The Best Drain Cleaners for Hair and Grime

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Drain Cleaners for Hair and Grime and hope the blog can help you.

Get the lowdown on how to find a drain cleaner that can tackle the toughest drain clogger: hair.

With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleasant odors. However, not all drain cleaners are well-equipped to clear and break up difficult hair clogs.

Clogs can happen in the sink, shower, and even the garbage disposal and each of these drain types may require a certain drain cleaner to fix the blockage. For a fast-acting product that tackles your backed-up pipes, this list includes some of the best drain cleaners for hair.

1. BEST OVERALL: Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver
2. RUNNER-UP: Whink Hair Clog Blaster!
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
4. BEST NATURAL: Bio-Clean Bacteria Waste Eliminator
5. BEST FAST-ACTING: Professor Amos Super Fast Drain Cleaner
6. BEST SNAKE DRAIN: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Hair Clog Kit
7. BEST HAIR CLOG PREVENTER: TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector
8. BEST ODORLESS: Thrift Drain Cleaner
9. ALSO CONSIDER: Forlivese Drain Hair Clog Remover

How We Chose the Best Drain Cleaners for Hair

We researched the most sought-after drain cleaners for hair in their respective categories and discovered that the best options for clogged drains are determined by their type, working time, compatibility with multiple drains and fixtures, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best drain cleaners for hair, the most popular types among users were the liquid, gel, powder, snake, and catcher options which catch or dissolve hair immediately or up to 8 hours after application. Many of these options are safe to use on copper, stainless steel, and other metal pipes, while select picks can also be used on PVC and plastic. Plus, many of the drain cleaners on this list are safe to use for clogs in sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and garbage disposals.

While some of these options contain heavy chemicals, many are all-natural and safe to use without protective gear or in homes with children and pets.

Our Top Picks

Keep reading to find a list of some of the best drain cleaners for hair clogs. We have organized each of these options by category and included a list of their pros and cons.

Best Overall

Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver

Product Specs 

• Type: Liquid
• Working time: 2 hours
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Ample quantity provided for multiple uses or very heavy-duty clogs and slow drains
• Noncorrosive on metal pipes or septic systems for peace of mind
• Versatile formula is suitable for use in showers, sinks, and toilets

Cons

• May need to be left overnight for very stubborn clogs

Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver is a noncorrosive liquid drain cleaner that doesn’t damage pipes or septic systems but works hard to dislodge pesky clogs. Formulated with fewer harsh chemicals than most cleaners, it’s safer for users and their home’s plumbing. This liquid clog remover cuts through the hair that can build up in the shower, sink, and toilet.

Pour 1 quart of Green Gobbler drain cleaner slowly down the drain; it usually takes at least 2 hours to unclog the hair. To maximize the unclogging action, users may want to wait overnight before flushing with hot water.

Get the Green Gobbler drain cleaner for hair at The Home Depot or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Whink Hair Clog Blaster!

Product Specs 

• Type: Liquid
• Working time: 15 to 30 minutes
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Enough quantity for multiple drains or very tough clogs
• Safe to use on sinks and shower drains; will not erode septic systems and metal pipes
• Extra-thick consistency sinks through any standing water to remove the clog

Cons

• May need to sit overnight for tough clogs
• Not suitable for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers
• Gloves are recommended during use

Whink Hair Clog Blaster! liquid drain opener can pass through standing water to target difficult hair clogs and break them down quickly. Thoroughly shake the closed drain cleaner container, and slowly pour 8 to 10 ounces of Hair Clog Blaster into the blocked drain. Let this extra-thick solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. Repeat as necessary to fully dislodge the hair clog.

For difficult blockages, the drain cleaner may need to sit overnight. Safe for pipes and septic systems, this cleaner is designed for bathroom sinks and shower drains. It’s not recommended for toilets, garbage disposals, or dishwashers. Wear thick rubber gloves during application.

Get the Whink drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

Product Specs 

• Type: Gel
• Working time: 15 to 30 minutes
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Safe for use on PVC, metal, garbage disposals, and septic systems
• Thick gel consistency sinks in standing water to dissolve and remove hair and soap scum
• Protects pipes from becoming eroded; safe for use with all pipes

Cons

• Made with harsh chemicals; may not be ideal for the eco-conscious consumer
• Should not be used to remove clogs in toilets

Drano’s Max Gel Clog Remover utilizes bleach to clean and clear pipes. The

thick gel consistency adheres better to dirty surfaces to dissolve hair and soap scum. The gel is heavy enough to move through standing water to get to the source of the block. Drano Max Gel may break up small hair clogs in 15 minutes, but leave it for at least 30 minutes for better results. Although it’s composed of corrosive chemicals, it should be safe for most pipes and to leave in pipes overnight.

Get the Drano drain cleaner for hair at Amazon (2-pack) or Walmart.

Best Natural

Bio-Clean Bacteria Waste Eliminator

Product Specs 

• Type: Powder
• Working time: 6 to 8 hours
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Natural formula is safe for skin, pipes, drains, and septic systems
• Works on hair clogs, organic matter, grease, food, and toilet paper products
• Fast-acting formula removes tough types of clogs overnight

Cons

• Longer working time compared to similar options
• Requires mixing and preparation before use
• Pricey compared to some other options on the market

By using natural enzymes that digest clog-causing proteins, Bio-Clean’s powder drain cleaner product is a safe way to clean and maintain pipes, drains, and septic systems. Bio-Clean’s formula includes no harsh or dangerous chemicals, which means that it’s skin- and pipe-friendly. This natural cleaner can get rid of hair clogs, organic matter, grease, and food, and it can even liquefy some paper products.

After dissolving the powder in warm water, pour the mixture into the drain. Wait for at least 6 to 8 hours before flushing with water. As a natural enzymatic cleaner, this product isn’t as fast-acting as some of the alternatives, but it’s a natural choice for your home.

Get the Bio-Clean drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Fast-Acting

Professor Amos Super Fast Drain Cleaner

Product Specs 

• Type: Liquid
• Working time: 10 minutes
• Odor removing: Yes

Pros

• Commercial-strength formula removes all hair clogs and unwanted odors
• Safe to use on PVC, copper, and steel pipes as well as septic systems
• Ample quantity provided for multiple applications

Cons

• May not be safe for dishwashers, toilets, and garbage disposals

The Professor Amos SuperFast drain cleaner is an excellent commercial-grade option for those who need their pipes unclogged fast. After pouring it slowly down the drain, wait for 15 minutes, and flush with hot water. If the clog persists, the company recommends repeating the process. This drain cleaner is formulated to dissolve difficult hair clogs caused by pets or long hair. It’s safe for all types of pipes, including PVC, copper, and steel.

Get the Professor Amos drain cleaner for hair at Amazon.

Best Snake Drain

FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Hair Clog Kit

Product Specs 

• Type: Snake
• Working time: Immediate
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• 360-degree rotating handle and 18-inch length provide plenty of reach
• Strong micro hooks grab and hold onto loose and stuck-on hair and grime
• 5 units provided for multiple applications or long-term coverage

Cons

• Some users report limited durability or ineffectual use

One of the quickest ways to remove a hair clog is with a drain snake. The Drain Weasel’s 360-degree rotating handle spins an 18-inch wand tipped with strong micro hooks to grab clogged hair. After inserting the rod, spin the hooks and pull up the debris. Five disposable wands come with the Drain Weasel.

Get the FlexiSnake drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart (3 units).

Best Hair Clog Preventer

TubShroom the Revolutionary Tub Drain Protector

Product Specs 

• Type: Hair catcher
• Working time: Immediate
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Easy to install and fits in most tub, shower, and sink drains
• Simple to remove hair after use; pull up the unit and swipe the hair off
• Ergonomic design doesn’t interrupt the water flow (even when it is full of hair)
• Comes in multiple colors to suit most users’ preferences or match a room’s current decor

Cons

• May be tricky to remove hair that has become knotted

The TubShroom Drain Protector is an

in-drain hair catcher

with a unique design. Its functional mushroom-shape catcher keeps unsightly trapped hair inside the drain making an excellent preventative cleaner for hair.

As hair reaches the drain, the TubShroom catches the strands. The hairs wrap neatly around the base, keeping trapped hair not only out of sight but out of the plumbing. The mushroom design allows for easy removal and cleaning; just grab the top and pull it out of the drain. A quick swipe with a paper towel is usually enough to remove the hair.

The TubShroom is easy to install and fits standard bathroom tub drains with a 1.5- to 1.75-inch diameter. With a snug design that doesn’t interrupt water flow, it works on both human and pet hair to keep your drain clog-free.

Get the TubShroom drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Odorless

Thrift Drain Cleaner

Product Specs 

• Type: Powder
• Working time: 1 minute
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• Liquifies hair, grime, and sludge quickly and effectively in 60 seconds
• The odorless formula does not leave behind a strong or chemical smell
• Suitable for sinks, tubs, and showers; also safe to use on septic systems

Cons

• Not suitable for toilets or garbage disposals
• Gloves and eyewear are recommended while using
• Needs to be stored carefully; may not be ideal for the chemical-conscious consumer

Without the fumes that many chemical drain cleaners produce, Thrift’s alkaline drain cleaner clears hair clogs by liquefying the hair. Thrift’s odorless dry granules are activated by hot water to dissolve the sticky grime and organic matter that traps hair without damaging pipes or brass, porcelain, and metal fixtures.

This product is intended for use in sinks, tubs, and shower drains. However, it’s not designed to be used in toilets or sink disposals. Thrift requires careful storage, and users should wear protective goggles and gloves during application.

Get the Thrift drain cleaner for hair at Amazon or Walmart.

Also Consider

Forlivese Drain Hair Clog Remover

Product Specs 

• Type: Snake
• Working time: Immediate
• Odor removing: No

Pros

• 5-in-1 kit; comes with 3 plastic drain snakes and 2 stainless steel drain snakes
• Varying lengths of the drain snakes can take care of clogs up to 40 inches deep in the drain
• The stainless steel gripper tool can hold onto tough clogs for removal
• Each plastic drain snake has sharp hooks for removing loose hair in the drains

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty using the plastic drain snakes

Tough hair clogs that need a lot of elbow grease can be solved with this Forlivese hair clog remover. This effective 5-in-1 drain clog remover comes with three 20.1-inch plastic drain snakes as well as a 24-inch and 40-inch stainless steel drain snake for tackling clogs that are both shallow and deep in kitchen or bathroom drains.

Each of the plastic drain snakes is made with sharp hooks to grab loose grime and hair while the metal options come with a spring or gripper design. One of the more unique tools in this package is the gripper tool, which operates with a spring handle, grabbing and holding onto tough clogs for removal. All of these drain cleaners are also made with handles for easy grip and control while in use.

Get the Forlivese drain cleaner for hair at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Drain Cleaner for Hair 

The different types of drain cleaners aren’t the only shopping considerations. When trying to clear a hair clog, most consumers want to consider several other characteristics, including organic vs. chemical, working time, odor removal, and application method. Before you make your own drain cleaner, consider some of the most important features to consider.