This is what happens when you put baking soda in your toilet
Cleaning toilets is no one’s favorite job, but baking soda in your pantry can make the job easier. Learn how to use baking soda wisely in your toilet tank and bowl.
Why use baking soda in your toilet tank?
Baking soda is a natural product that helps neutralize bacteria that causes odors and stains.
The powder acts as a mild abrasive to help loosen stuck-on dirt without damaging surfaces and deodorizes by transforming acidic and basic odor molecules to a more neutral, odor-free state.
Baking soda can be safely combined with other cleaners.
How to Clean Your Toilet Tank with Baking Soda
” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uMwstW32UKzKg8YJegAECg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_spruce_188/c0b790c4f84f86fa8f9 3f81a013a0333″ class=”caas -img”/>
The spruce / Ana Cadena
Although you don’t often see the inside of the toilet tank, the water that ends up in your bowl passes through the tank.
This is why it is important to remove all mineral deposits that can damage or hinder the functioning of the components as well as fungi and bacteria that can grow inside.
Cleaning the tank helps reduce stains in the toilet bowl and freshens the air in the bathroom.
Follow these steps to clean your toilet tank with baking soda.
-
Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet several times to empty the water from the tank. You can leave about an inch of water in the tank.
-
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the tank.
-
Wait 30 minutes to give the baking soda time to absorb odors and begin to remove stains and fungus.
-
Scrub the inside of the tank with a soft-bristled brush or abrasive sponge. Be careful not to damage internal plumbing components.
-
Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill completely.
-
Flush the toilet to rinse away the baking soda and loose dirt.
How to Clean a Toilet Tank with Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you want to scrub a little less, use a combination of baking soda and distilled white vinegar.
-
Remove the top of the tank.
-
Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into the tank and use a toilet brush to mix it with the water.
-
Add a cup of baking soda and watch it fizz.
-
After 10 minutes, scrub the inside of the tank with the toilet brush.
-
Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes and rinse the tank.
How to Clean a Toilet Bowl With Baking Soda and Vinegar
There is no need to resort to commercial toilet bowl cleaners. You can make your own with baking soda and vinegar, but keep them separate until you’re ready to clean.
When you’re ready to clean the toilet, add a quarter cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Then add two cups of distilled white vinegar.
The solution will fizz. When the fizzing stops (wait at least 15 minutes), scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush the toilet.
How to Unclog a Toilet With Baking Soda and Hot Water
” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BMFnPSDeU6L0tmr0_K3Vvg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_spruce_188/0d53c658a9440f4463 7e27f152b9d078″ class=”caas -img”/>
The spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
If the toilet bowl drains slowly or not at all, try using baking soda and hot water to dislodge the clog. The combination can cause the water level in the bowl to decrease. If the water level does not decrease, do not flush the toilet! Switch to another method to clear the clog.
-
Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl.
-
Pour in a gallon of very hot water. Leave the mixture to act for at least 30 minutes.
-
If the water level has dropped, the clog has dislodged and you can flush the toilet.
Advice
Add half a cup of dishwashing liquid with the baking soda and water for best results.
How often to clean
Most toilet tanks need to be cleaned twice a year. If your bathroom remains so humid that mold often grows, clean the tank once a month.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use baking soda to clean other parts of the toilet?
Yes, baking soda can be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl as well as the outside of the toilet, seat and lid.
What happens if you put baking soda and vinegar in your toilet tank?
When baking soda (a base) and distilled white vinegar (an acid) are combined, they fizz to help loosen dirt and minerals in the tank so they can be cleaned with less effort.
Is baking soda safe for septic tanks?
Yes, baking soda is septic safe and can even help maintain a healthy pH in the system.
Read Next: The Ultimate Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Read the original article on The Spruce.
