I Finally Found a Plunger That Doesn’t Ruin My Bathroom Aesthetic, and It’s Only $14

I’ve never had the misfortune of needing to unclog a toilet, which means I’ve also never had to use a plunger. Through college dorms and several apartments (some of those were even prewar buildings), I managed to avoid it. However, even though I’ve personally never had to deal with a clogged toilet, I won’t ever make the mistake of not having a plunger in my bathroom readily available.

A while ago, one of my roommates had a clog situation come up, but we had completely forgotten to buy a plunger when outfitting our apartment. Let me tell you, the panic was real. Through that, I’ve learned just how important it is to have a plunger in your bathroom, even though I absolutely hate the way it cramps the aesthetic. 

Recently, I found one on Amazon that completely changed my mind. Clorox’s plunger comes with a hideaway caddy that not only keeps my bathroom cleaner (should I ever have to use it), but it also doesn’t interrupt my bathroom’s style.

This set includes a flange plunger — which is the type of plunger you need for toilets, but it can also be used on drains as well. Its rubber flap is what makes it ideal for handling toilet clogs; that allows it “to tightly seal the drain and create the vacuum necessary to clear the obstruction,” according to Apartment Therapy’s rundown on what a flange plunger is. However, you can also fold the flap inwards, and voilà: It’s now a drain plunger.

The coordinating hideaway caddy (which has a 6.5-inch diameter) is what truly sets this plunger apart. When you lift the 15.5-inch handle upward, the caddy automatically opens down the middle — kind of like a flower blooming — to reveal the rubber portion of the plunger. Then, when you set the plunger back on the base, the sides close back up automatically. It has an internal drip tray to keep your floors clean.

If a clogging incident were to happen, I’m glad that I’d have this plunger on hand. But until that day comes, I’m also glad I barely notice it. Most plungers I’ve encountered in the past are, to put it plainly, an eyesore. They’ve either had a red suction cup or a wooden handle, and neither of those things go with the rest of my bathroom. 

With its almost entirely white build, aside from a few gray accents, this Clorox’s plunger blends in with my white tile floors and walls. It’s also small enough to slide right next to my toilet — though I would recommend measuring just in case, because the sides flare out when you pull upward on the handle. Speaking of, it’s surprisingly satisfying to pull the plunger out of the caddy and put it back into place. It opens and closes so smoothly!

Can any plunger be called stylish? I’m not sure, but in terms of looks, this one is levels above any others I’ve encountered. And I’m sure it’ll perform well if (or when) the time comes that I have to use it. After all, it has over 9,500 five-star reviews. “I used it to deal with a stubborn clog, and it cleared it in just a few attempts,” says one of them. “The handle is comfortable to grip and provides good leverage, making the process less of a hassle.”

Others even say that they’ve been buying this plunger for years or every time they move, and it’s “absolutely worth the extra money.” It’s only a few dollars more than most regular plungers while it’s on sale, so I recommend grabbing it now!

Buy: Clorox Toilet Plunger with Hideaway Caddy, $13.97 (normally $20.09)