Look for:
- brown or yellow mineral stains
- rust spots
- mold or mildew
- slime buildup
- sediment at the bottom
This will help you know how much cleaning is needed.
5. Step 4: Apply White Vinegar
Pour 2 to 3 cups of white vinegar directly into the cistern.
Why vinegar?
- dissolves limescale
- kills bacteria
- eliminates odors
- loosens mineral deposits
Let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Sprinkle ½ to 1 cup of baking soda into the tank.
This will cause a fizzing reaction that:
- removes grime
- breaks down stains
- deodorizes naturally
Let the mixture work for another 10–15 minutes.
7. Step 6: Scrub the Tank
Using a sponge or toothbrush, scrub:
- the walls of the tank
- the flush valve
- the flapper
- the float
- the bottom of the tank
Avoid scrubbing delicate rubber parts too harshly.
8. Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
Turn the water supply back on.
Let the cistern fill halfway, then flush to rinse out residue.
Repeat if necessary until the water runs clear.
9. Step 8: Disinfect (Optional but Recommended)
For a deeper clean, add:
Option A: ½ cup of bleach
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush several times.
Option B: A natural disinfectant (vinegar + essential oils)
Let sit 15 minutes before flushing.
Important:
Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia—they create toxic fumes.
10. Step 9: Clean the Exterior
Wipe down:
- the lid
- handle
- sides of the tank
Use a disinfectant spray to eliminate germs and fingerprints.
11. Tips to Keep Your Cistern Clean Longer
- Add a cup of vinegar to the tank once a month to prevent limescale.
- Install a water softener if you have very hard water.
- Avoid blue toilet tank tablets—they can damage components.
- Regularly check for leaks and worn parts.
- Keep the bathroom well-ventilated to reduce mold growth.
12. Benefits of a Clean Toilet Cistern
✔ Cleaner toilet bowl
✔ Better flushing power
✔ Reduced odors
✔ Fewer stains and mineral streaks
✔ Longer lifespan of toilet parts
✔ Improved overall bathroom hygiene
A clean cistern means a cleaner bathroom and a toilet that works like it did the day it was installed.
