Why You Need to Clean Your Toilet Tank Right Now, According to Experts

When you think about cleaning your toilet, chances are you only think about tackling the areas that are visible to both yourself and your houseguests. But did you know that there’s an important spot you’re likely neglecting to clean simply because it’s out of sight? 

As it turns out, the toilet tank needs to be routinely cleaned, according to plumbing experts. Keep reading to learn how to clean it properly, including whether or not using baking soda in the toilet tank actually works.

You may be wondering why you need to clean your tank — especially if nobody ever sees what’s going on in there. According to Shu Saito, a plumber and water filtration expert with All Filters, it’s more about helping your toilet run smoothly than keeping the tank looking its best. 

That’s because mineral deposits can build up in your tank over time. Saito says that it can cause discoloration and potentially clog the small passages and parts that help your toilet run efficiently. “You [need to] remove these deposits to help the toilet function more smoothly and keep a fresh smell, especially in hard water areas,” he says.

Cleaning your toilet should be a semi-annual task, according to Saito. “I would recommend cleaning within a three- to six-month period to prevent buildup that may reach a point where removal becomes far too difficult,” he says. “It’s also part of routine maintenance that may help prevent wear and tear on the components of a toilet, some of which can deteriorate over time because of mineral deposits.”

Those mineral deposits can also cause rust-colored stains or a slimy biofilm that impairs both the function and appearance of your toilet, according to Saito. That means your toilet bowl could end up looking worse for the wear if you neglect this chore.

According to Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter, a Neighborly company, a common kitchen item makes an excellent option when you’re looking to get your toilet tank extra clean: baking soda.

“To clean your toilet tank with baking soda, mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar,” shares Kunz, then let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing the sides of your tank to try and get it clean. 

You’re using baking soda and vinegar together for the mechanical movement of the bubbles to dislodge any debris. “Not all urine stains and deposits will come off easily,” he continues, adding that you’ll get the best results if you tackle this job at the first sign of buildup.

For tougher messes, Saito recommends pouring two to three cups of white vinegar into the tank and letting it sit for at least an hour. “Use a brush to scrub the sides lightly to get rid of remaining residue. Flush the toilet once or twice to make sure the vinegar is rinsed, and try not to use harsh chemicals so you do not break any rubber or plastic components in your tank,” he says.

While he says vinegar is not corrosive and works well, Saito cautions against using strong chemical cleaners or bleach due to the fact that they can corrode the interior parts of the tank, including the rubber flapper and other parts. “This causes leaks in such areas, and makes the toilet malfunction,” he continues. Instead, Saito says milder solutions such as vinegar should be enough to do the trick when combined with routine maintenance.

While my tank was remarkably stain-free considering it’s shared between five people, I decided to go ahead and give this cleaning method a try. After all, our area has notoriously hard water, and my toilet hasn’t been flushing as well as it once did. So, I poured the baking soda mixture into the tank and let it sit for 15 minutes while I did some other chores around the house. 

The first thing I noticed when I gave the tank a quick once over with my scrub brush was the smell. While it hadn’t exactly smelled awful when I got started, it definitely smelled fresher after the treatment. I also found debris at the bottom of the tank. Just like when I descale my coffee pot, I noticed that the water had small but obvious chunks of loose mineral deposits, proving that this method can make a difference when it comes to cleaning out those small interior parts. 

Final verdict: I’ll absolutely be adding this small but easy task to my household to-do list.