Since the toilet comes into contact with some of the grossest substances in a house, cleaning it on a regular basis is a necessity. Using a disinfecting toilet bowl cleaner to wipe out germs is the norm when it comes to the bowl and exterior, but what about the toilet tank?
The toilet tank is the back, top part of your toilet that houses the components that enable your toilet to flush when you push down on the flush handle. Unfortunately, if you want the working parts in your toilet tank to stay in good condition, you need to clean the tank once to twice yearly (depending on whether or not you have hard water).
How to Clean a Toilet Tank: Step by Step
While the toilet tank doesn’t come into direct contact with the same waste as the toilet bowl, it can still accrue germs and, worse, damaging hard water buildup that can lead to rusting and stains. If you notice brown gunk or sediment when you remove your toilet tank lid, it’s time for a cleaning.
Step 1: Add Vinegar to the Back of the Tank, Soak, and Flush
Remove the lid to the tank and add 3-4 cups of white distilled vinegar. Let this mixture sit for at least one hour to help break down mineral deposits. After an hour, flush the toilet to rinse the vinegar solution.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water to the Toilet and Drain the Tank
Locate the water valve to your toilet. (The water valve is generally at the bottom, backside of the toilet, and toward the wall.) Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water to the toilet.
Remove the tank’s lid and flush the toilet to drain the water. It may take a few flushes for the water to completely drain.
Step 3: Disinfect and Scrub
Spray the inside of the tank and all components with a non-bleach disinfecting spray. Allow the spray to sit for ten minutes (or what’s recommended on the label for disinfecting.)
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the inside of the tank and all components. (Never clean your toilet tank with a toilet bowl brush. Toilet bowl brushes house all kinds of bacteria.)
Step 4: Wipe Down, Turn the Water On, and Rinse
Use a clean, damp rag to remove excess disinfectant from the tank. Then turn the water back on at the valve. Flush the toilet 3-4 times to rinse away the cleaner and flush any of the sediment or dirt you dislodged.
How to Maintain Your Toilet Tank
To prevent hard water buildup, add one cup of vinegar to the back of your toilet tank once per month and let it sit overnight. It will break down some sediment or lime buildup, requiring less scrubbing the next time you need to clean the tank.
Also, avoid using bleach or bleach-based toilet cleaner tabs in the tank. While these can keep your toilet bowl clean, bleach will eat away at the plastic and rubber parts inside the tank.
