The fizz created by the two ingredients loosens some soft clogs resulting from toilet paper or solid waste.

Unclogging a toilet with baking soda and vinegar takes about 30 minutes and works relatively well for minor clogs.

Move Obstructions

Move obstructions like floating toilet paper to the side.

Unclogging a Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Use a disposable item like a toilet paper roll or a clothes hanger.

While this step is optional, it helps the baking soda and vinegar reach the clog.

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Pour in Vinegar

Pour two cups of white distilled vinegar into the toilet.

The mixture will rapidly fizz and continue fizzing for about 30 seconds.

Let the Mixture Rest

Leave the mixture alone for about 30 minutes.

Sometimes, the fizzing action will break up the clog, and the toilet will flush on its own.

Add Hot Water

If the clog is still in place, follow with hot water.

Fill a bucket with hot (not boiling) tap water.

Pour a half-gallon of hot water in the toilet.

Be sure to keep the water level a few inches below the toilet rim.

Flush the Toilet

Flush the toilet.

The clog should go down the toilet, along with the water and other contents.

A plunger applies great pressure to the clog, forcing the clog down the line.

The pressure works in reverse, too, pulling up clogs that won’t go down.

If you have a toilet plunger, use that.

If you have no other options, use baking soda and vinegar.

Pour one cup of liquid soap into the toilet and be careful not to disturb the water.

Allow the soap to sink to the bottom.

Wait about 30 minutes.

The clog may loosen itself during this period.

If not, flush the toilet.

If flushing doesn’t work, add one gallon of hot water and flush again.

Unclog a toilet in seconds by plunging it with a toilet plunger.

Use a toilet brush if you don’t have a plunger.

Your toilet may not unclog with a plunger for several reasons.

One, you may be using a drain plunger instead of a toilet plunger.

A toilet plunger has a funnel-shaped flap at the end.

Two, you may be using the plunger incorrectly.

An air-filled plunger has less force than one that is filled with water.