How to Clean Clogs | Two Totally Different Problems

Cleaning clogs requires two completely different approaches: shoe clogs need material-specific brushing and conditioning, while drain clogs need baking soda, vinegar, or a plunger to clear.

A single search for “clogs” pulls up two problems that couldn’t be more different. You’re either staring at a pair of suede garden clogs caked in dried mud, or you’re standing in standing water because the kitchen sink won’t drain. The fix for each has nothing to do with the other — so the right answer starts with knowing which clog you’ve got. This article covers both routes with the exact steps that work.

Cleaning Shoe Clogs: Material by Material

Your clog’s material decides every cleaning step. Suede, nubuck, oiled leather, and ponyskin each need a different tool and a different touch. Start by wiping the shoe with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt, then follow the guide for your specific pair.

For a deep clean that tackles years of grime, start with a dry brush over the whole shoe. Mix water with a teaspoon of dish soap and scrub vigorously to pull oils out of the leather. Rinse thoroughly — getting leather wet is safe as long as you condition it afterward. Clean the insole with a gentle cleaner and scrub the outsole separately. Once the shoe is dry, apply a shoe conditioner to restore flexibility.

Waterproofing is the last step and it’s critical for outdoor use. Spray with a fluorocarbon-free waterproofing spray to let the leather breathe, then let the clogs dry for a full 24 hours before wearing. Always test the spray on a hidden area first to confirm it won’t discolor the material. If you’re on the hunt for a garden-ready pair that can handle mud and water, our tested picks for the best gardening clogs can save you a return trip.

Cleaning Drain Clogs: Five DIY Methods That Work

The most common drain clogs come from hair, soap scum, grease, and food debris. Before you grab a chemical cleaner, these five methods cover almost any blockage you’ll meet.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Remove any standing water from the sink or tub. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then one cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a cloth or plug and let the reaction work for 15 minutes — some tough clogs need a full hour. Finish by flushing with hot water. Repeat if the drain still runs slow.

Boiling Water

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and pour it slowly down the drain. This works well on soap scum and grease in metal pipes. Caveat: Don’t use boiling water on PVC pipes if they aren’t rated for high heat — check the manufacturer’s instructions first or switch to hot tap water instead.

Plunger

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the plunger rim for a tighter seal. Block the overflow opening in a tub or the adjacent drain in a double sink with a wet cloth. Fill the sink with two to three inches of water (three to four inches for a tub). Cover the drain and work the handle up and down firmly for 15 to 30 seconds, then pull up quickly to create suction.

Drain Snake

Remove the strainer or stopper and insert the snake cable into the drain. Turn the handle clockwise to dig the tip into the clog, then twist, push, and pull to break it up. When the line feels clear, pull the snake out, reattach the parts, and run water to confirm.

P-Trap Removal

Place a bucket under the curved P-trap pipe beneath the sink. Unfasten the trap, clear out the stuck debris by hand or with a brush, then replace the trap and run water to test. This is the most reliable method for clogs that form right at the sink connection.