of the gunk and citrus oil to leave a fresh scent behind, which is especially appreciated in a kitchen. It can also target drain flies, another common problem in kitchens. Even while other drain cleaners can get rid of clogs, not many will take care of the tiny pests.

If you need a lot of drain cleaner frequently, this isn’t the most economical choice. While one of the cheaper options, you will need to repurchase more often if you deal with a lot of clogs. You can use this in a lot of places, however, including garbage disposals, trash cans, lines to soda fountains, and floors.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Formula: Gel | Active Time: Not listed | Intended Use: Drains} 

Best Bulk

Pequa Heavy Duty Drain Opener

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This large quantity bottle of the effective Pequa Drain Opener works on hair, grease, food, and other organic clogs. You can use it in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as the tub and shower. Because it comes in large quantities, it is especially useful to use all around the home. It is also safe for septic systems and even older pipes.

For really stubborn clogs, you may want to use a plumber’s snake as well as the drain opener. Fortunately, you can get a kit that includes both, as well as gloves to keep your hands protected. Because this is a strong solution, it’s best to have a barrier for your skin to keep it from getting irritated if there are any spills or drips.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: 30 min - 3 hours | Intended Use: Hair, grease}

Best for Kitchen Sink

Bio-Clean Drain Cleaner

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This environmentally friendly drain cleaner dissolves grease and oil, two common culprits in kitchen sinks and drains that can cause clogs. The formula is made of enzymes and microbes that actually digest the things that cause clogs, rather than just dissolving or flushing them away. It is great for kitchens but can also be used in the bathroom, toilets, or tubs and showers.

It comes in a 2-pound canister that can be used for up to 100 cleanings. For the best results, Bio-Clean recommends using it monthly as a preventative measure. If you have a particularly large clog, you may need to use multiple treatments. When used as directed, it takes care of most organic causes of clogs.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Formula: Powder | Active Time: 6-8 hours | Intended Use: Sink/tub/shower, floor drains, toilets, garbage disposal}

Best for Toilet

Green Gobbler Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover

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This extra-thick formula is good for clearing clogs out of the main line in your home as well as stubborn toilet clogs. The Green Gobbler Main Line Opener & Toilet Clog Remover sinks through standing water to get to the clog and dissolve it, and it is effective on clogs from paper and baby wipes, making it ideal for use in the toilet. It is also odorless and won’t create strong fumes, which can be an issue in smaller spaces like a bathroom.

Keep in mind that you will need to use the entire bottle for one application. That can get costly, so it is more economical to use it as needed rather than as a preventive solution. You should let it sit on the clog for two hours or more, depending on the severity. You may even need a second application for really stubborn issues.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: 2 hours | Intended Use: Toilets, main line, tubs, sinks}

Best for Bathroom Sink

CLR Clear Pipes & Drains Monthly Build-Up Remover

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This reliable drain cleaner from CLR works for a variety of pipes and drains, including bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. It dissolves oil, soap scum, shampoos and soaps, toothpaste, and thick shaving cream. Over time, these things can build up and cause clogs, but with routine use, this drain cleaner can actually prevent clogs from forming. It is also fragrance-free, so you don’t need to worry about overpowering odors in smaller spaces like bathrooms.

This product is best used to prevent and dissolve small clogs rather than to tackle big clogs that are preventing your sink from draining. For tougher clogs, you may need to use something stronger or let this product sit overnight. Fortunately, it is also budget-friendly so you can afford to use it often for the best upkeep of your plumbing.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: Not listed | Intended Use: Prevention of clogs}

Best for Hair

Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Cleaner

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If you have a lot of hair clogging your bathroom sink or shower, this formula will work to dissolve the clog and get rid of it quickly. It also works on grease clogs by creating heat that melts them away. The liquid formula comes in a large container that is easy to pour; just make sure you have a steady hand, because it is a strong product.

Most users state that it works best with hot or even boiling water. The specific active time isn’t listed, but it’s best to start with a few hours to let the cleaner work on clogs. You can pour it down the drain in the evening and flush it out the following morning, and then see whether you need an additional application. 

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Formula: Liquid | Active Time: Not listed | Intended Use: Hair, grease}

Best for Old Pipes

XIONLAB Safer Drain Opener Clog Remover

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Older pipes can be more delicate and need special care, which is why the gentle formula of the XionLab drain cleaner is a great option. It is biodegradable and odorless, as well as safe for septic systems and all kinds of pipes (when used properly, according to the manufacturer). There aren’t any fumes that can build up, and it is not flammable. The bottle is made of recycled plastic.

It is also effective and safe to use in all rooms of the home, including in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. You will need quite a bit, 16 ounces for most cases. For best results, you should also plan to leave it in the drain for six to eight hours. After that time, you can flush it, and the dissolved clog, away with hot water.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Formula: Gel | Active Time: 6-8 hours | Intended Use: Sinks, tub, shower}