How to Clean a Toilet Tank

Cleaning inside a toilet tank can be a challenging job because the tank is filled with water and includes some mechanics. The tank water can get dirty and even turn black as parts deteriorate. Once you know what you are doing, cleaning the tank is relatively easy. After you learn a few tricks, it won't be much harder than cleaning the outside of the toilet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Disinfectant cleaner
• Toilet brush
• Bleach tablets
• Cloth
• Flapper (optional)

How to Clean a Toilet Tank

1. Turn off the water to the toilet and flush. This will drain the water from the inside of the tank.

2. Spray inside with disinfectant. It's best to let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes to make sure it's completely disinfected.

3. Scrub the inside, using a toilet brush, if the tank needs cleaned. The long handle will help you reach deep into the tank. You can also wipe the inside with a cloth.

4. 
   Plastic Flappers Can Deteriorate and May Need to be Replaced

   Replace the rubber flapper if it's deteriorating. The flapper is attached to the flush valve and is what allows water to flow into the bowl when the toilet is flushed.

5. Turn the water back on and flush after the tank is cleaned.

Tips & Warnings

• You can drop a bleach tablet into the tank to keep the water sanitized.
• A toilet tank generally only needs to be replaced if it is leaking.

Resources

• Information about toilet flappers