If you don’t know how to clean the inside of your toilet tank, don’t fret. The job doesn’t take a lot of effort, thanks to everyday cleaners you’re likely to have on hand.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
How Often You Should Clean Your Toilet Tank?
Experts suggest cleaning your toilet tank twice a year to avoid mildew, rust, and grime—and to prevent a buildup of minerals that can damage the parts. If left unaddressed, not only can bad smells permeate the bathroom, but the toilet’s components might corrode and rust.
Using Vinegar to Clean the Toilet Tank:
From mildew to hard-to-tackle calcium deposits, vinegar is an inexpensive, natural cleaner that dissolves a range of bathroom offenders, including toilet tank rust. Choose a white vinegar (either distilled or the basic white vinegar will work) over a colored variety, as the latter could stain your toilet.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Toilet Tank
White vinegar (as much as 3 gallons depending on the state of your toilet) Rubber gloves All-purpose cleaner Sponge Plastic-bristle scrub brush
How to Clean the Inside of a Toilet Tank
For particularly stained or foul tanks, turn the water valve off, flush the toilet until the tank is empty, and fill the tank with just vinegar (no water), letting it sit overnight. Continue with step 5.
Maintaining Your Toilet Tank
To avoid nasty buildup and extensive cleaning sessions, consider using drop-in tablets to help maintain your toilet tank and prevent the formation of mildew, rust, and bacteria, making it a lot easier to clean the next time around. Look for tablets that are non-toxic and bleach free—the harsh chemicals found in some drop-ins have been known to cause corrode and cause damage to toilet tank parts.
