How To Clean A Toilet Tank: 3 Steps

Good news: it's easy!

Getty Images

When it comes to basic cleaning chores, no one really wants to go the extra mile. If the weekends are your dedicated days to give your home a good reset, then we know how eager you are to work fast and focus on the common areas, especially when it comes to cleaning the toilet. But, every now and then, it's good to give the hidden parts—like the tank—a necessary clean, too!

While cleaning the toilet bowl is likely (and should be) part of your weekly cleaning checklist, we're going to assume the toilet tank might not get as much love... or attention. It's easy to overlook this area of your bathroom's most crucial component, but it's actually very important to keep clean for the sanitization and performance of your toilet.

"Cleaning a toilet tank can be a helpful way to keep your toilet bowl clean, since the water that fills your bowl, and sits in your bowl between flushes, comes from the tank," says Adams, who also says cleaning this area is, thankfully, pretty easy. "Though the bowl may get dirty quickly, the tank itself stays relatively clean, as it is receiving fresh, clean water from your water supply."

Cleaning your toilet tank often helps to prevent mold, rust, and mildew from developing that can discolor your tank's interior and lead to metal corrosion overtime from some of the tank's parts. Ideally, Adams says you should aim to clean the tank monthly or more often than that, depending on how fast you notice buildup.

Never use bleach or product containing bleach when cleaning the toilet tank. This can lead to significant damage of the internal tank. Instead, use a hard-surface bathroom disinfectant formulated without bleach.

When you find a bleach-free cleaning product to use on your toilet tank, we suggest testing out a small amount on a discreet area of the tank first to see how the product reacts. Make sure it does not damage the tank's materials.

Before you begin cleaning your toilet tank, make sure you have the following products on hand:

The first thing to do, after putting on your rubber gloves, is to turn off the water supply before lifting off the lid to the tank. Adams says you can find the water supply valve near the base of your toilet, and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. "Be gentle when handling the valve, as older ones can be brittle and prone to leaks. If the valve doesn’t fully shut off or seems stuck, it’s best to call a plumber," he says.

Once the water supply has been turned off, Adams says you'll need to flush the toilet until the tank drains so you're able to give the interior a good scrub with it empty. "If the tank refills, the water supply hasn’t been fully shut off, so double-check the valve. If you're sure you've turned off the water but the tank continues to refill, you'll need to call a plumber."

Next, you'll add your cleaning solution. Spray your bleach-free cleaner generously over the tank's interior and allow the product to sit for at least 5 minutes so it works the material to properly disinfect. Then, use your scrubbing brush to wipe down the tank walls, taking care not to disturb the internal parts like the fill valve and flush valve.

"Lightly wipe the flapper and other components, too," Adams recommends. "If there are tough spots, apply a vinegar solution of white distilled vinegar mixed with water and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping again."

Once the interior has been thoroughly scrubbed, and you've paid careful attention to areas that have already formed rust or mildew, it's time to rinse. "Once the tank is clean, turn the water supply back on slowly. Allow the tank to refill and flush a few times to rinse away any remaining vinegar," says Adams.

The final result? A sparkling clean toilet tank!

Our expert suggests cleaning your toilet tank monthly for the best results in cleanliness and sanitization, but it all depends on your build up. If your tank builds up more frequently, then you'll need to clean more often.

Never use bleach to clean the toilet tank as this harsh chemical can damage the tank's interior and lead to faster corrosion. Instead, use hard-surface bathroom cleaners that are bleach-free for the safest results.

Visible discoloration is an easy-to-spot sign that your toilet tank needs cleaning. Other signs to look for are floating debris, rust, mildew, or foul odors.

Cleaning your toilet tank often with the right products is the best way to prevent rust and mildew from developing. White distilled vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner to use for disinfecting and cleaning this area.