I had a guest over earlier and they accidentally flushed an automatic toilet bowl cleaner (the Lysol brand). They flushed not only the cake but also the piece of plastic that the cake was attached to. Now I suspect a blockage in my toilet.

Right now, the water level is pretty low. When I try to flush it, it won't flush but instead fill up with water until I let go of the handle. After I let go, the water will slowly drain back to a low level. I checked the back of the tank and everything looks normal back there.

All I have to work with is a plunger, hot water, and dish soap. I've squired a little dish soap in the toilet, poured hot water in, let it sit for a bit, and then try to plunge it. Every time I use the plunger, the water level seems to go further down. I've read that a wire hanger or plumbing snake could help but I have neither of those. I'm trying my best to fix this myself and don't want to resort to calling maintenance.

Is what I have now able to fix this blockage or should I go out and find a plumbing snake? Does anyone have ideas on what I could do?

The issue will be where is the blockage, Most likely it is still actually in the toilet itself, since there is a curve which acts like a trap.

It may well be very hard to get it out of there. A toilet auger may catch it, or tear it to small pieces to allow it to flush.
Or
You may have to take the toilet up, and fish the object from the bottom side.

If u live in a unit with maintenance, I would have them fix the problem. The expense will be well worth it as it may take more then just a snake to fix.

Chuck

OK, thanks guys! I appreciate the advice! As of now, everything is working fine but I will invest in an auger just in case and if that doesn't work in the future I'll suck it up and call maintenance.