Picture this: You’re at a dinner party, everything’s going perfectly, until someone flushes the upstairs toilet and you hear that dreaded gurgling sound. The water level starts creeping higher, panic sets in, and suddenly everyone’s pretending they don’t need the bathroom. That’s exactly what happened to me last month at my sister’s house.
But instead of calling a plumber or wrestling with a plunger, she did something that seemed absolutely mad. She walked to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of washing up liquid, squeezed a generous amount into the toilet bowl, and poured in a kettle of hot water. Twenty minutes later, everything was flowing normally again.
I thought she’d lost her mind. Turns out, she’d stumbled onto one of the best-kept secrets in emergency plumbing.
The Science Behind Your Kitchen Soap’s Hidden Superpower
Using washing up liquid in toilet blockages isn’t some internet myth—there’s real science behind why it works so effectively. Dish soap is specifically formulated to break down grease, oils, and sticky substances. When you squeeze it into a blocked toilet, it does exactly what it does to your dirty dishes: it lubricates and breaks down the obstruction.
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The soap molecules work by reducing surface tension, which means water can flow more easily around and through whatever’s causing the blockage. Think of it like adding oil to a squeaky hinge—suddenly everything moves more smoothly.
“I’ve been using dish soap for minor toilet blockages for over fifteen years,” explains Mike Henderson, a plumber from Manchester. “It’s not going to fix a collapsed pipe, but for toilet paper clogs or minor obstructions, it’s surprisingly effective.”
The warm water component is equally important. Heat helps activate the soap’s cleaning agents and can soften whatever’s stuck in the pipes. Together, they create a powerful one-two punch that often resolves blockages without any heavy-duty equipment.
How to Use the Washing Up Liquid Method Safely
Before you start pouring soap into your toilet, there’s a proper way to do this that won’t damage your plumbing or create a bigger mess. The technique matters as much as the materials.
Here’s the step-by-step process that actually works:
- Squeeze about 100ml of washing up liquid directly into the toilet bowl
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the blockage
- Boil a kettle of water, but let it cool slightly (not boiling hot)
- Pour the warm water slowly from waist height into the center of the bowl
- Wait another 15-20 minutes before attempting to flush
- Flush gently—don’t force it if resistance remains
The key is patience. Rushing the process often makes things worse, and you definitely don’t want to use boiling water, which could crack porcelain or damage seals.
| What to Use | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Basic washing up liquid | Antibacterial soaps |
| Warm (not boiling) water | Boiling hot water |
| Budget soap brands work fine | Expensive specialty cleaners |
| About 100ml of soap | Excessive amounts |
“The biggest mistake people make is using too much soap or water that’s too hot,” notes Sarah Phillips, a bathroom renovation specialist. “You want lubrication, not a chemical reaction that could damage your pipes.”
When This Trick Works (And When It Doesn’t)
The washing up liquid method isn’t magic—it has limitations. Understanding when to try it and when to call professionals can save you time, money, and potential disasters.
This technique works best for:
- Toilet paper blockages
- Minor waste obstructions
- Slow-draining toilets
- Situations where water level rises but doesn’t overflow
You should avoid this method if:
- The toilet is completely blocked with sewage backing up
- You suspect foreign objects (toys, jewelry, etc.) are stuck
- There are signs of pipe damage or leaks
- The problem affects multiple fixtures in your home
James Mitchell, who manages maintenance for a large apartment complex, shares his experience: “We keep bottles of cheap washing up liquid in our maintenance supply closet. It resolves about 60% of toilet blockage calls without needing to send a plumber. But you have to know when to stop trying and call the professionals.”
Why This Method Is Becoming More Popular
With plumber call-out fees often starting at £80-150, more homeowners are looking for DIY solutions to minor blockages. The washing up liquid method appeals to people because it uses common household items and doesn’t require any special skills or tools.
Social media has definitely played a role in spreading awareness of this technique. Videos showing the method have gone viral, with millions of views and thousands of comments from people sharing their success stories.
But there’s also a practical reason it’s gaining traction: modern toilets often have more complex flushing mechanisms and lower water volumes, making traditional plunging less effective than it used to be.
“Twenty years ago, toilets had more water pressure and simpler designs,” explains David Parker, a veteran plumber. “Today’s water-efficient models sometimes need gentler solutions, and soap can be more effective than aggressive plunging.”
Environmental consciousness also plays a part. Many people prefer trying a soap-and-water solution before resorting to harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes and harm the environment.
FAQs
Does any brand of washing up liquid work for toilet blockages?
Yes, basic washing up liquid works best. Avoid antibacterial versions or those with heavy fragrances, as these can sometimes leave residue.
How long should I wait before the soap method works?
Give it at least 30 minutes total—15 minutes for the soap to work, then 15 minutes after adding warm water. Some blockages may take up to an hour.
Can this method damage my toilet or pipes?
When done correctly with warm (not boiling) water, it’s very safe. The soap is gentler than chemical drain cleaners and won’t damage porcelain or seals.
What if the washing up liquid method doesn’t work?
Don’t repeat it multiple times. Try a plunger once gently, and if that fails, call a professional plumber rather than risk making the blockage worse.
Is this method safe for septic systems?
Yes, small amounts of washing up liquid won’t harm septic systems. The soap is biodegradable and breaks down naturally.
Should I tell my landlord I tried this method?
It’s worth mentioning if you need to report a persistent problem, but most landlords appreciate tenants trying simple, safe solutions first before calling for repairs.
