Though cleaning the toilet tank is a little more involved than cleaning the exterior, it doesn’t need to happen as frequently. Add this chore to your list just “once or twice a year for upkeep,” says Patty Stoffelen, a bath fixtures merchant for The Home Depot, “While the water in the tank is usually clean, the metal parts can corrode and rust and the interior of the tank can get discolored.”
I’ve found that scheduling this task around seasonal changes—like spring and fall—makes it easier to remember. The low frequency is a relief, but don’t skip it entirely; neglecting the tank can lead to costly repairs down the line. For instance, corrosion can damage the flapper valve, which might cause leaks. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency notes that a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily, so a quick biannual clean can save you from a hefty water bill. If you live in an area with hard water, you might want to check the tank more often, as mineral deposits can build up faster and affect performance.
Before You Begin
Gather a few basic supplies. “We recommend using a scrub brush paired with a hard-surface bathroom disinfectant formulated without bleach,” says Stoffelen. “The biggest don’t when it comes to toilet tanks is bleach—do not use bleach or products containing bleach inside the tank, as it can corrode the internal parts of your toilet. If you are aiming to remove tough stains from the tank, I also recommend white vinegar diluted with water.”
I learned the hard way that bleach is a no-go after using a bleach-based cleaner once and noticing the rubber flapper starting to degrade—it’s not worth the risk. White vinegar is a lifesaver here; it’s cheap, natural, and effective at breaking down mineral deposits. Chemically, vinegar’s acetic acid reacts with calcium buildup, dissolving it without harming the tank’s components. You can pick up a gallon of distilled white vinegar for about $2-3 at most grocery stores, making this a budget-friendly option. Pro tip: keep a dedicated scrub brush for the tank to avoid cross-contamination with other bathroom cleaning tools.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Scrub brush or toilet brush
Materials
- Bathroom disinfectant without bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
Besides the basics, I like to keep a pair of rubber gloves handy—cleaning the tank isn’t gross, but it’s nice to stay mess-free. A small bucket or sponge is also useful for soaking up any leftover water after draining the tank. If you’re dealing with stubborn rust, consider a pumice stone designed for toilet tanks, which can gently scrub away stains without scratching the porcelain. These tools keep the job simple and ensure you’re not spending more than a few bucks on supplies.
Instructions
How to Clean a Toilet Tank
Soak the Tank
Soak the water-filled tank first to remove stains, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid. “First, remove the lid and take a peek inside,” she says. “If you see any mineral buildup or crud, pour 4 cups of vinegar into the tank. Allow this to soak for up to an hour.” Turn on your exhaust fan or open a window when cleaning your tank to disperse fumes from vinegar or cleaners.
I always make sure to do this step in the morning so the vinegar can work its magic while I’m busy with other chores. The hour-long soak is key because it softens the grime, making scrubbing easier. If you’re curious why vinegar works so well, it’s because its acidity (about 5% in distilled white vinegar) breaks down alkaline deposits like limescale. For really tough stains, I’ve occasionally let it soak for a bit longer—up to two hours—but don’t overdo it, as prolonged exposure might affect some tank parts.
Empty the Tank
Empty the tank after soaking. “Start by turning off the water supply valve, which is located either behind the toilet on the wall or floor,” says Stoffelen. “You’ll then want to flush the toilet until the tank is drained. You can use a sponge to remove any remaining water in the bottom of the tank.”
Turning off the water valve can feel a bit tricky if you’ve never done it before, but it’s usually just a quick twist. I’ve found that a sponge works better than a towel for soaking up residual water—it’s more absorbent and easier to wring out. If your tank has a lot of sediment, you might notice some gunk left after flushing. A quick swipe with the sponge prevents it from resettling when you refill the tank.
Spray Disinfectant and Scrub
Thoroughly spray the inside of the tank with a bleach-free disinfectant and allow the disinfectant to set for 15 minutes to remove dirt and grime. Use a scrub brush or toilet brush with a longer handle to reach in and clean the tank. Use paper towels to wipe off the tank’s internal parts. Stoffelen then adds enough vinegar diluted with water (hot tap water is fine) to fill the empty tank up to the overflow valve and allow it to sit for up to 12 hours. Remember that if you flush during this time, you’ll empty the tank of its stain-fighting solution, so encourage your family to use the spare bathroom while the tank is soaking.
This step is where the elbow grease comes in, but it’s oddly satisfying to see the tank go from dingy to sparkling. I usually set a timer for the 15-minute disinfectant soak to avoid rushing. For the vinegar soak, I mix it in a 1:1 ratio with hot water—it seems to work faster that way. If you’ve got kids or roommates, put a sticky note on the toilet to remind everyone not to flush during the 12-hour soak. I once had someone accidentally flush, and it was frustrating to start over!
Refill the Tank
After scrubbing and soaking, empty the tank by flushing the toilet, and then turn the water back on to allow the tank to refill. Flush a few more times to rinse the tank, and then rest easy knowing your bathroom is spotless from the inside out.
I like to flush at least three times to make sure all the vinegar and disinfectant are gone—nobody wants a vinegary toilet! Once the tank is refilled, I take a quick look to admire the clean, clear water. It’s a small victory, but it feels great knowing the toilet is in top shape. If you notice any lingering stains, a quick repeat of the vinegar soak usually does the trick.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Toilet Tank
Consider the following tips you can do in between deep cleanings to keep your tank in good condition. Avoid using toilet bowl cleaner tabs—they often contain bleach, which should not be used to clean toilet tanks because of bleach’s corrosive properties and can especially damage the rubber flap. Add a cup of white distilled vinegar to the tank once a month. Leave it to sit overnight and then flush it in the morning. Check for sediment buildup and staining every month or so. This may be especially important if you have hard water or if you have a toilet that isn’t used very much. Remove rust stains from a toilet tank with products specifically formulated for use in toilet tanks.
I’ve made the monthly vinegar trick part of my routine—it’s so easy and keeps the tank looking fresh. If you’re in a hard water area like I am, you might notice staining happening faster, so those monthly checks are a game-changer. For rust, I’ve had good luck with CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover, which is safe for toilet tanks and costs about $5 for a small bottle. Also, if you have an older toilet, keep an eye on the metal parts; they’re more prone to corrosion, and catching it early can prevent a pricey plumber visit.
