As the toilet tank contains water it can start to smell sometimes. You might be wondering how to make toilet tanks smell good?
The foul smell of the toilet tank can be removed by using some natural remedies. Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to make toilet tanks smell good.
However, there’s a lot more to know when it comes to learning about removing the bad odor from your toilet tanks. Luckily you are in the right place because I am going to show you how to do it effectively and make your toilet tank smell as fresh as a new one.
So without any further ado, let’s get into it!
Why does my toilet tank smell musty?
There can be many reasons for the bad smell in toilet tanks. The most common reason is the build-up of bacteria and mold.
Bacteria and mold love damp and humid places, and your toilet tank is the perfect place for them to thrive. Another common reason for the bad smell in toilet tanks is the build-up of minerals.
Over time, the water in your tank can leave behind mineral deposits that can contribute to the bad smell.
How to Make Toilet Tanks Smell Good?
As mentioned earlier, you can use some natural remedies to get rid of this issue. However, most people are unaware of the power of natural remedies and prefer to use chemicals.
One of the most effective ways to make your toilet tank smell good is by using baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will neutralize the odors in your tank.
To use baking soda, simply sprinkle some into your toilet tank and let it sit for an hour or two. After that, flush the toilet to rinse away the baking soda.
You can also add a cup of vinegar to the tank along with the baking soda. The vinegar will help to break down any mineral deposits that might be causing the bad smell.
Let the mixture sit in the tank for an hour or two before flushing it away. You can also use lemons to make your toilet tank smell good.
Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it around the inside of the tank. Let the lemon juice sit for an hour or two before flushing it away. You can also add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the tank for a fresh and clean smell.
How Much Baking Soda Should I Add to My Toilet Tank?
So far you’ve learned you can eliminate the bad odor by using natural fresheners such as baking soda, vinegar etc. However, you may still not how much you should add to your tank to make it effective.
The answer to this really depends on how bad the odor is. If the odor is strong, you’ll need to add more baking soda to the tank.
A good rule of thumb is to add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the tank for a strong odor. For a moderate odor, you can add a 1/4 cup of baking soda.
And for a light odor, you can add a 1/8 cup of baking soda. If you’re not sure how bad the odor is, it’s always better to err on the side of adding more rather than less.
How much vinegar do you put in your toilet tank to clean it?
Another common question that most people ask is how much vinegar should be used to clean the toilet tank.
The answer to this also depends on how bad the odor is. If the odor is strong, you’ll need to add more vinegar to the tank.
A general rule of thumb is to add 1/2 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water. So, if your toilet tank holds 1 gallon of water, you would add 1/2 cup of vinegar.
If the odor isn’t too bad, you can get away with adding 1/4 cup of vinegar. Again, this is for every gallon of water that your toilet tank holds.
If you have a really strong odor, you might need to add up to 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
Once you’ve added the vinegar, flush the toilet a few times to make sure that the vinegar gets into all the nooks and crannies of the tank.
Let the vinegar sit in the tank for at least 30 minutes before flushing again. This will give the vinegar time to work its magic and eliminate the odor.
If the odor is still there after you’ve flushed the toilet, you can repeat the process until the odor is gone.
Can I Add Baking Soda to My Toilet Bowl?
You can also add baking soda to your toilet bowl to help eliminate odors. Simply sprinkle a 1/2 cup of baking soda around the inside of the bowl and let it sit for an hour or two.
After that, flush the toilet to rinse away the baking soda. You can also add vinegar to the bowl along with the baking soda.
The vinegar will help to break down any mineral deposits that might be causing the bad smell. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for an hour or two before flushing it away.
Is It Safe to Put Baking Soda in My Toilet Tank?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to put baking soda in your toilet tank. Baking soda is a natural product and will not harm your toilet or plumbing in any way.
In fact, many people use baking soda in their toilets as a way to clean and deodorize the bowl. If you’re concerned about the baking soda damaging your toilet, you can always add a little vinegar to the tank along with the baking soda.
Can I put bleach in my toilet tank?
No, you should not put bleach in your toilet tank. Bleach can damage the seals in your toilet and cause it to leak. Additionally, bleach can discolor your toilet bowl and make it difficult to clean.
If you need to disinfect your toilet, you can use a toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach. Instead of using bleach, you may use specific toilet tank cleaners and fresheners.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the product and take care when handling bleach.
Final Words
All of the methods mentioned above are effective in making your toilet tank smell good. However, how much you add in depends on how bad the odor is. For every gallon of water in your toilet tank, add 1/2 cup of baking soda.
If the smell isn’t too bad, a little over 1/4 cup of vinegar may be enough. If you have an extremely strong odor, you may need to use up to 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water.
I hope after reading this article you will be able to get rid of the bad smell from your toilet tank. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.