DIY: How To Clean A Toilet Tank
Cleaning the toilet is compulsory for maintaining a hygienic and clean bathroom. It includes numerous crucial tasks, including eliminating mould, limescale, hard water stains, etc. Most individuals consider toilet bowl cleaning the most important task.
However, there is another part of the toilet that requires attention but is often neglected, i.e. the tank. Some individuals do include an exterior wipe-down in their regular cleaning routine, but that is not sufficient. Cleaning the tank from inside is essential for long-term maintenance of the fixture.
Even though the water inside the toilet tank is typically very clean, the metal parts might rust, and the interior will likely get discoloured. Cleaning it frequently will make it easier to prevent rust. For the best results, professionals who do house cleaning and budget bond cleaning Sunshine Coast recommend following a detailed step-by-step procedure. Here is how to clean a toilet tank yourself. This will help extend its lifespan.
1. Shut off Water Supply and Empty the Tank
The first step in appropriate toilet tank cleaning is to shut off the water supply to the toilet, which is required for emptying it. Try to find a braided pipe connecting to the wall.
Usually, this would be the water supply line. Search for a small valve where the tube connects to the wall. Turn it clockwise to ensure it is closed. Once the water supply is turned off, it is time to flush the toilet and empty the tank. It might be essential to hold the handle until water is drained out of the tank. Now, it is ready for cleaning.
2. Check the Tank’s Interior
Open the toilet tank’s lid and inspect the interior. Search for problems like rusted metal components, mineral deposits, and red stains around the interior, especially at a level where water usually sits. In case any of these issues are visible, allocating some additional time for scrubbing the tank will be essential.
Tip: People who do not have sufficient time to deep clean their bathroom at the end of tenancy should prefer hiring cheap bond cleaners Sunshine Coast.
3. Spray a DIY Cleaning Solution
Using commercial cleaners is usually not recommended because they contain hazardous chemicals. This is why it is better to prepare one at home. Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water by adding both ingredients to a clean spray bottle before shaking. Spray the mixture on the toilet tank’s interior. Next, allow the solution to sit on the surface for no less than 10 minutes.
4. Rinse and Scrub
Rinse away the DIY cleaning solution by pouring some clean water inside the toilet tank. Do not pour more than required to ensure water efficiency.
Next, drain the water. After emptying the tank, dip a scrub brush in white vinegar before scrubbing down the tank’s interior walls. For a deeper clean, bond cleaning Sunshine Coast experts recommend sprinkling baking soda before scrubbing. During the procedure, pay special attention to any spots where there is visible mineral buildup. Focus on getting all the minerals off of the walls.
5. Use the Solution to Clean Other Components
After scrubbing the tank’s interior, grab the non-toxic cleaning solution again and spray it on other components. This includes the flapper at the tank’s bottom and the float. Since there is no need to allow the product to sit for an extended period, individuals should not worry about hitting the metal parts. After spraying, use a sponge to gently scrub all the components.
6. Turn On the Water Supply
Lastly, it is time to turn on the water supply. Allow the tank to fill to the usual level. Follow up by flushing to eliminate any cleaning solution remnants or the mineral deposits that were scrubbed off. Let the tank fill again before flushing once more to completely rinse the interior. Homeowners might need to pour some clean water on parts that are above the waterline to get rid of any remnants.
Now, the toilet tank will be cleaner than ever. In case it is not, hire professional bond cleaners Sunshine Coast because they have the expertise to deal with any major issues.
7. Tips to Maintain a Clean Toilet Tank
Cleaning at infrequent intervals is not the right way to keep the toilet tank in the best possible condition. There are a few things that every homeowner must do regularly to maintain a clean toilet tank. This includes:
- Add one or two cups of distilled white vinegar once every month inside the toilet tank at night and flush it in the morning.
- Refrain from using drop-in tablets for cleaning even if they are effective because they often contain harsh substances like bleach.
- When the tank is empty, inspect all the functional components to ensure they are in good condition. This will help individuals determine whether or not parts need to be replaced.
- Stick to a regular cleaning schedule and ensure proper ventilation to minimise chances of mould growth.
The Right Way to Clean a Toilet Tank
Wrapping up
Like the toilet bowl, the toilet tank requires frequent attention. Unfortunately, most people tend to ignore it, which means they will face major issues in future. Refrain from doing so and use the procedure from this guide to successfully clean the toilet tank.