In probably every household there is a Toilet Tank in the bathroom or the guest toilet. Nevertheless, the box, which is responsible for flushing, is often neglected when cleaning. This is a mistake, because the Tank can quickly become calcified and show deposits. How and with what means you can clean the Toilet Tank; you will learn here.
Where does the dirt in the Toilet Tank come from?
Tap water in America is of very good quality and can even be used as drinking water without any problems. So, dirt in the Toilet Tank is not caused by impurities in the water, but merely by the composition of the tap water. This is because the composition of the water varies greatly depending on the region and where you live. What does this mean in concrete terms?
It all depends on the water hardness
In different regions within America, the water can be hard or soft. If the tap water contains a lot of lime, it is called hard water. If the tap water contains less lime, it is called soft water. So, if you live in a region where the water is particularly hard, you will always have problems with lime. This is not only shown by unsightly white lime deposits on the faucets, but also on calcified pipes, faucets or in the dishwasher. Exactly these limescale deposits can then also occur in the kettle, in the coffee machine – or in the Toilet Tank.
Besides the fact that limescale deposits are not really pretty, the deposits are also a breeding ground for bacteria. While this is less bad in the Toilet Tank than in the faucet, which is also used for food, the deposits should also be removed regularly in the Toilet Tank. Since it does not get as much cleaning attention, a biotope can otherwise develop there that quickly gets out of control. Cleaning every two to three months is therefore recommended.
How do I get the Toilet Tank clean?
Cleaning the Toilet Tank is not difficult at all. With a few simple home remedies, you can easily clean the Toilet Tank yourself. All you need for this is:
- A pair of rubber gloves
- A suitable cleaning agent
- A wrench
- A pair of water pump pliers
- A soft wire brush
- A bucket of water
Cleaning the Toilet Tank: The most effective means
Before you can get started, of course, you need the right cleaning agent. To protect the environment and also yourself, it is best to resort to a home remedy. Because the cleaning water itself flows down the drain and thus gets into the environment – strong chemical agents have no place here!
These home remedies are the most effective:
- Vinegar essence
- Citric acid
- Hydrochloric acid
If you clean your cistern regularly and keep an eye out for calcification, the buildup is usually less, and a simple vinegar essence will do the trick. For medium buildup, citric acid is a strong helper. If you’ve never cleaned the Toilet Tank before, the calcium deposits are probably more severe. For these stubborn stains, it is advisable to use hydrochloric acid to help.
Tip: How to open the Toilet Tank
Before you clean the Toilet Tank, you need to open the water tank. Those doing this for the first time are often ignorant and overwhelmed. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Freestanding Toilet Tank: in freestanding Toilet Tank, the lids on the right and left are attached with a clamp. Simply lift the lid and then release the clamp. After cleaning, simply replace the lid and press gently, then the clamp will grip again.
- Concealed Toilet Tank: It is somewhat more difficult, but also feasible, with so-called concealed cisterns. They are recessed into the wall. First, carefully push the cover upwards and remove it. Now you will see a partition wall, which is fixed with simple cross screws. Unscrew it to access the cistern. After cleaning, screw the partition back on and replace the cover.
