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Post By Admin
October 29, 2024
How to Clean, Descale, and Disinfect Toilet Cistern Effectively

If you’re reading this page, congrats! It means you’re one of the rare people who know the importance of cleaning toilet cistern — and trust us, that’s something to be proud of! 

Regularly cleaning, descaling, and disinfecting your toilet cistern not only keeps everything fresh and hygienic but also helps prevent those frustrating clogs and mineral build-ups that can lead to calling a toilet repair service

Ready to save time, money, and a whole lot of hassle? Read this post to master how to clean toilet cistern like a pro!

Why Should You Clean the Toilet Cistern?

Knowing how to clean the toilet tank can make a surprising difference in your bathroom’s cleanliness and function. Here’s why:

1. Prevent Mould Growth

Toilet cisterns can be breeding grounds for mould and mildew. You need to keep these unwanted visitors out of your bathroom to protect both the air quality and your health. Also, you will save yourself from cringing by the nasty looks of mould inside the tank.

2. Keep Things Flowing Smoothly

Ever had a toilet not flushing properly? Mineral deposits and grime can interfere with the mechanisms in the cistern, causing clogs or weak flushes. Cleaning helps prevent these issues, keeping everything working as it should.

3. Reduce Limescale Build-up

image of limescale buildup

Hard water can cause limescale to accumulate, which not only looks unsightly but also restricts water flow and damages internal parts. Regular descaling keeps your cistern in top shape.

4. Extend Toilet Lifespan

Just like any other household appliance, your toilet performs best when well-maintained. Removing build-up and preventing rust means fewer repairs and replacements down the line, helping your toilet last longer. You don’t want to replace the toilet cistern sooner than it’s supposed to, don’t you?

5. Save on Water Bills

Clogs and build-ups can lead to water wastage as the system works harder to flush. A clean cistern allows your toilet to operate efficiently, reducing unnecessary water usage and keeping bills under control.

How to Clean a Toilet Cistern

If you are wondering what a toilet cistern is, it’s essentially the tank in your toilet that holds water and contains the parts that make your toilet flush. That’s why it’s essential to clean the toilet cistern regularly! Here’s how to tackle it like a pro:

1. Prepare the Necessary Tools

necessary tools for cleaning toilet cistern

Gather a pair of rubber gloves, a brush or an old toothbrush if it’s too big, a sponge, a small bucket, and a good cistern cleaner. These tools will make the job easier and more effective.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the valve near the base of the toilet and turn off water to the toilet completely. This prevents any accidental overflows while you work.

3. Empty the Tank

emptying the toilet tank

Flush the toilet until the tank is as empty as possible, ensuring no water remains inside. This step helps avoid an overflowing toilet during cleaning.

4. Remove the Lid

Carefully lift off the tank lid and set it aside. This exposes the cistern so you can access every part that needs cleaning.

5. Pour in Toilet Cistern Cleaner

pour in the toilet cistern cleaner

Pour your chosen toilet tank cleaner into the tank, following the product instructions. These cleaners are specially formulated to tackle grime, mineral build-up, and bacteria.

6. Scrub and Rinse

Use a sponge or brush to scrub down the inside walls, paying attention to any areas with build-up. Rinse with a bucket of clean water, wiping down any remaining residue until the tank is spotless.

How to Descale a Toilet Cistern

white vinegar to descale the toilet cistern

Now that you’ve learned how to clean a toilet cistern, it’s time to tackle descaling. Let’s get started!

If you’re jumping straight into descaling after cleaning, there’s no need to start from scratch. 

With the water already off and the cistern empty, simply pour in a descaling solution—like a specialised product or white vinegar—enough to cover the mineral deposits. 

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour for tougher build-up) to break down the scale effectively.

Once it’s had time to work, scrub the tank’s surfaces with a brush to loosen any remaining deposits. 

Then, turn the water supply back on and flush a few times to rinse out the solution completely. By adding descaling to your cleaning routine, you’ll keep your cistern free of build-up and perform at its best!

Don’t Forget to Disinfect the Tank!

disinfecting the toilet tank

Once your cistern is clean and free of scale, it’s time for a final step: disinfection. Leaving a disinfectant in the tank for several hours or even overnight is ideal, as this allows it to effectively kill any remaining bacteria or germs that could cause odours or staining.

Disinfecting the cistern not only ensures a hygienic environment but also helps prevent future build-up of bacteria that could impact water quality. 

After letting the disinfectant sit, give the tank one more thorough cleaning, then turn on the water supply and flush to rinse everything out

Finally, test the flush to make sure everything is working smoothly, and reinstall the cistern lid. Now, your cistern is not only clean but also thoroughly disinfected and ready for use!

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning a toilet cistern isn’t as tough as it might seem—it just takes a little effort and a strong will! 

With a few simple steps, you can keep your toilet running smoothly and hygienically. And if you ever need a hand or expert assistance, Neighbourhood Plumbing is here to help.

🚽 Need Help with Toilet Cistern Maintenance? We’ve Got You Covered! 🚽

Cleaning and descaling your toilet cistern is crucial for its longevity, but some tasks are best left to the professionals. Our team provide expert toilet maintenance services, ensuring your cistern stays in top condition and functions perfectly.

We serve a wide range of areas within Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs, including:

Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more complex issue, we’re here to help. Call us now for reliable toilet repair services.

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About the Author

Ricky Rizz

From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.

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