How To Kill Mold In A Toilet Tank
If you have mold in your toilet tank, it shouldn't be left untreated because it poses a health risk. The water in toilet tanks makes them a primary breeding ground for mold. Black mold is common in toilet tanks, but it won't grow on non-porous porcelain surfaces outside the toilet.
You should be able to treat the mold yourself. Here are tips to get rid of mold in toilet tanks.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- rubber gloves
- face mask
- bucket
- soft-bristle brush
- toilet brush
- white vinegar
- disinfectant wipes
- spray bottle (optional)
- borate (optional)
- toilet cake (optional)
- thick towels or mat
- baking soda
- bleach
Shut off the toilet water supply, and flush the toilet. The valve is commonly beside or behind the toilet. If you don't see the valve, turn off the main water supply. Lay the toilet lid on a soft surface, such as a couple of thick towels or a thick mat.
Add Bleach
Don't breathe mold spores. Wear rubber gloves and face mask when working with bleach and mold. Never combine bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, because it produces toxic fumes.
Add warm water to a bucket with some bleach, and pour it inside the tank. Pour water until it is the height of the mold stains.
Let the solution sit for twenty minutes. Never leave bleach longer than twenty minutes or it could damage valves.
Restore the water, and flush several times to remove bleach residue. Sprinkle some baking soda on the brush, and scrub inside of the tank.
Use disinfectant wipes to clean the outside of the toilet tank and seat. Discard cleaning supplies that came into contact with mold.
Pour a cup of undiluted bleach in the toilet and flush. Repeat this weekly to prevent mold. Also, set a toilet cake on the toilet rim or tank to stop mold. Borate is another option to prevent mold.
Use Vinegar
If you are sensitive to bleach, or prefer natural cleaners, use vinegar. Pour a half gallon of vinegar inside the tank. Pour a gallon bucket of water in the tank until it reaches the mold.
Leave the vinegar in the toilet overnight to loosen the mold. Restore the water, and flush several times.
Dip the brush in vinegar, sprinkle baking soda on the bristles, then scrub the tank. Don't replace the toilet lid until everything dries.
Vinegar is also effective undiluted. Pour some in a spray bottle, and squirt it on the mold.
Set up a dehumidifier to reduce the chance of mold growth. If you don't trust your skill, or the mold keeps coming back, contact a professional cleaning service such as Fresh Start Cleaning.
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