Most people scrub their toilet bowls regularly, but have you ever cleaned the toilet tank? If not, you’re not alone! The tank—the part behind the seat that holds the flush water—is easy to forget about. But ignoring it for too long can lead to bad smells, stains, and even plumbing problems.
At Tidy Casa, we clean about 1,200 toilets a month, so we know a thing or two about keeping them fresh. Here’s why you should add your toilet tank to your cleaning routine—and how to do it the right way!
Why Should You Clean Your Toilet Tank?
Your toilet tank isn’t just a water holder—it’s an important part of your toilet’s flushing system. Over time, things like:
- Minerals from hard water
- Mold and bacteria
- Rust and grime
…build up inside. When this happens, your toilet can smell bad, flush poorly, or stain quickly.
How Often Should You Clean It?
- Every six months for most homes
- Every three months if you have hard water or notice buildup sooner
A clean tank helps keep your toilet bowl fresher for longer—so you don’t have to scrub as often!
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Toilet Tank?
Neglecting your toilet tank can cause a few gross surprises:
- Weak flush – Minerals can clog the flushing mechanism, making your toilet sluggish.
- Musty odors – Mold and bacteria love damp environments.
- Rust and corrosion – Hard water can eat away at metal parts, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
How to Clean Your Toilet Tank (Step by Step)
If your toilet tank is looking a little scary, don’t worry—it’s easy to clean!
What You’ll Need:
✅ White vinegar or mild disinfectant
✅ A sponge or scrub brush
✅ Rubber gloves
✅ A bucket (optional)
Steps:
- Turn off the water supply. There’s usually a shutoff valve near the base of the toilet.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
- Scrub the inside with a sponge and white vinegar. If you have rust stains, try a plumbing-safe rust remover.
- Rinse by turning the water back on and flushing a few times.
- Done! Your toilet tank is fresh and clean!
Should You Put Fabric Softener in Your Toilet Tank?
We’ve seen this bad advice floating around online, and we’re here to set the record straight: NO! While fabric softener might smell nice, it can:
- Clog the toilet’s parts with a sticky residue
- Damage the rubber seals and cause leaks
- Trap bacteria instead of getting rid of odors
What Else Should You Never Put in a Toilet Tank?
Avoid these common toilet tank mistakes:
- Bleach tablets – These slowly break down your toilet’s parts.
- Vinegar (left too long) – Short soaks are okay, but leaving vinegar in the tank for days can damage rubber seals.
- DIY deodorizers (oils or scent beads) – These can clog the flushing system.
What If You’ve Already Put Fabric Softener in the Tank?
Oops! No worries—just clean it out:
- Turn off the water and flush to empty the tank.
- Scrub it out with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse by refilling the tank and flushing a few times.
- Check for damage – If your toilet is running or flushing weirdly, you might need to replace some parts.
Final Thoughts: Keep That Toilet Tank Clean!
Cleaning your toilet tank isn’t glamorous, but it keeps your whole toilet fresh and running smoothly. Add it to your cleaning routine every six months (or more often if needed), and you’ll save yourself a lot of scrubbing in the long run!
Need help keeping your home sparkling clean? Let Tidy Casa handle it! Book a professional cleaning today at tidycasa.com.