How to Naturally Clean Your Toilet Tank with Vinegar & Baking Soda

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Eliminate buildup in your toilet tank with our complete cleaning guide
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Over time, mineral deposits and bacteria can build up in a toilet tank, but regularly cleaning keeps your toilet looking and running great. You don’t even need expensive cleaners because vinegar and baking soda work great in your toilet tank. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean your toilet tank with baking soda and vinegar, from a quick clean to scrubbing, an overnight soak, and more. We'll even cover other ways to use baking soda and vinegar around your bathroom.

Easy Toilet Tank Cleaning with Vinegar & Baking Soda

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar into your toilet tank.
  2. Add 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda to the tank and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Scrub the inside of the tank with a toilet brush.
  4. Flush your toilet to remove the dirty water and buildup.
Section 1 of 7:

Quick Clean with Vinegar & Baking Soda

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  1. Take the lid off of your toilet tank, and pour about 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar directly into the water. Swish the vinegar around with a toilet brush to spread it evenly through the tank. [1]
    • Vinegar works great as a natural acidic cleaner that easily breaks down residue and kills bacteria inside your toilet tank.
  2. Pour 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda directly into the water and stir it in with your brush. The baking soda and vinegar cause a reaction that fizzes and helps loosen stuck-on residue, so leave it for a few minutes while it works.
    • Baking soda also acts as a mild abrasive, so it can help remove stubborn marks and stains.
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  3. Use an old toothbrush or a clean toilet brush to scour away any stains or marks inside the toilet tank. Work in small circles and try to break up as much residue as you can. [2]
    • The water inside your toilet’s tank is clean and doesn’t come into contact with waste, so you don’t need to wear cleaning gloves if you don’t want to.
  4. Once you’re finished, just flush your toilet and hold the flapper down until all the water drains out. If you still notice floating residue when the tank refills, just flush it again until you see clean water.
    • If you still notice residue or marks inside your toilet tank, then it’s time to move on and try the next cleaning solution.
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Section 2 of 7:

Scrubbing the Tank with Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Dish Soap

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  1. Reach down behind your toilet and find the metal valve on the wall that connects to the water line. Turn the valve clockwise until you can’t turn it anymore to shut the water off to your toilet temporarily. Then, flush your toilet and hold the flapper down until all the water drains out. [3]
    • It’s okay if there’s a little bit of water on the bottom of the tank that won’t drain.
  2. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar with 1/2 cup (64 g) of baking soda in your spray bottle. Then, add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of dish soap and swish the bottle around to combine everything thoroughly. [4]
    • Dish soap helps break down tough stains and mildewed spots, but baking soda and vinegar are also an effective cleaner on their own.
    • To combat toilet odors, try adding 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Tea tree oil and citrus oil are great for covering up bad smells in your bathroom.
  3. Coat all of the surfaces inside of your toilet tank with the vinegar and baking soda solution. Leave the mixture in your toilet tank so it has time to break down all the stains, mold, and mildew from the tank. [5]
    • Make sure no one tries to use the toilet while you’re cleaning the tank since it won’t flush properly.
    • While the solution sits inside your toilet tank, use the extra time to clean the rest of your bathroom .
    • You may also sprinkle dry baking soda into the tank and scrub the surfaces before adding spray. The abrasive baking soda will help remove any marks on the surface.
  4. Use a slightly abrasive sponge or a scrub brush to clean off any marks and loose residue on the tank walls. For added cleaning power, spray some more of the vinegar and baking soda solution onto the brush while you work. Keep scrubbing until you can’t lift up any more marks. [6]
    • Put on rubber gloves so your skin doesn't get irritated by the vinegar solution.
  5. Reach down behind the toilet and turn the valve counterclockwise to pop the water back on. Then, flush the toilet to rinse out the tank and remove any leftover product. [7]
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Section 3 of 7:

Overnight Vinegar Soak to Remove Stains

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  1. Locate the metal valve on the wall behind your toilet that controls the water supply. Twist the valve handle clockwise as far as it will go to prevent the tank from refilling. Then, just flush your toilet and let the water drain out.
    • There may be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water that doesn’t drain out of your tank, but it won’t affect how well you’re able to clean the toilet.
  2. Pour the vinegar in, and make sure it covers the overflow valve, which is a tall vertical tube near the side or middle of your tank. You may need more than one bottle of vinegar because toilet tanks can hold up to 3 gallons (11 L). [8]
    • If you want a more effective soak, then use cleaning vinegar , which is more acidic than vinegar you’d use in your kitchen.
  3. The acidity in the vinegar will break down any tough stains, making it easier for you to clean. You won’t be able to use your toilet while it’s soaking, so let it soak while you’re sleeping or away from home. [9]
    • If you’re worried about other people in your household using the toilet, put up a sign to let them know you’re cleaning the tank.
  4. If there are noticeable marks or stains on the inside of your toilet tank, use a sponge or small brush to scrub them. Keep scouring inside of the tank until you don’t see any more residue. [10]
    • Put on rubber gloves if you reach inside the tank because vinegar could irritate your skin.
  5. Reach down behind your toilet and turn the valve counterclockwise to get the water back on. Give your toilet a flush to remove the vinegar and rinse out the tank.
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Section 4 of 7:

Baking Soda Tablets for Hands-Free Cleaning

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  1. Combine baking soda and citric acid in a bowl. Mix 1 cup (128 g) of baking soda with ½ cup (100 g) of citric acid. The acidity in citric acid will help break down tough stains, while the abrasiveness of baking soda acts as a natural scrubbing agent. [11]
    • Citric acid powder may cause slight skin irritation, so wear rubber gloves when handling it.
  2. Fill a spray bottle with water and use it to spritz the baking soda and citric acid a little at a time. Stir the mixture thoroughly to help it combine with water. Add in a few drops of essential oils, like tea tree oil , lavender oil , or peppermint oil to give it a fresh scent. Keep adding water until the mixture has the consistency of damp sand. [12]
  3. Scoop the mixture into the wells on the muffin tin and press it in tightly. Once they’re full, set the mold on your counter overnight so the mixture can dry into tablets. [13]
    • If you don’t have a muffin tin, an empty ice tray will also work great for forming the molds.
  4. When it’s time to clean your tank, simply take one of the tablets and let it go inside of the tank. The tablet will fizz and slowly dissolve so it disinfects and cleans the inside of your tank. [14]
    • Store the remaining cleaner tablets in an airtight container or resealable bag until it’s time to use them.
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Section 5 of 7:

How often should you clean your toilet tank?

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  1. Tanks don’t get really dirty, but mineral deposits build up over time and can ruin the inner workings of your toilet. In really damp conditions, bacteria and mold can form inside. Prevent any buildup and mold from forming with a thorough cleaning every 6 months. [15]
    • Flush your toilet at least once a week to prevent mineral deposits or lines from forming inside the tank. [16]
Section 6 of 7:

Why use baking soda and vinegar to clean your toilet tank?

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  1. Mineral deposits can form inside of the tank over time, which could damage other parts of your toilet. Baking soda has mild abrasives and it neutralizes toilet odors, so it’s perfect for getting rid of those stubborn marks and stains. [17]
  2. Bacteria and mold can also form in the damp, dark area inside your tank. Because vinegar is an acidic cleaner, it cuts through the mold and mildew easily on contact. Its acidity can also help break down stains on the sides of your toilet tank. [18]
    • When you combine vinegar and baking soda, the chemical reaction fizzes and helps loosen up stubborn buildup so it’s easier to clean off.
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Section 7 of 7:

Other Uses for Baking Soda in Your Bathroom

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  1. Use a toilet brush to wet the sides of the toilet bowl., Sprinkle 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda around the bowl and pour a little into the water. Wait about 30 minutes before cleaning the bowl with your toilet brush. Just flush your toilet when you’re finished. [19]
    • Baking soda will help scrub away stains as well as deodorize your toilet.
  2. When you want a natural way to unclog your toilet , add 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda to the bowl. Slowly pour vinegar into the bowl and wait for it to fizz. Let the vinegar and baking soda react and break apart the clog before trying to flush. [20]
  3. Amy Mikhaiel, a professional home cleaner, says to sprinkle the baking soda in your tub. Then, wet a sponge with vinegar and a drop or two of soap and scrub your bathtub gently. After that, just rinse the tub out with clean water. [21]
    • Mikhaiel also recommends using baking soda and vinegar for naturally cleaning your bathroom sink.
  4. If your faucets have limescale buildup or have low water pressure, Mikhaiel recommends filling a resealable bag with vinegar, a spoonful of baking soda, and water. Tie it around the faucet or showerhead and let it soak. After that, gently scrub it with a toothbrush. [22]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I use to clean the tank in an eco-friendly way?
    Amy Mikhaiel
    House Cleaning Professional
    Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning.
    Amy Mikhaiel
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    If you want to use an eco-friendly option to clean the tank, use baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a little bit of soap.
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  • Question
    Which commercial products are suitable for cleaning?
    Amy Mikhaiel
    House Cleaning Professional
    Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning.
    Amy Mikhaiel
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    The Bar Keepers Friend and COMET are suitable for cleaning. COMET is a powder and contains bleach.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Warnings

      • Never mix vinegar with bleach because it can create chlorine gas, which is dangerous or potentially deadly if you breathe it in. [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/zhthYaKMz_s?t=74
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/zhthYaKMz_s?t=99
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/OIG5iM4bz1M?t=126
      4. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/how-to-clean-toilet-tank/
      5. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/how-to-clean-toilet-tank/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/OIG5iM4bz1M?t=515
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank/
      8. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/how-to-clean-toilet-tank/
      9. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/21530601/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank
      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank/
      2. ↑ https://www.themakeyourownzone.com/diy-toilet-cleaning-fizzy-bombs/
      3. ↑ https://hellamaid.ca/bathroom-cleaning/diy-toilet-bowl-cleaner-tablets/
      4. ↑ https://hellamaid.ca/bathroom-cleaning/diy-toilet-bowl-cleaner-tablets/
      5. ↑ https://hellamaid.ca/bathroom-cleaning/diy-toilet-bowl-cleaner-tablets/
      6. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/21530601/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toilet-tank/
      8. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/why-baking-soda-vinegar-clean.html
      9. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/410927/this-is-what-happens-when-you-put-vinegar-in-your-toilet/
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/OjgWRl9dUao?t=219
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/1tKLo3Tkqsk?t=142
      12. ↑ Amy Mikhaiel. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.
      13. ↑ Amy Mikhaiel. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 3 February 2019.
      14. ↑ https://www.doh.wa.gov/youandyourfamily/healthyhome/contaminants/bleachmixingdangers

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