Can I Put Mr. Clean in the Toilet Tank? An Expert‘s Guide to Safely Cleaning Inside Your Toilet

As a home improvement expert who has tackled my fair share of toilet repairs and upgrades, one of the first questions I‘m often asked is "Can I put Mr. Clean (or other cleaners) in my toilet tank to clean it?"

While it may seem like a good idea in theory, I always advise homeowners to never put these types of cleaners directly into the tank. Trust me, I‘ve seen firsthand the damage it can cause over time!

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain:

• Why putting cleaners in the tank is a terrible idea
• The right way to clean inside the toilet tank safely
• Important maintenance tips to avoid problems
• Signs you need a pro for toilet troubles
• Special considerations for septic systems
• And much more!

So grab your rubber gloves and let‘s dive into the dirty details on how to properly clean your throne without creating new plumbing problems.

Steer Clear of Tank Cleaners – Here‘s Why

When I‘m called to fix a toilet that won‘t flush properly or has leaks, often the culprit is chemical cleaner that was poured directly into the tank.

While products like Mr. Clean or even bleach can temporarily make your toilet bowl and tank appear sparkling clean, the harsh ingredients actually degrade the rubber and plastic components inside the tank over time.

The bleach, acids, and other chemicals eat away at the flapper, tank gaskets, fill valve, and other important pieces. I can‘t tell you how many times I‘ve had to replace corroded, failing parts that were damaged by cleaners.

One time, the chemicals had practically melted all the rubber parts into a blob! The homeowner said they had been pouring blue toilet bowl cleaner in the tank for years and couldn‘t understand why the toilet wouldn‘t flush right anymore.

Not only are these repairs inconvenient, they can also be quite pricy. Just replacing a fill valve or flapper can run $20 to $40 in parts alone. An entire toilet replacement can cost $200 to $500!

And if you‘re on septic system, tank cleaners can wreak havoc on the delicate bacterial balance required to break down waste. We‘ll talk more about that later.

Trust me, it‘s just not worth the risk. Next I‘ll share some simple, safer ways to clean the inside of the tank without causing damage.

Expert-Recommended Methods to Clean Inside Toilet Tanks

The good news is you can easily clean and disinfect the inside of the toilet tank without pouring in cleaners that may cause damage. Here are the methods I recommend to homeowners:

1. Start by Shutting Off Water Supply and Emptying Tank

The first step is to shut off the water supply valve located behind the toilet. This stops new water from entering the tank while you clean. Next, flush the toilet as usual to empty the tank completely.

2. Scrub With Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Water

For light cleaning, make a simple solution by mixing a 1/2 cup baking soda, a 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 2 quarts warm water in a bucket. Use an old toothbrush or toilet brush to gently scrub the inside walls and components of the tank to loosen any buildup and stains.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing with fresh water. The baking soda and vinegar will break up any grime and help deodorize without the harsh chemicals.

3. Use Non-Bleach Toilet Cleaning Tablets

If you want an ongoing cleaner between deep scrubs, look for toilet tank tablets that hang inside the tank and slowly dissolve over time to prevent buildup.

The key is avoiding ones with bleach and opting for a gentler formula. Major brands like Lysol, Clorox, and Scrubbing Bubbles all make non-bleach toilet cleaning tablets.

4. DIY Vinegar and Baking Soda Bombs

One of my favorite homemade cleaner "bombs" is to put 1 cup of baking soda in the tank, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Close the lid and let the mix bubble and fizz away for 20-30 minutes. This natural chemical reaction scrubs away stubborn stains.

5. Install a Whole-House Water Filter

If your water has a high mineral content, consider installing a whole-house water filter or purifier. Removing sediments and impurities from the water on its way into your home reduces staining and buildup in the toilet tank and pipes over time.

Toilet Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Throne in Tip-Top Shape

While cleaning the tank is important, there are a few other areas you should be mindful of to keep your toilet in good working order and prevent problems:

Give the Bowl a Weekly Scrub Down

Use a disinfecting toilet bowl cleaner and a sturdy brush at least once a week to scrub the bowl thoroughly. Pay attention to the hard-to-reach spots under the rim and where water enters. This helps prevent stains and dirty buildup.

Check the Toilet Seat Hinges

Every couple months, inspect the toilet seat hinges and tighten any loose screws. This prevents the seat from shifting around and potential leaks. Replacement toilet seat kits are inexpensive and easy to install.

Inspect the Flapper Every 6 Months

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts up when you flush, allowing the water to empty into the bowl. Mineral deposits, warping, and wear can prevent it from sealing properly, which wastes water. Replace any faulty flappers right away.

Listen for Fill Valve Noises

The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush. Drips, hisses, or abnormal noises can indicate a problem. Clearing debris and replacing any faulty fill valve parts as soon as possible prevents bigger issues down the road.

Monthly Pipe Cleanings

Pouring hot water down the drain monthly helps keep your pipes clear and free of obstructions. Baking soda and vinegar can also be used to break up grease and organic material.

Professional Inspections

Most plumbers recommend having a pro inspect your toilet shut-off valves, supply line, wax ring seal, and other components about once a year to ensure everything is shipshape. Preventative maintenance saves money!

Warning Signs You Need a Plumber for Toilet Troubles

While some minor toilet repairs can be DIY, there are a few red flags that indicate it‘s time to call a professional:

• Constant condensation or "sweating" on the outside of the tank

• Any signs of water damage around the base of the toilet

• The tank takes longer than 2-3 minutes to completely refill after flushing

• Having to jiggle the flush handle to get the water to stop running

• A toilet that is chronically clogged despite attempts at plunging

• Any rocking or looseness of toilet when sat on

• Leaks between the tank and bowl

Trying to tackle more complex toilet problems without professional experience and equipment often makes issues worse and leads to costly damages. Know your limits!

Special Considerations for Septic Systems

If you live in a rural area and are on well water, you likely have a septic tank rather than public sewer system. That means being extra careful about what goes down your toilets and drains.

The key thing to know is that septic systems rely on a delicate balance of bacteria in the septic tank to effectively break down waste and wastewater. Anything that upsets this balance can cause serious septic system problems.

That‘s why you should never pour bleach, harsh chemicals, paint, grease, or other hazardous materials down a drain or toilet connected to a septic system. Overuse of even mild antibacterial cleaners and soaps can also disrupt the crucial bacteria at work in the septic tank.

When it comes to your toilets specifically:

• Use a septic-safe, biodegradable toilet cleaner and carefully follow usage directions
• Stick to low-flow toilets which use less water per flush, putting less strain on your septic system
• Have your septic tank professionally inspected and pumped every 3-5 years

If you‘re on a septic system, protect it by avoiding tank cleaners and being mindful of what goes in your toilets. A malfunctioning septic system can cost thousands to repair or replace.

Let Your Toilet Live Long and Prosper

Hopefully I‘ve helped convince you to keep the Mr. Clean and other cleaners out of your toilet tank, and provided some better alternatives to safely keeping the inside of your toilet clean.

Remember – a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for your toilet‘s health and lifespan. With some basic DIY care, your throne can reign supreme for years to come!

If you have any other toilet questions, contact me via my website. And be sure to check out my YouTube channel where I share fixing tips and tricks on all sorts of home improvement projects – plumbing and beyond!