Keep your toilet tank clean with this simple household trick

When did you last inspect your toilet’s water tank? Many individuals concentrate on cleaning only the bowl and the outer body of the toilet, neglecting the fact that the flush system also needs a breath of fresh air. Although it's not a weekly task, a periodic refresh of the tank's interior certainly won't hurt. Our clever tip will mostly do the cleaning for you, all you need are the right cleaning agents.

A while back, the internet was abuzz with a "brilliant" hack that claimed to clean the tank and the toilet bowl in one go. The tipster asserted that pouring a potent chemical agent into the tank would dissolve the accumulated mineral deposits. Furthermore, the solution would clean the toilet's internal walls upon flushing. Despite sounding plausible initially, the method is questionable upon further consideration.

Although a corrosive compound may dissolve dirt and stone, it's pivotal to remember the myriad pipes and seals comprised of synthetic material inside the tank. These could also be potentially damaged. A safer approach is to use a milder but equally efficacious agent. Vinegar, a household staple often used in cleaning tasks, fits the bill perfectly. So, how should you use it?

The simplest method is to add a cup of white vinegar to the water tank. Alternatively, dissolving citric acid – just one tablespoon per 1.06 cups of water – will give similar results. Fill the tank with this solution and let it sit overnight. While you rest, the active components will work to dissolve the sediment and eliminate bacteria. In the morning, empty the water tank and scrub its interior with a small brush to reach every nook and cranny. It's crucial to shut off the valve first to prevent the tank from refilling immediately.

After scrubbing the walls and seals, turn the water on to refill the tank. Then flush to expel any residual deposit. This cleaning routine should be carried out approximately every six months, depending on how quickly mineral deposits form inside the tank. Sometimes, water hardness may cause significant accumulation within a few months, necessitating removal.