Cleaning the Inside of Your Toilet Tank

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: March 14, 2023 Approved

Applying the Cleaner

|

Scrubbing the Tank

|

Cleaning Tricks & Maintenance

|

Q&A

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 tanks, bleach may be necessary. Clean your tank regularly to keep your toilet clean and your bathroom smelling fresh.

Things You Should Know

Pour white vinegar into the tank and let it sit for 12 hours to tackle calcium and mildew.
Scrub the inside of the tank with a scrub brush or old toothbrush to remove tough grime.
Clean your toilet’s tank at least once a month to prevent foul smells and grime and rust build-up.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Applying the Cleaner

1
Drain the tank. To drain the tank, switch off the water. You can find the valve near the wall behind your toilet. Once the water is switched off, flush your toilet. This should drain all the water from the tank.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Determine the proper type of cleaner. Look at how dirty your tank is. If it seems relatively clean, all you need is a basic disinfectant. You can use the same spray you normally use in your bathroom. However, with built up debris, you need something stronger.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you notice hardened mineral deposits in the tank, opt for white vinegar.
- If there is a lot of gunk and mildew built up in the tank, clean it with bleach over a commercial cleaner.
Advertisement
3
Apply your cleaner accordingly. With bleach and commercial cleaners, you can spray or pour the cleaners into the tank. Target the bottom and sides of the tank, paying particular attention to areas with built up dirt. Make sure to wear gloves when handling bleach.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Let vinegar sit to treat mineral deposits. When dealing with mineral deposits, the process is slightly different. Pour white vinegar into the tank, up to the top of the overflow tube. Let the vinegar sit for 12 hours before flushing the toilet. After 12 hours have passed, flush the toilet and proceed with regular cleaning.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Scrubbing the Tank

1
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.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you're cleaning with bleach, gloves are vital to protect your skin.
2
Let your cleaner sit in the tank. Leave your cleaner in the 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.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Remember, vinegar should stay on for 12 hours before you proceed to clean the tank.
3
Scrub your cleaner into the tank. Use a scrub brush, old toothbrush, or scrubby sponge to scrub the cleaner into your tank. Scrub down the sides and bottom of the tank until the toilet bowl smells fresh and you remove any obvious signs of dirt and built up grime.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Clean the working parts of the tank as well, like the ball float and flapper.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
4
Flush out the tank. Once you've scrubbed the tank down, you can turn the water back on and flush the tank to rinse. If you've used bleach, add 1 gallon (3.8 L) of plain, cold water to the tank and then flush it.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- You may want to wear goggles to protect your eyes when adding water to a tank that had bleach in it.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Tricks & Maintenance

1
Remove mineral deposits periodically. Mineral deposits will eventually build up in any toilet tank. Check your tank once a week and if you notice any deposits, treat the tank with white vinegar. Fill the tank with vinegar, let it sit for 12 hours, then flush and clean the tank.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Be careful with tank tablets. Stores often sell tank tablets, meant to be placed in your 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 tank.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you clean your toilet tank regularly, tablets are probably not necessary.
3
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.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

We have a septic system and cannot use strong chemicals. What are my options?

Lojjik

Community Answer

Vinegar is septic safe, and a moderate amount of bleach is safe for your system, too. The bleach will degrade into harmless salty water.