How To: Clean a Toilet Tank

STEP 5 (optional)
As you remove the lid, consider whether your toilet needs maintenance. If your toilet is not working optimally, it’s time to replace any parts that need replacing, such as the flapper, but if it’s working well, go to Step 6.
STEP 6
Clean all parts of the tank. Instead of spraying them directly and dousing the metal parts with a cleaner that may or may not be corrosive, dilute it first. Simply soak a sponge with clean, warm water and spray a little cleaner on the sponge itself. Next, wipe down the ball float, flapper and other parts of the toilet tank with the diluted disinfectant. Rinse and re-soak the sponge if necessary.
STEP 7

Turn on the faucet again and allow the tank to fill. Flush once or twice. Does the tank look clean enough? If not, empty the tank again as you did in Step 1, then repeat Steps 3 through 6. When you are satisfied that your tank is clean, turn the faucet back on, refill it, and off you go!

KEEPING THE TOILET TANK CLEAN
To make your life easier in the future, here are a few things you can do to keep the tank cleaner day after day.

Consider putting tank lozenges in the toilet. They help minimize mold, minerals and contaminants. Be sure not to buy tank lozenges that contain bleach, as bleach is known to corrode metal. Do your homework and read online reviews carefully before purchasing. To reduce chemical use in the home and the risk of damage, keep in mind that tablets marketed as “natural” or “chemical-free” may be best for the job.
If you don’t use tablets, empty your toilet tank and refill it more regularly with vinegar (as in step 2). Vinegar kills mold and mildew and dissolves accumulated mineral deposits before they become a problem. Simply leave the vinegar in the tank overnight and flush the next morning.
You may hear about monthly toilet tank cleaning, but we think twice a year will be sufficient for small households that share more than one toilet. But it’s the situation that dictates maintenance needs. If you have hard water, mineral deposits can build up more quickly. If the toilet is located in a high-traffic area, whether it’s a home with a large family or your workplace, the heavier use will also require more frequent cleaning. Lift the lid of the tank to inspect it every couple of weeks, and you’ll know what kind of cleaning cycle your toilet might need. Keep track of your inspections and cleanings on a calendar so you don’t lose track.