Easy Cleaning Methods Using Vinegar In Toilet Tank

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Last Updated on October 7, 2024

Did you know you can use vinegar in the toilet tank? Keeping the toilet clean is among the toughest household tasks anyone can think of. If you have done one, you can tell it is arduous having to remove scrub all the dirt and mold in the toilet seat, the bowl itself, the lid, and the tank. Not to mention included in the scope are the tiles and flooring surrounding the whole set-up.

In this article, we’ll learn about cleaning the toilet tank primarily using a common household item, vinegar.

What is Vinegar?

Vinegar is an old product of alchemy that has been used for centuries in households to enhance organoleptic flavors as well as to extend the life cycle of any food. Pickling is a popular technique to preserve and improve the nutritional attributes of vegetables like cucumber, olives, and cabbages.

Other than that, vinegar is also known for its cleaning properties used on wounds, infections, and surfaces. The acidic environment employed by vinegar, attributed to the acetic acid content, deactivates the growth of bacteria, molds, and fungi. Vinegar is also an organic and biodegradable product, which means it can be naturally broken down upon soil disposal. Increased utilization of this chemical is apparent today because of its high availability and low cost.

According to Thacker (2006), in her book, “The Vinegar Anniversary Book,” the type of vinegar is associated with its applicability. White vinegar is used to dish out the mold, mildew, and soap residues resulting in a fresh odor. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, has a more substantial cleaning power with a longer-lasting new fragrance after that.

Application of Vinegar In Toilet Tank

Many accounts have already verified the applicability of vinegar to cleaning bathrooms. Vinegar contains antibiotic and antiseptic properties promoting an environment where molds, mildew spores, and fungi cannot strive long. Besides, vinegar can also be used to neutralize the stinky odors coming to your bathroom.

The next section shows two ways on how to correctly clean your toilet tanks- soaking and brushing, using the vinegar solution.

Soaking Method To Clean Toilet Tank:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is done by shutting off the supply valve located along the pipeline below the tank.
2. Drain the water inside the tank to clean all surfaces.
3. Fill up the tank to the overflow tube using liters of vinegar.
4. Make sure all the surfaces with apparent dirt are covered with the solution.
5. Let the solution stay for at least 12 hours for optimized results.
6. After sitting the solution out, drain the solution.
7. Brush remaining residues using a brush.
8. Turn on the water supply.
9. Continuously rinse with water to remove vinegar remnants (draining and supplying several times).
10. Use the cleaned toilet normally, just like in prior utilization.

Brushing Method:

1. Turn off the valve that is supplying water to the tank.
2. Drain the water from the tank exposing all surfaces.
3. Prepare a mixture using vinegar and baking soda. The ratio that can be used is 1:1 (vinegar: baking soda)
4. Dip a brush to the resulting mixture and start cleaning the surfaces with mold.
5. Repeated cleaning may be needed to clean thoroughly.
6. Rinse with water now and then to check the progress of the cleaning.
7. Brush again using the mixture if needed.
8. If there is a need to let the mixture sit in first, you can leave it for hours first before resume brushing. You might need extra steps to take out the build-up of dirt on the surfaces.
9. If cleaning is deemed sufficient, turn on the supply valve and flush out the remnants using water.
10. Use the cleaned toilet normally, just like in prior utilization.

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is also a familiar household item (aside from being associated with cooking and baking) that is known for its natural cleaning properties. It removes dirt and molds without the unwanted abrasion of surfaces like ceramics and porcelains. Hence, this is deemed compatible with toilet surfaces as well. Furthermore, it is also known for its anti-fungal properties.

Aside from being a cleaning agent, according to Thacker (2006), in her book, “The Magic of Baking Soda,” baking soda also can neutralize the acidity/basicity of the solution. It can increase the pH levels brought about by the acetic acid in vinegar, making the solution less detrimental for handling.

This mechanism can be explained by the reaction of acid and base, in this case, vinegar and baking soda, respectively—the reaction results in the formation of salt and carbon dioxide, which have neutral pH properties. The generation of carbon dioxide is associated with the bubbling mechanism observed upon the addition of the base to acid.

The addition of this chemical is not necessary but will certainly help ease the overall cleaning procedure of toilet tanks.

Caution of Vinegar Usage In Toilet Tank

Vinegar is an acidic solution, so proper handling is still required upon usage. Since we are employing a large number of fluids as well as longer exposure time with the chemical, safety precautions are more relevant to abide by. Avoid contacting health risks by applying protective equipment like gloves, masks, or goggles.

Skin contact is the most probable cause of injury or irritation. Inhalation of the undesirable acrid smell of vinegar also comes with it at more extended periods, so it is essential to use mask protection. This is why you should use protective gear such as gloves and masks. Also, since acid fumes diffuse through the air, these can affect vision from undesirable contact with eyes. For full protection, supplement the safety wear with googles.

Conclusion

Vinegar used as a cleaning agent is one of the inexpensive and efficient ways to clean toilet tanks. From the benefits explained above, this chemical does not only improve the cleanliness and aesthetic attributes of the toilet.

To summarize all of the concepts, here are important points to be taken from this article:

• Vinegar is viable for cleaning toilet tanks.
• There can be methods in using vinegar solution in cleaning bathroom tanks: soaking and brushing.
• Vinegar and baking soda complement each other very well.
• Most importantly, safety is a priority. Wear protective clothing when handling or using vinegar solution (i.e., gloves, mask, goggles).

If you have any questions about using vinegar in the toilet tank that is yet to be answered, let us know on the comments down below!

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