No one likes to admit it, but a clogged toilet is a reality every household faces sooner or later. It’s inconvenient, a little embarrassing, and usually urgent. While the traditional go-to solution is grabbing a plunger,

not everyone has one on hand. Thankfully, there’s a simple and surprisingly effective method you can try first.

All you need is ordinary liquid dish soap — the same kind you use to wash your plates. Pour about half a cup directly into the toilet bowl and let it rest for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time,

he soap will work its way down, coating and loosening whatever is causing the blockage. It’s a low-effort step that could save you a lot of trouble.

Once the wait is over, fill a bucket with hot (but not boiling) water. Carefully pour the water into the toilet bowl, making sure you don’t overflow it. The heat helps break down waste,

while the soapy coating acts as a lubricant. Together, they can free up the clog and allow it to flow smoothly through the pipes.

This method may not work for every situation, especially with stubborn or solid obstructions, but it’s worth trying before calling in a plumber. It’s cheap, quick, and requires

no special tools. Even if you have to repeat the process, you’ll still spend far less time, money, and stress than you would on professional repairs.