How to clean a toilet tank?
Toilet tanks need periodic cleaning to prevent unwanted odor and the build up of bacteria. Tanks can usually be cleaned with commercial cleaners and a light scrubbing. For very dirty toilet tanks, bleach may be necessary. Clean your toilet tank regularly to keep your toilet clean and your bathroom smelling fresh.
Put on gloves. Toilets and bathrooms in general contain a lot of bacteria. Before cleaning your toilet tank, put on a pair of gloves. Rubber gloves will help protect you from bacteria and germs. If you’re cleaning with bleach, gloves are vital to protect your skin.
Let your cleaner sit in the toilet tank. Leave your cleaner in the toilet tank for a set amount of time. Most cleaners should be left on for 10 to 15 minutes. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific directions on your cleaner. Remember, vinegar should stay on for 12 hours before you proceed to clean the toilet tank.
Scrub your cleaner into the toilet tank. Use a scrub brush, old toothbrush, or scrubby sponge to scrub the cleaner into your toilet tank. Scrub down the sides and bottom of the toilet tank until the toilet bowl smells fresh and you remove any obvious signs of dirt and built up grime. Clean the working parts of the toilet tank as well, like the ball float and flapper.
Flush out the toilet tank. Once you’ve scrubbed the toilet tank down, you can turn the water back on and flush the toilet tank to rinse. If you’ve used bleach, add 1 gallon (3.8 L) of plain, cold water to the toilet tank and then flush it. You may want to wear goggles to protect your eyes when adding water to a toilet tank that had bleach in it.
Remove mineral deposits periodically. Mineral deposits will eventually build up in any toilet tank. Check your toilet tank once a week and if you notice any deposits, treat the toilet tank with white vinegar. Fill the toilet tank with vinegar, let it sit for 12 hours, then flush and clean the toilet tank.
Be careful with toilet tank tablets. Stores often sell toilet tank tablets, meant to be placed in your toilet tank to help it smelling fresh. However, if you do use tablets, stay away from tablets that contain bleach. These can erode and damage the inside of your toilet tank. If you clean your toilet tank regularly, tablets are probably not necessary.
Establish a cleaning routine. Many people remember to clean their toilet regularly, but neglect the toilet tank. Make sure not to fall into this trap. At least once a month, give your toilet tank a good cleaning. This will keep your bathroom smelling clean and fresh.
