Introduction: Over time, the toilet cistern, an essential component of your toilet system, can accumulate dirt, lime scale, mineral deposits, and even mold. These buildups not only affect the appearance but can also impair the cistern’s functionality. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep your toilet cistern in optimal condition, prolong its life, and maintain hygiene. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your toilet cistern effectively with simple and natural ingredients, leaving it sparkling clean and looking as good as new.
Ingredients:
White vinegar (about 2 cups)
Baking soda (1/4 cup)
A toilet brush
A sponge or microfiber cloth
Rubber gloves (for protection)
A bucket (optional for water removal)
A small scrub brush or old toothbrush
Clean water
Instructions:
Turn Off the Water Supply: Before starting, locate the water supply valve behind your toilet. Turn it off to prevent water from refilling the cistern during the cleaning process. This will also give you a chance to drain the water from the cistern.
Drain the Cistern: Flush the toilet to drain the water in the cistern. If needed, you can use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank. This step will allow you to reach all surfaces inside the cistern for cleaning.
Apply White Vinegar: Pour about 2 cups of white vinegar into the empty cistern. White vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that helps dissolve mineral deposits, lime scale, and other buildups inside the tank. Let the vinegar sit for at least 30 minutes to loosen any stains or deposits.
Scrub the Interior: After the vinegar has had time to sit, use a toilet brush to scrub the sides of the cistern. Focus on areas where you see mineral buildup or grime. For stubborn stains, dip a small scrub brush or an old toothbrush in the vinegar and gently scrub the hard-to-reach spots like around the flush valve and the corners.
Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda into the cistern. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will create a fizzy reaction that helps break down remaining grime and buildup. Let the solution sit for another 10-15 minutes to work its magic.
Scrub Again: After allowing the baking soda and vinegar to sit, scrub the cistern again with the toilet brush. Focus on areas where you see lingering stains or mineral deposits. Use the sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down any areas that are difficult to reach with the brush.
Flush to Rinse: Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. The fresh water will rinse away the vinegar and baking soda solution, along with the loosened dirt and grime. You may want to flush a couple of times to ensure the tank is thoroughly rinsed.
Final Touches: Wipe down the outside of the cistern with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water marks or residue. If necessary, give the tank a final inspection and use a damp cloth to clean any last spots.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Regular Maintenance: Clean your toilet cistern every 1-2 months to prevent buildup. Regular cleaning will not only maintain its appearance but will also ensure the toilet works efficiently by preventing clogs and leaks.
Drying the Cistern: After cleaning, leave the lid open for a while to allow the cistern to dry properly before using it again.
Storage: Store any leftover vinegar or baking soda in a cool, dry place for future cleaning needs. These ingredients are great for other household cleaning tasks as well.
Water Softener: If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener or using a descaling solution in your cistern to prevent mineral buildup in the future.
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