A No-Mess Solution To Toilet Plunging

Let’s be honest—plunging a clogged toilet is already gross enough. But the worst part? The nasty splash-back. Toilet water isn’t just unpleasant; it’s full of bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which can spread all over your bathroom if you’re not careful. Nobody wants that.

So, how do you keep the mess (and germs) under control? With a simple garbage bag trick that’ll make plunging way less disgusting.

The Garbage Bag Plunger Hack

This hack is super easy and totally worth it. Grab a sturdy garbage bag—something big enough to cover the toilet bowl. Cut a small hole in the center, just big enough for the plunger handle to fit through. Slide the plunger in, then drape the bag over the toilet seat so it covers the entire bowl. Now, when you plunge, any splashes stay inside the bag instead of flying onto your floor, walls, or—worst case—onto you.

Once you’re done, carefully remove the bag (keeping the messy side folded inward) and toss it in the trash. Finish up by disinfecting the plunger and washing your hands well. Boom—problem solved, no nasty water everywhere.

Other Solutions to Unclog a Toilet

If you don’t have a plunger handy, don’t panic—there are a few other tricks you can try.

One of the easiest is the hot water and dish soap method. Squirt a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water from waist height into the bowl. The soap helps break down the clog, and the force of the water pushes it through.

Another classic trick is baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by two cups of vinegar. It’ll fizz up like a science experiment, working to loosen the clog. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

If the clog is stubborn, you might need to get a little more hands-on. Just be careful not to damage your toilet in an attempt to break up the clog. If you feel like you’ve gone beyond your DIY scope of dealing with the issue, contact a plumber.

It’s cheaper to pay a plumber callout fee than to damage something they’ll need to repair.