10 ways to unclog a toilet without mess

Everyone likes to keep their house clean and in order, right?! But sometimes, small unforeseen events can happen. And one of the most worrying, without a doubt, is the clogged toilet.

In addition to causing a bad smell, the clogged toilet compromises the general hygiene of the bathroom and still makes it unusable.

But, so that this is not a reason for despair in your home, below you can find some ways to unclog the toilet in a simple, effective and dirt-free way:

1. Throw bleach in the toilet

One of the first valid attempts is to throw some bleach in the toilet, wait about three hours and then flush the toilet.
Plínio Protásio, operations manager at the Roto-Rooter plunger, points out that throwing bleach in the toilet, in some cases, can solve the problem. “It will depend on the cause of the clog. If it’s excrement, bleach can clear the passageway. In cases where the clogging is caused by cloths, wood, plastic, the use of bleach will be ineffective”, he explains.

2. Pour vinegar and baking soda into the toilet

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of vinegar and flush directly into the toilet. This is a homemade solution that sometimes has good results.

Protásio points out that in some cases it can work, depending on the cause of the clog. But it might not solve it. Then you will have to go to another method.

3. Pour detergent and water into the toilet

Dilute some dish soap in boiling water and flush the mixture down the toilet. Then flush, checking to see if the clog has been resolved. You can repeat the process up to three times. If you notice that it didn’t really work, try another method.

“In some cases, it can be resolved, it will depend on the cause of the clog. If it’s excrement, it can clear the passage. But, in cases where the clogging is caused by cloths, wood, plastic, the use of detergent will be ineffective”, says Protásio.

4. Use a plunger

A very indicated way is to use the plunger and flush simultaneously. For this, it is necessary that there is a good amount of water inside the vase.

“This can solve the problem of clogging because it creates a vacuum that can make the object that obstructs the passage of water go down the pipe”, explains Protásio.

5. Use caustic soda if necessary

Only use caustic soda if other methods have not worked. Be very careful not to come into direct contact with the product, so wear gloves and goggles during the process.

In a bucket full of water, place two tablespoons of lye and two tablespoons of salt. Pour the contents of the bucket into the vase. Do not repeat this procedure often, in fact, avoid it.

Protásio comments that this measure can be effective in some cases, depending on the cause of the clog.

6. Try to flush by completely sealing the air inlet.

Cover the toilet seat with a garbage bag or cling film. Make sure that there is no open space left for the air to pass through. Then close the lid, sit on the toilet lid and flush for about 30 seconds.

“This can solve the problem, in some simpler cases of clogging. This action creates a vacuum and forces downward pressure, unclogging the vessel”, comments Protásio.

7. Use a PET bottle as a plunger

Cut a plastic bottle in half, put a broom handle in its nozzle, then place the bottom of the bottle (cut) in the hole of the toilet and make several movements up and down (as if it were a rubber plunger).

This measure can resolve the clog, according to Protásio. “This is because it creates a vacuum that can make the object that obstructs the passage of water go down the pipe”, he says.

This was even the suggestion of reader Arnaldo Placido Dos Santos, who tested and approved the method.

8. Use a floor cloth

“You can take a rag from the floor, put on a glove, push the rag into the toilet with force (be careful not to let the rag go down the toilet, as it would aggravate the problem), flush and pull the rag at the same time. Note: it is not advisable to throw toilet paper in the toilet”, explains Plínio Protásio.

9. Use a plastic ball to seal the vase

If you have a plastic ball at home (the big ones), place it on top of the toilet seat. Push the ball in until part of it goes in a little, completely sealing the vase. Then flush the toilet, being careful not to pop the ball. Depending on the case, the pressure will be able to push away what is obstructing the passage.

10. Call a professional

If you really can’t unclog the toilet with any of the homemade solutions, it’s best not to keep insisting – which can end up making the clog worse. The ideal is to immediately look for a company or a specialized professional to unclog the toilet.

How to prevent clogging

Some very simple guidelines help to avoid a clog in the toilet. Check out:

1. Never throw tampons in the toilet;
2. Never throw condoms into the toilet;
3. Never throw wet wipes in the toilet;
4. Do not throw toilet paper into the toilet;
5. Always have a trash can in the bathroom for the proper disposal of this material, preferably right next to the toilet;
6. If you usually have a lot of visitors at home, consider putting a small sign in the bathroom reminding you that toilet paper should be thrown away in the trash;
7. Clean your toilet at least once a week.

It is worth paying attention to the tips, after all, the clogged toilet creates a very unpleasant situation, which no one wants to go through!