Unclogging a toilet is already one of the less glamorous parts of homeownership, but nothing takes it from bad to worse like getting splashed with toilet water. The real problem? Most plungers just aren’t designed with splash protection in mind. If the clog is particularly stubborn, you’re often left plunging harder, which just makes things worse. You’ve probably tried the best way to unclog your toilet, but it still falls short. 

Luckily, there’s a ridiculously simple hack that changes the game: a DIY splash guard made with a garbage bag. Yep, that’s all it takes. By cutting a small hole in the center of a trash bag and slipping the plunger handle through it, you create a makeshift shield that covers the bowl and catches every splash. It’s weirdly satisfying — and it actually works. All you need is a standard plastic trash bag (the kind you’d use for a small kitchen bin), scissors, and your usual plunger. That’s it. No fancy tools, no awkward setups. Just a little prep that saves you a lot of gross cleanup.

Once you’ve got your trash bag ready, the setup is super quick. Start by cutting a small slit or “X” in the center of the bag that’s just big enough for the plunger handle to fit through. You want it to be snug so the bag doesn’t slide around when you’re plunging. Push the plunger handle through the hole until the bag rests evenly across the top of the toilet bowl, forming a loose barrier between the seat and the plunger cup.

Now, comes the fun part. When you plunge, the trash bag acts like a shield, catching any splash-back before it hits you. The plastic trash bag will naturally curve around the bowl and catch any water that tries to escape. The plastic doesn’t block your plunge. It just keeps the mess where it belongs: inside the toilet. It’s all about redirecting the splash. Instead of the water shooting upward (and outward), the bag forces the splash to stay within a contained area. If you’re still having trouble, try these tips for the right way to use a toilet plunger for an efficient flush.

While this hack is super handy, it’s not totally foolproof. If you cut the hole too wide, the garbage bag might slip down or otherwise let water through. Go for a tight fit and use a heavier-duty bag if you can (the kind that won’t tear mid-plunge). Don’t forget to toss the bag afterward (don’t reuse it, for obvious reasons).

You’ll also want to keep an eye on how you position the bag. It works best when it forms a seal around the toilet bowl, so press it down gently before plunging to create a bit of suction. If the trash bag splash guard is loose or crinkled, it might let more water out than you’d like. If you want to take this to the next level, try using a clear trash bag so you can see what’s happening in the bowl and put a towel around the base of the toilet.

You could even tape the bag down around the toilet rim for added security, especially if you’re working solo and don’t want to readjust mid-plunge. It’s not the most glamorous hack, but if it keeps your bathroom (and your dignity) intact, that’s a win. If you don’t own a plunger, try these five ways to unclog your toilet if you don’t have a plunger.