A toilet needs to be properly cleaned and maintained to prevent clogs and the proliferation of bacteria. However, for most homeowners, cleaning what is often considered to be man’s greatest disease prevention innovation usually consists of nothing more than a quick swipe around the toilet bowl, ignoring the tank entirely. Mold and minerals accumulating inside your toilet tank can foul the system, or promote bacterial growth that could pose a health hazard to you and your family.

While reputable Richmond plumbers like Milani Plumbing Drainage & Heating Ltd can always be engaged to inspect and repair a clogged toilet for you, there are some measures you can take to ensure that your toilet tank is always working properly and free of bacterial infestation. Cleaning your toilet tank may not be on top of your chore list, but it’s a good idea to do it once in a while. It’s easy to do; just follow these simple steps.

The first thing to do is remove the tank lid, pour in a cleaning solution, and let it stay for a while. Afterwards, scrub the inner wall with a toilet brush. Be careful not to detach any chains or tubes. If it’s necessary to detach them, make sure you know how to put them back in place. Flush the toilet three to four times to rinse out the cleaning solution completely.

Instead of using commercial chemical cleaners, you might prefer to use ordinary household materials to clean your toilet tank. Vinegar is a great toilet cleaning solution because not only is it chemical-free, it is naturally antibacterial and acidic. The low pH helps remove or dissolve minor mineral deposits like lime and calcium.

If you’re one of those people who don’t feel that something is clean enough unless you can smell sanitary fumes burning your nose, then go ahead and use bleach. It’s a great disinfectant that gets rid of mold and kills bacteria. You’ll need to use it alongside vinegar though, as bleach won’t have any impact on lime and calcium deposits.

A Langley heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning expert is only a phone call away. If you’re not up to the task of cleaning your toilet tank, you can let a professional handle it for you. In case of a clog, these professionals can be reached 24/7, so always keep their number handy.