Can You Use Shampoo To Unclog Your Toilet?

Toilet clogs can be one of the worst problems to encounter. Luckily, you may have something on hand in the bathroom to help clear it: shampoo. It can help dissolve toilet clogs and provide an easy, quick fix. 

Some toilets clog regularly, and the key to breaking up a clog is interrupting the stuck mess. This can usually be done using a plunger, which forces quick bursts of air into the toilet to loosen the obstruction and allow the remnants to go down the drain. Another tactic is to pour a solution into the toilet to dissolve the clog and allow it to go down the drain. Shampoo can break up toilet clogs by lubricating the stuck materials. Just as dish soap is designed to break up solids and dissolve particles so they slide off dishes, shampoo can also help clogs disintegrate, especially when used in tandem with hot water.

Fortunately, you don't need any professional tools. Fill a pot of water and place it on the stove. Allow it to get very hot, but don't boil it. While the water is heating up, pour a generous amount of shampoo — anywhere from a couple tablespoons to ½ cup — into the toilet. If you don't have shampoo on hand or want to use a less expensive option, you can also use dish soap. Once the water is heated, pour it into the toilet. From here, allow the shampoo and hot water mixture to do its magic. If the clog is mild, you may notice it dissolve immediately, and the water will go right down. For tougher clogs, wait anywhere from 30 minutes up to a couple of hours before you flush.

One of the best parts about using shampoo to attack a toilet clog is that it can usually be found in most bathrooms, which can be a lifesaver when you inadvertently clog a toilet while in someone else's home. In that case, you can add the shampoo and use hot water from the shower or tub.