Nobody really wants to talk about clogged toilets, but let’s face it—it’s something nearly everyone has to deal with at some point. Whether it’s because of too much toilet paper, a stubborn blockage, or just an unfortunate plumbing issue, finding your toilet backed up is never a fun experience. The usual response is to reach for a plunger and hope for the best, but what if you don’t have one nearby? Or maybe you’re not too keen on using one in the first place.

Luckily, there’s a surprisingly simple and effective hack that lets you unclog a toilet without a plunger, and all it takes is something you probably already have in your kitchen: liquid dish soap and hot water. That’s right—no messy tools or expensive plumbers necessary, just a little patience and some basic supplies. Before we jump into the step-by-step, it’s helpful to know that not all plungers are created equal. There’s a big difference between a sink plunger and a toilet plunger, and if you ever decide to buy one, make sure it’s the kind made for toilets.

Toilet plungers have a flange or a narrow bottom section that fits into the toilet drain, making them more effective than flat-bottomed sink plungers. But even knowing that, sometimes you just want to avoid the plunger entirely, which is where this trick really comes in handy. To get started, grab your bottle of liquid dish soap—any brand will do, but a grease-fighting soap like Dawn works particularly well. Pour about half a cup of it directly into the toilet bowl.

You don’t need to stir it around or do anything fancy; just let it settle into the water. What the dish soap does is help lubricate whatever’s causing the clog so it can move more freely through the pipes. After you’ve added the soap, the next step is to let it sit. Set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes and walk away. During this time, the dish soap will slowly work its way down to the clog, coating and softening the material that’s stuck. While you wait, this is a good time to heat up some water.

You’ll need a bucket filled with hot water—not boiling, as boiling water can damage porcelain and crack your toilet. Hot water from the tap or water that’s been heated on the stove and cooled slightly is ideal. Once the soap has had time to work its magic and your water is ready, carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. Do this slowly and steadily, ideally from about waist height. Pouring from higher up adds a bit more pressure, which can help dislodge the clog. Be sure not to overfill the toilet bowl—you want to avoid any accidental overflow. With any luck, you’ll start to see some movement right away. The water level might drop, and you might hear a telltale gurgle as the blockage clears. If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t worry. You can try the same process again, and in many cases, a second round does the trick. This method may not work on every type of clog—especially if something solid or foreign has been flushed—but for the typical toilet backup, it’s a clean, easy, and cost-free solution that can save you from having to call in a plumber. Plus, it’s a lot less gross than plunging and doesn’t require any special tools. It’s also a great trick to know when you’re visiting someone else’s home or staying at a hotel and don’t have access to a plunger. In those awkward situations, knowing this simple hack can be a real lifesaver. So the next time your toilet gives you trouble and there’s no plunger in sight, don’t panic. Just reach for the dish soap and hot water, give it a little time, and let this easy hack do the work. It might not be the most glamorous tip out there, but it’s one of those practical life skills that can come in handy when you least expect it. Sometimes the best solutions really are the simplest.