There are few household emergencies more panic-inducing than a blocked toilet. Before you rush out to buy harsh industrial chemicals or call an expensive plumber, there is a surprisingly effective solution sitting right by your kitchen sink: .

The science behind this hack is simple. Most toilet clogs are caused by a combination of water-soluble materials (waste and paper) and natural oils/grease. Washing up liquid is designed to cut through grease and break down food particles on dishes; it does the exact same thing for the debris in your toilet.