Toilet tanks are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they are an important part of the toilet.
The toilet tank serves as a water reservoir for the toilet flush and needs to be cleaned regularly, depending on the quality of the water.
Hard water and well water can leave behind residue and mineral deposits in the toilet tank, making it more difficult to keep the toilet bowl clean.
To clean the toilet tank, you can use household items that you likely already have.
The process is relatively simple and can help maintain the overall cleanliness of your toilet.
How Often Should A Toilet Tank Be Cleaned?
It’s recommended to clean your toilet tank at least twice a year.
If you have well water or hard water, which can leave behind more mineral deposits and residue, you should aim to clean the toilet tank every other month or four times a year.
By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can prevent rust stains and mineral deposits from accumulating in the toilet bowl, as well as ensure that the mechanical components inside the tank are functioning properly.
Regular cleaning of the toilet tank is an important part of maintaining the overall cleanliness and efficiency of your toilet.
What Supplies Are Needed to Clean A Toilet Tank?
To clean your toilet tank, you will need a few basic supplies:
• A long-handled scrub brush
• A sponge
• Rubber gloves
• Distilled white vinegar
• A disinfectant cleaner
These items are all you need to effectively clean and disinfect your toilet tank.
How To Clean Your Toilet Tank
To begin cleaning your toilet tank, you will need to shut off the water supply by turning the valve behind the toilet clockwise.
Once the water supply is shut off, flush the toilet several times until the tank is empty. Then, inspect the tank for any discoloration or stains.
If you notice any stains, use distilled white vinegar to clean them, as bleach can damage the seals inside the toilet.
Next, use a disinfectant cleaner on the sides and bottom of the toilet tank, taking care to avoid any mechanical parts that could be damaged by the cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing away any stains with a sponge.
You can also use a little bit of disinfectant cleaner on a sponge to clean the moving parts inside the tank, such as the flaps and valves.
When you are finished cleaning, turn the water valve counterclockwise to allow the tank to refill, then flush the toilet a few times to ensure that everything is working properly.
How To Deep Clean A Toilet Tank
If your toilet tank needs a more thorough cleaning, you can use distilled white vinegar instead of a disinfectant cleaner. The acid in the vinegar will help to dissolve mineral deposits without damaging the moving parts inside the tank.
To use vinegar to clean the tank, you will need to shut off the water supply and empty the tank. Then, fill the tank with vinegar, which may require several gallons depending on the size of the tank.
Let the vinegar sit in the tank for at least 12 hours before flushing it out. Use a long-handled scrub brush to scrub the inside of the tank, and a sponge to clean the mechanical parts such as the flapper.
When you are finished, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet a few times to clear out any debris. This method of deep cleaning with vinegar can effectively remove stubborn mineral deposits and restore the cleanliness of your toilet tank.
