Why You Should Clean Your Toilet Tank

Nothing is better than a clean bathroom. Okay, maybe a few things are better, but it is always nice knowing that your bathroom is clean and organized. However, there might be one part of the bathroom that you, like most people, are forgetting; the toilet tank!

Keeping the inside of the toilet tank clean can mean a world of difference in the cleanliness of your bathroom and the lifespan of your toilet. Here are some reasons why keeping your toilet tank clean can keep your bathroom fresh and save you money in the long run:

• Mold is gross! Everyone knows that mold can emerge from standing water. Toilet tanks are nothing but a container of standing water that is waiting to be used. While your most-used toilet doesn’t have standing water for long, can you say the same for the one in the basement? Rarely used toilets could be harboring mold inside. Mold in the toilet can make the bathroom smell, or even worse, could spread to the rest of the bathroom!
• Dirt, dust, and debris can find its way into the tank. These particles, while small, can affect the overall use and longevity of your toilet. A buildup could slowly erode the inside of your tank, such as the steel or rubber fixtures. Not only that, but it can create a foul smell inside the tank as well.

Now that we have established the need to clean out the toilet tank, next question is: what is the best way to clean it out?

• Turn off the water to your toilet (the shutoff valve is typically located behind the fixture) and give it a flush before cleaning the inside. This will empty the tank, making it easier to scrub out the inside. Mix ¼ cup white vinegar with 1 cup water to use as your cleaner, as it will not be harsh on the fixtures inside the tank. Damaging the fixtures could cause a running toilet.
• Be careful when using toilet tank tablets. While these tablets are convenient, they actually contain bleach in them, which if placed too close to the rubber fixtures, can cause premature erosion.
• Clean your toilet tank consistently! Having a routine cleaning schedule for the toilet tank can help keep your bathroom fresh and your toilet in working order. Cleaning the tank at least twice a year will dramatically reduce the buildup of debris and stop the production of mold.
• Always wear gloves. When dealing with cleaning chemicals, it is always best to wear gloves. This will keep the chemicals from damaging your hands, and prevent your skin from coming in contact with the bacteria.

Toilet tanks are probably the most ignored fixture in a bathroom! Regular cleaning of the tank can keep your bathroom clean and mold free. At Len The Plumber, we are always here to provide you with Same Day Service, 7 Days A Week.  No matter the job, big or small, we have an army of trained plumbers standing by to take care of any plumbing issue!