Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning a Toilet Tank

You likely have a routine for cleaning your bathroom. We're guessing it includes the tub, the sink, and the toilet bowl — but what about cleaning the toilet tank? This often-overlooked part of the toilet needs regular cleaning, just like the rest of the bathroom. Not only does cleaning your toilet tank keep your bathroom more hygienic, but it can also improve the longevity of your toilet. A clean tank can prevent issues like corrosion and mineral buildup from affecting your toilet's performance. Luckily, learning how to clean inside a toilet tank is easier than you might think! In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to keep your tank fresh and functional, safeguarding your home's plumbing for the future. 

Note: In this guide, we'll cover how to clean a toilet tank with vinegar. This method avoids chemical cleaners that can be abrasive to your toilet. 

Toilet Tank Cleaning Basics

First, let's talk about how much time this task will take. Are we talking about a quick wipe-down of the bathroom sink or a complete tub and shower scrub? Here's a breakdown of how long it will take to clean this often-ignored part of your home’s plumbing: 

Supplies to Clean Your Toilet Tank

If you're embarking on this task, you probably already have your bathroom cleaning supplies ready. But if you don't, here's what you can gather before getting started: 

• White vinegar: An excellent toilet tank cleaner that can break down mineral deposits and mildew
• A soft-bristled brush: To scrub without scratching the tank's interior
• Gloves: To protect your hands from any grime and bacteria
• Protective eyewear: To safeguard your eyes from splashes

Note: Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. These can corrode your toilet's internal components and harm your home's plumbing system.

How to Clean a Toilet Tank: 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Locate the water valve behind or near the toilet's base and shut off the water supply to the toilet. If you can't find it there, you may need to turn off the water supply to the whole house. (Need help finding the shutoff valve?)

Once you've turned off the water, flush the toilet to drain the remaining water from the tank. 

Step 2: Fill the Tank With Vinegar

To clean your toilet tank with vinegar, fill it enough to cover the bottom completely. If needed, you can fill the tank until the vinegar completely covers any grime or mineral buildup.

Step 3: Let the Vinegar Work

Leave the vinegar to sit in the tank for at least an hour. For heavier buildup — or if you've never cleaned the tank before — you can leave it for up to three hours. During this time, the vinegar will break down deposits and debris, making them easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub With a Soft-Bristled Brush

Now that the vinegar has loosened the gunk, gently scrub the sides of the tank to remove any stubborn mineral deposits. 

Step 5: Turn On Water and Rinse

Once you're satisfied with the tank's cleanliness, you can turn the water supply back on. Flushing the toilet a few times should clear out the vinegar and any debris, leaving you with a fresh tank.

Related: Toilet not flushing?

What if There's Mold in the Toilet Tank?

You may need to alter your cleaning methods if your toilet tank has more than mineral buildup. Let's review how to recognize mold in toilet tanks and which toilet tank cleaners you should use to remove it. 

• Identifying mold in your toilet tank: Mold typically appears as black, green, or pink spots in the tank. Look for discoloration or slimy patches on the tank walls. If you see any of this, it's a good sign that mold is growing.
• Draining the tank: If you see mold in the tank, follow the steps above to drain the water and prepare for cleaning. 
• Cleaning a moldy toilet tank: Learning how to clean a moldy toilet tank is relatively simple. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in toilet tanks to remove the mold — apply it to the moldy areas and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Vinegar will help break down the mold, and baking soda's mild abrasive properties will help remove it from the surface. (The mixture will fizz as soon as you combine the ingredients, but don't worry – that just means it's working.) After the 30-minute soak, you can scrub the areas with a toilet brush to remove the mold. 
• Preventing mold growth: Once you've cleaned the mold from your tank, you'll want to prevent it from returning. Here are a couple of steps to help. Ensure good ventilation in your bathroom to prevent excess moisture. Consider occasionally opening the tank lid to allow the upper parts to dry out. Both will help hinder mold growth. 

Need help with other bathroom mold removal? 

Maintaining a Clean Toilet Tank

Once you've taken the time to clean your toilet tank thoroughly, you don't want it to get dirty again for a while. Here are several things you can do to keep your tank clean longer:

Regularly inspect parts like bolts and seals. Look for rust, corrosion, or broken parts. These can create an environment for mold and other buildup to thrive, so it's important to replace them when necessary. (Note: If something is severely broken, check out our info on replacing a toilet.)

Complete monthly cleaning of the toilet tank. Cleaning regularly will make for a less intense and time-consuming process. 

Add baking soda to the tank. Baking soda's mild abrasive properties help remove buildup from the tank each time you flush. Adding a few tablespoons to your clean tank will help it clean itself between monthly maintenance. 

Protect Your Plumbing

While regular cleaning can help keep your toilet working longer, it's bound to break down at some point. Luckily, First American Home Warranty offers coverage for toilet tanks and bowls. So if your sparkling clean toilet tank springs a leak or otherwise stops functioning, request service through your online account. We'll resend a prescreened technician to diagnose and fix the problem, so you don't have to.

Don’t have a home warranty? Get a free home warranty quote today to start protecting your home's systems and appliances.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.