Baking soda is a fantastic cleaning agent with versatility that’s hard to match. Besides cleaning your teeth and deodorizing smelly shoes, it can also freshen your laundry and clean your ovens, counters, tubs, sinks, drains, and septic tanks.1
So, it’s no surprise that baking soda can also work wonders for your toilet. In fact, this baking soda hack might just have you tossing your toilet brush for good.
Why Use Baking Soda in Your Toilet Tank
Although the lid keeps most dust and debris from getting into the toilet tank, that doesn’t mean it can’t get funky in there. Over time, stains and buildup can develop from rust, minerals and mold. This buildup can make its way into flushing mechanisms and hasten their breakdown.
A dirty toilet tank can also contribute to a dirty toilet bowl. Because the toilet refills from the tank after flushing, whatever’s in the tank ends up in the bowl. If it’s organic matter like mold or mildew, this can multiply when exposed to light, resulting in a bowl that’s hard to keep clean.
Buildup and deposits can also smell, and who wants those odors in their bathroom? Baking soda can effectively remedy all these issues, saving you money on multiple cleaning products. It can also prevent limescale and mineral buildup and eliminate odors in your toilet.
What Does Adding Baking Soda Do?
A few things. You won’t see an active fizz after pouring it in, but it naturally lowers acidity in the water and removes odors. That can extend the life of any working parts inside the toilet.
To clean and deodorize your tank with baking soda, shut off the water supply valve and flush to empty the tank. Pour one-quarter to one-half cup baking soda into the tank (not onto the flapper or fill valve) and use a clean long-handled scrub brush to scrub the bottom and sides of the tank.
Turn the supply valve back on and flush when filled. A naturally abrasive cleaner, baking soda works great on porous toilet tank surfaces.
Is It Safe to Combine Vinegar & Baking Soda?
Generally yes, as long as it’s not in there for long. Combining vinegar and baking soda actually improves the latter’s cleaning abilities. It creates a fizzy reaction, which can help break down stains and mineral deposits.
To do this, shut off the supply valve and flush to empty the toilet tank. Add two cups of white distilled vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Let it fizz and work for about 10 minutes, then use a long-handled scrub brush to clean the tank. Turn on the supply valve and let the toilet refill.
Let the water, vinegar and baking soda sit in the tank for 30 minutes, then flush.
Other Options You Can Use
You can use products specifically designed for this purpose, such as in-tank cleaning tablets or solutions. Regular maintenance with vinegar works as well.
Cleaning with In-Tank Tablets
Usually a hockey-puck-sized tablet, in-tank cleaning tablets are placed in the toilet tank and slowly dissolve over a few weeks. They’re not always recommended, however, especially if they contain bleach. Look for bleach-free tablets for the best results, like Bowl Fresh Bleach Alternative Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Using Vinegar as a Cleaning Solution
Adding white distilled vinegar once a month can keep your toilet tank clean as well. Pour one cup into the tank and leave overnight, then flush in the morning. Because the vinegar doesn’t remain in the toilet, there shouldn’t be any risk of corrosion.
Using a Toilet Tank Cleaner
Citric-acid based Instant Power Toilet Tank Cleaner removes hard-water stains and mineral build-up without harming working mechanisms in the tank or pipes. Similar to vinegar, pour this product into the toilet tank, leave overnight, then flush away. No scrubbing required.
With the power of baking soda and these simple cleaning hacks, you can maintain a sparkling clean and fresh toilet without the need for harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.