Don’t Forget to Clean Your Toilet Tank
First off, we understand that no one enjoys cleaning the bathroom. You want to get in and out as quickly as possible – especially when it comes to the toilet. So we’re sorry to say that scrubbing the bowl is only half the job. That’s right, today we’re talking about cleaning the toilet tank.
Why you should clean the toilet tank
Most people only look into the tank when the toilet won’t flush or is running for too long. But regular cleaning is important for maintaining a healthy bathroom and preserving your plumbing.
Even though it fills with fresh water, the toilet tank can still harbor plenty of germs and even mold. Without a proper cleaning, mold in a toilet tank can cause a not-so-pleasant odor or start to spread to other areas of your bathroom. At the same time, dust and other tiny particles can build up in the tank water and start to degrade the internal metal and rubber parts of the toilet.
How to clean the toilet tank
Fortunately, we’re not saying you have to clean the tank as often as you do the bowl. Two to four times a year is a good goal to shoot for. Here are steps you can follow. We recommend you wear gloves while cleaning.
- Turn off water to the toilet. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet on the water supply line.
- Flush the toilet to remove water from the tank. It will not refill if the shut-off valve is closed all the way.
- Remove any loose debris that may be at the bottom of the tank.
- Scrub the inside walls of the tank using a mixture of 1 part vinegar/4 parts water. Do not use harsh chemicals as they could damage the parts inside the tank. Also, do not use your regular toilet brush to scrub the tank, as you could add contaminants from the bowl.
- Consider a deep cleaning. If there’s severe discoloration or mineral buildup on the walls, fill the tank (up to the overflow valve) with vinegar and let it sit for 12 hours.
- Turn the water shut-off valve back on, which should start refilling the tank.
- Give it a test flush, replace the tank lid, and you’re all set!
If you’re looking to make your bathroom the cleanest and freshest it can be, you can’t ignore the toilet tank. During cleaning, or any other time, if you notice something is wrong with your plumbing, give Reichelt Plumbing a call at (219) 322-4906. We have a team of licensed plumbers ready to help.