How to Clean a Toilet Cistern in 5 Easy Steps

Why should you know how to clean a toilet cistern properly? Good question! Simply put, a clean toilet cistern can make all the world of difference to the overall freshness and hygiene of your bathroom.

Arguably one of the most important components of the toilet when it comes to cleaning, it doesn’t take much for the cistern to become a breeding ground for mineral build-up, mould growth and foul smells. A dirty toilet tank doesn’t just look filthy and unappealing – it can also affect the water flow and cause stubborn stains in the toilet bowl.

By having the right tools within arm’s reach, and applying the right techniques, you won’t just know how to clean a toilet cistern. You’ll be surprised at just how easy it really is! It’s a simple part of the toilet cleaning process that keeps your bathroom spotless and smelling fresh.

Know Your Cistern: Parts You Should Be Familiar With

Before you start putting in the elbow grease to eradicate those toilet stains, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with the various parts of your toilet cistern and what they do. It’ll make a detailed and safe cistern clean significantly easier. Here are the main parts to look out for:

• Cistern lid – Also known as the tank lid, it keeps dust and debris out of the toilet tank.
• Ball float – Controls the water level by rising and falling with the cistern water.
• Overflow valve – Stops the tank from overfilling if the ball float fails.
• Tank flush mechanism – Releases water into the toilet bowl when you flush.
• Water valve – Controls the water supply coming into the tank.
• Other internal components – Includes rods, seals and washers that keep everything working smoothly.

Knowing these parts and what they do will make the toilet tank cleaning process faster and more effective.

Before You Start: Grab Your Cleaning Supplies

First and foremost, before you even open up the cistern, you’ll need the right cleaning supplies to get the cistern sparkling clean. Having everything ready before you start will make the job quicker and more efficient. These items will help you get the job done:

• Rubber gloves – You’ll need these to protect your hands from grime and cleaning products.
• A brush – Whether it’s a toilet brush, scrub brush or old toothbrush, it will help you to get into corners and scrub internal components.
• Spray bottle – This will come in handy for spraying cleaning solution or white vinegar.
• Natural cleaners – Baking soda, citric acid powder, or white distilled vinegar can effectively tackle tough stains and limescale build-up.
• Paper towels, microfibre cloths, or disinfectant wipes – To wipe down surfaces and clear away residue.
• Antibacterial cleaner, disinfectant spray, or your own cleaning solution – Kills germs and keeps the tank clean.

You might also want to consider optional extras such as toilet tablets, a pumice stone or a few drops of essential oils. The latter won’t help with the cleaning but will certainly provide a fresh finish!

Step 1: Shut Off The Water

The first step is simply to shut off the water supply to your loo.

Look for the water valve near the toilet base, where the cistern connects to the plumbing. Turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. This step matters, as it stops the tank from refilling while you clean.

Once you’ve shut off the water, flush the toilet to empty the cistern as much as possible. This makes it much easier to get into the tank. If you still have some remaining water, soak it all up with paper towels or a sponge.

Step 2: Remove the Tank Lid and Inspect the Cistern

Once you’ve emptied the cistern, carefully remove the lid and place it somewhere safe – ideally on a towel to prevent scratches or chips. This gives you a clear view of the inside of your toilet tank and its internal components.

You might see mineral deposits, mould growth or brownish rust stains on the sides or around the base. Examine the following parts for grime, mineral build up or signs of wear and tear:

• flush mechanism
• ball float
• overflow valve

A dirty toilet tank can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and bad odours, so inspecting everything properly is an important part of the cleaning process.

Step 3: Scrub and Use Cleaning Solution

Now it’s time to really get to work.

Whichever cleaning solution you’ve opted for, squirt or spray it inside the toilet cistern. You can use a mix of white vinegar and baking soda, citric acid powder or your own cleaning solution in a spray bottle.

Make sure it covers the sides, base and all internal components. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. If the toilet stains are a little more stubborn than what a 10-15 minute break will resolve, or you’re dealing with limescale buildup, you can let it sit overnight.

Whichever option you’ve chosen, grab your preferred brush and get to work. Concentrate on parts like the overflow valve, ball float and any visible rust stains or limescale.

Step 4: Rinse and Reassemble

Once you’ve scrubbed everything clean, it’s time to rinse out the toilet cistern.

Use clean water and a microfibre cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining residue from your cleaning solution. Make sure you remove all baking soda, citric acid or white vinegar from around the internal components. If you feel you need to, go over the surfaces again with disinfectant wipes to kill off any remaining bacteria.

Once the inside of the tank is clean place the cistern lid back on. Turn the water valve anti-clockwise to restore the water supply and do a test flush to check everything is working smoothly. Your toilet tank should now be clean, fresh and ready to go.

Step 5: Finish with a Deep Clean and Maintenance Tips

And for the final step in how to clean a toilet cistern…

Now that the inside of the toilet tank is clean, give the outside of your toilet a quick tidy. Wipe down the toilet seat, handle and cistern exterior with disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipes. This keeps your whole toilet looking and feeling fresh. To prevent future build-up and keep your toilet tank supremely clean and hygienic, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Add toilet tablets to the tank once a month to keep it smelling clean.
• Use a mild cleaning solution in the tank every 2–3 months.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the internal parts.
• Check for mineral deposits and rust stains during your regular bathroom cleaning.
• Clean both the toilet bowl and cistern.

A little bit of maintenance helps reduce bad smells, improve water flow and keep your toilet in top shape.

A Clean Cistern Makes All the Difference

Knowing how to clean a toilet cistern can make a big difference to your bathroom’s hygiene and appearance.

With just a few basic cleaning products, some elbow grease and a little know-how, transforming a dirty cistern into a fresh sanitary toilet tank becomes infinitely easier. Better yet? It stays that way for longer. Keeping up with a regular cleaning routine makes deep cleans easier and extends the life of your toilet.

A clean toilet tank really is the key to a healthier, fresher and more inviting bathroom.

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