EASY: Clean Your Toilet Tank Without Scrubbing - TightwadDIY

[@TightWadDIY]

Amazon Storefront with all of my favorite things: www.amazon.com/shop/tightwaddiy Use these Amazon product links to order the items you need for your repair! Out White Bright: amzn.to/372bH5m Iron Out: amzn.to/3DpnQxs Use this LinkTree to access all of my accounts: linktr.ee/tightwaddiy

[@chriscangelosi9438]

Wow, amazing no scrubbing 🥰 subscribed gonna use your links!

[@nancymcmonarch]

Bleach is cheaper, and would kill all that black mold you were inhaling. 🤯

[@GrillThisSmokeThat]

@@nancymcmonarch Bleach doesn’t work the same.

[@nancymcmonarch]

@@GrillThisSmokeThat Obviously not. Bleach would have killed all the mold spores, and that did not happen here, even despite the messy, time-consuming rag procedure. It's clear this channel exists only to advertise needless products and rake in affiliate dollars from Amazon. BIG FAIL.

[@唐亮-j4p]

This is the second one for the basement bat. kzbin.infoUgkxOuLt8IL_GxhhaK8DBuKEL-zV0UJVpWZn , works great

[@theworldviewer]

I used the product Iron Out and followed the instructions on the bottle. I didn’t do any emptying the tank or adding hot water. Before going to bed at night, I raised the water level above the stain line, poured in a half cup of Iron Out into the existing cold water and let it sit overnight. In the morning the tank was lily white.

[@matthewk6731]

As a plumber: 1. First ventilate the room when cleaning. 2. Bleach and scrub first to get the mold out. Those spots on the refill tube and top of the fill valve is mold. I have seen tanks filled with it. 3. Pouring hot water in a cold tank can crack it due to the sudden huge temperature change. 4. New toilets come with cheap coated steel bolts that rust out. Use the old brass bolts or buy new along with good quality black laminated washers. Throw away those cheap white washers that come with the tank. They disintegrate. 5. Put rubber washer on bolt through tank. Underneath put metal washer and nut to seal the tank. Then put the tank onto the bowl and you only need enough tightening so the tank to bowl gasket does not leak. Less stress on the tank. Then put something solid between the tank and wall to support it when people sit and lean back. Less stress on the tank to bowl connection. Edit. A couple people asked for any more advice. The float ball in this video is rubbing on the side, so the rod needs to be adjusted or turn the entire fill valve. That particular fill valve is a Mansfield 08. If you set the water level close to specifications at about 1/2" below the top of the overflow pipe, the rubber diaphragm will wear in, and the water level will sometimes endlessly dump into the overflow and never dhut off. Huge water bill. Set the level at 1 inch, and check it until it settles in. When cleaning the tank, you can pull out the refill tube and use it to hose down the bottom and sides to flush out the crud. Always wear gloves because there is mold and bacteria floating around in there. Different subject, when leaving the house for an extended period, even for the weekend, turn the water off at the water meter or wherever it enters the house. If a pipe, water heater, toilet, etc., leaks, then the only water comes from what is in that pope or fixture. No continuous source of water to run for days, weeks, or months while you are away. You come home to a destroyed house and huge water bill.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks for the tips.

[@sharonp4446]

Appreciate your advice

[@SkyNeely]

Appreciate the advice. Anything to add or change if you are renting an apartment?

[@j.b.delaney3444]

Wish I'd seen your comment earlier. Just split the tank...in a one bathroom house.

[@mvj1153]

Thank You!...I was about to pour boiling water cause I thought it would be better than the hot water he said in the video. Glad I saw your comment.

[@Saber500]

Yeah .. "The Works" will melt iron stains and dissolve the rust away .. it states that it is safe for septic systems right on the bottle .. been using it for years and highly recommend it 👍

[@TightWadDIY]

It works so well!

[@luzvimindacruz3982]

Be careful when using hot tap water in your toilet tank. Mine cracked after I poured the hot tap water. I ended up installing a new toilet bowl and tank.

[@alexandrawhitelock6195]

Thanks! Just learned something…👍

[@lgoamity]

@@luzvimindacruz3982 Any idea what Temperature your Water Heater is running at? Understand the average is like 140F... With various sources and DOE recommending people turn that down to 120F (49C) to save energy. Suppose various factors are at play. Water/Tank might be 55F-Room Temp(70F?) and a quick "shock" of lukewarm water (105-115F) might be an issue. No doubt Boiling Water (212F/100F) is asking for trouble.

[@evaperez4139]

I use WORKS in bowl. Never thought of putting in tank. Thanks for that tip. Moving to a rental house. Bathroom needs alot TLC. Stay safe Greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@sarahb2623]

I cannot believe I've lived in the countryside on well water with lime and rust stains for over 20 years, yet no one, not one single neighbor or friend, ever mentioned this great tip! Thanks so very much!

[@TightWadDIY]

Let me know how it goes on your stains!

[@nancyroane6112]

Check the plumbers tips on comments. He gave numerous tips. One is adding hot water to tank can crack it - temperature change. I think you can do the same with baking soda and vinegar.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

My toilet cleaning tip: If you have stains right under the inside rim of your toilet that are hard to scrub and really caked on there, take some toilet paper and dunk it in a tupper ware of white vinegar and then squeeze out most of the vinegar so its just wet and stick it to the inside rim under the toilet boil ring. The moisture will help it cling to the side of the toilet. I let it sit there for like an hour and the stains are gone. You can basically just flush the toilet when your done to clean up the tp.

[@TightWadDIY]

Nice idea!

[@retiredluvit4100]

great idea

[@boorntobewild]

Finally found the answer I was looking for. After watching numerous toilet bowl videos of how to normally clean toilet bowl.

[@MsMishkyn]

CLR has provided minimal help in any application I've used it for. Saw a video testing CLR vs. white vinegar to remove the rust from badly rusted pliers, so rusted they would not even open. After soaking all night---the tester used a wire brush to clean off any residual rust. The vinegar did a perfect job, the CLR, even after hard scrubbing, left behind a great deal of rust. No contest, the plain old vinegar did a wonderful job. Plus, given the price difference between the two, why would anyone bother with the chemicals? Thanks for your great demonstration---Not only invaluable information, but you never bored us by showing every tiny step---your video was paced really well and that is so appreciated.

[@gregre052]

​ Toilet cleaner

[@jaye8872]

I use cup of white vinegar, tsp Dawn and tablespoon of baking soda. Add to drained tank leave in overnight. It completely cleans the toliet tank. No scrubbing.

[@flimflam2]

Vinegar and baking soda cancel each other though.

[@gabrielakerekes5844]

@@flimflam2 ,wrong vinegar with baking soda in the water they activate each other’s and the millions bubbles act as a cleaner. You can even drink too this mix BS with water and add vinegar. When the reaction start (bibles)try to drink that and it will clean your blockage in the stomach and help you burping and you will feel millions time better. Nothing can be more organic cleaner for human stomach,intestines. This is very old home made remedies. Baking soda and vinegar it’s use in so many other way for cleaning…so again NO those 2 do not cancel each other’s.

[@paulinaadkins3593]

I will try this. I don't Want to buy something I won't use too often But I do have these things in

[@trankt54155]

@@gabrielakerekes5844 Yes, the bubbles are carbon dioxide (CO2). Vinegar solution (acetic acid in water (H2O))+baking soda (sodium bicarb NaHCO3) would give sodium hydroxide, carbon dioxide, H2O and carbonic acid....I believe recalling from chemistry days in the past. You can add 2 parts of vinegar and one part baking soda to your sink to unclog your sink and it is safer than other corrosive agents on the market because those agents would also corrode your metallic pipes such copper pipes, brass fitting and iron pipes. Yes, you can also drink baking soda because as a basic compound it reacts with HCl (hydrochloric acid in the stomach) to neutralize it if you have heartburn, acid reflux and stomach upset, etc.

[@trankt54155]

Yes, it does.

[@DGBandel]

You waste ALOT of water! While waiting for the tap water to get hot do you collect the cold water for cooking later, make ice cubes, water plants? Don't waste resources..

[@willcraig6421]

We saw this vid & thought”well ok!”!Ordered a bottle,it arrived & we followed the process. I was about to leave a snarky”all it did was leave a blueish coating inside the tank”comment,when,next day,I checked again.The blue film is gone & the tank very clean!! Wow!! Thanks for posting the vid.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad it worked for you too! No snarky comments allowed! Haha.

[@crni_miso]

We have innovative and patented cisterns that no one in the world has, that solve all existing problems and that are resistant to everything, we have mechanical and digital. But we need investors or financial support to start production. Let me know if you have a suggestion, thank you. "OZONE 2020"

[@doodaddy1454]

did anyone see the black swirls forming after the cleaning? was that rubber melting away? 🙀

[@Revelation18-4]

Be careful. I used that once and ended up having an terrible asthma attack and I don't have asthma. I even wore a mask and took all the necessary precautions.

[@Amyjochicago]

I tried this and the toilet tank cracked from the hot sink water. So, now all the stains will be gone, but that's because I'll have a new toilet.

[@gatlinburg-val]

Before I start, I give the toilet tank water a swirl with the brush to suspend the grit on the bottom, making dirty water and flushing 2x's, you are then starting without the settlement on the tank bottom or in the bowl and just attacking the stained sides with the cleaner.

[@SunshineRacette]

I use lime out when it’s bad, but if you drop a couple of denture cleaning tabs in the tank, it works wonders. And you don’t have to drain the tank or add hot water.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’ll have to try that.

[@zulmabontiffe487]

denture tablets also clean diamonds and sterling silver jewelry.. THAT WORKS!!!

[@NicholasPeters1]

Thanks for the info--I will see if I can try the denture tablets too to see what they do. Do you know if the tablets will clean out the stains or whatever that gets in the rim part of the bowl (the rim part where the water runs down from the tank into the toilet bowl)?

[@beachbums2008]

Does the 1 cup of chemical powder you let sit in the tank for 2 hours effect the integrity of the rubber seal down in the tank????

[@TightWadDIY]

beachbums2008 Only time will tell. So far so good after a month. I’ll update if I have any issues.

[@RealGalaxyGamers]

Everything is made of chemicals so saying that chemical powder is stupid

[@pks1884]

This is a product that is used in washing machines and does not do damage there.

[@donnamaco1]

@@pks1884 You can put sodium Hypochlorite in your washer but if you put it in the tank you will eventually have rotted rubber seals and a leak to deal with. The black after the treatment is the rubber components deteriorating.

[@pks1884]

@@donnamaco1 Ok. Thank you for the added info.

[@susanacevedo8833]

I have never thought C about cleaning the inside of the tank! Yuk!

[@passionateherbs8183]

My mother used to clean the tank once a week when she cleaned the toilet bowl with whatever she used in the toilet bowl and it never got to this stage of dirty or rusty, always spotless. However, she wasn't the type of mom that taught me anything because "she could do it faster" she had no patience to teach so I didn't find this out until I was in my 30's or 40's.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’ve never known someone who cleaned the tank regularly!

[@passionateherbs8183]

@@TightWadDIY Nobody does! My mother is a different breed! She is 91 and still mows her own lawn! You know because nobody can do it right. LOL

[@TightWadDIY]

@@passionateherbs8183 that’s awesome! I predict I’ll be the same way! Haha.

[@lindaa2437]

@@passionateherbs8183 Hey Passionate Herbs. God Bless your mom! Mowing her own lawn is what is keeping her going strong @ 91. May she stay that strong for another twenty years!🕊🙏

[@davidmcarthur7029]

Does any of this harm your septic tanks???

[@bambamnj]

Just a word of caution!!! Towels will wick water, so keep and eye on the towels if you lay them over the tank like shown in this video. You could end up with a bunch of water on your bathroom floor. The towels will actual wick the water up out of the tank and the water will be pulled over the top and then drip onto your floor. You may not think this would happen but trust me it will. So if you do this leave the towels there, let's say over night while you sleep, when you come in to check on it, you could find half the water from the tank on your bathroom floor. Yes the towels will stop wicking when the water level in the tank drops below the reach of the towels, but this can still end up being a lot of water and your floor can be very slippery. Just be cautious and know that wicking is a thing that can happen. I have left towels in a 5 gallon bucket of water and ended up with 4 gallons of water on the floor.

[@TightWadDIY]

You speak the truth!

[@crni_miso]

We have innovative and patented cisterns that no one in the world has, that solve all existing problems and that are resistant to everything, we have mechanical and digital. But we need investors or financial support to start production. Let me know if you have a suggestion, thank you. "OZONE 2020"

[@e.conboy4286]

Thanks for this advice!

[@blauer2551]

I use a product called “the works” and it really does

[@TightWadDIY]

It’s a very similar product!

[@ruthgodfrey6955]

I'm hooked on "the works ". Haven't been able to find it in the past year (?)

[@blauer2551]

@@ruthgodfrey6955 Tractor Supply is where we usually get it

[@robinluich6626]

The works has never worked for me,not even a little.

[@blauer2551]

@@robinluich6626 That’s hard for me to believe because it works so good for me. I usually spread it around with a sponge then let it sit and then just rinse the rust stains away. For the calcium stains I use the scratchy side of the sponge.

[@mikecanniff3873]

I've always just left water on,used water already in tank. Works just fine. My tank was dark brown, looks new after Iron Out.

[@CP-zb3ky]

I like your way better, easier and less effort are always better 👍

[@dariosimone2383]

Thank you I will try your way.

[@infinitig37x84]

He’s using his kitchen spoon 🥄 😮”NASTY”

[@robinluich6626]

Should've flushed once then let that water sit in the toilet for any rings. By the way, Vitamin C works.

[@FreedomCompatriots]

I had a licensed plumber tell me one time to be careful about running hot water into the toilet tank. The temperature of the hot water coming from your water heater can be enough to crack the tank. Just be mindful of this possibility.

[@stevenwagner9912]

I think you would only have to watch if it is cold and you pour in hot water too fast. The temperature change could crack it.

[@steveengelbrecht7271]

Be careful what you put in your tank. I was using those large Clorox tablets to keep tank and bowl clean. That they did, however; I found they ate up the o’rings in the mechanism on both toilets necessitating a plumber visit. He said not to put anything in the tanks. No more easy clean bowls.

[@patriciablue4747]

It happened to me too.

[@karenhawkins6311]

The water in my brand new toilet is orange all the time. I put one of those Clorox bleach tabs in there and it isn’t helping at all. I have orange rings in the bowl every day.

[@noreenblanchette]

Worked great! My tank was black and it looks beautiful now. Thanks for the helpful video. It was very simple and I got awesome results. Tomorrow I’ll tackle the other bathroom

[@TightWadDIY]

You’re welcome!

[@fidelitabasa4008]

Every 3-4 months I clean my toilet tank & I use Dawn dishwashing detergent & brush to clean it & I don’t have any built up water stain so far....

[@miguela.vallenavedo5831]

Lets split this movie i use dawn plus vinegar and a rag for the longest time 2x a year!

[@crystalandjoshua]

How hard do you have to scrub and how do you exactly do it

[@crystalandjoshua]

What type of vinager I have the cleaning vinager and apple cider vinegar

[@etimc]

It all depends on what minerals are or are not in your water - where I live here in Costa Rica our city water comes from a huge spring up in the mountains, but some of the older homes with private wells eat up sink and shower valves in a year

[@dorothyanderson2568]

How about clean what you can see. The inside, the back and the sides that are bolted down also when your raise the seat. I have seen 🤮🤮🤮

[@TightWadDIY]

Haha. True!

[@lynn4164]

So this must be why my basement toilet water was iron-y when I first flushed after not using it for probably many months. Never thought to routinely flush it or better yet, clean the tank. Mine must be filthy. Thanks!

[@crni_miso]

We have innovative and patented cisterns that no one in the world has, that solve all existing problems and that are resistant to everything, we have mechanical and digital. But we need investors or financial support to start production. Let me know if you have a suggestion, thank you. "OZONE 2020"

[@OWEN-Bois]

Honey do you know where my kitchen spoon is?

[@TightWadDIY]

It’s in the dish washer!

[@aquakool6582]

Did you clean white fill tube and fill valve too on the toilet? In the video they appeared to have either rust or mold on them.

[@alexishamlin5113]

Question- I live on a small lake with a sewer system. They ask us not to use bleach in cleaning anything, to only use the gentle Seventh Generation stuff. How would this method affect our little ecosystem?

[@kathym6603]

When you have a natural system, even a septic system that depends on microbial breakdown, you can get away with a few small insults to the system. But what if everyone broke the rules at your lake? The ecosystem would suffer and who wants to live on a lake that is in trouble. Your lake is like a breathing organism with good and bad bacteria. Enough chemicals and the system will "die."

[@alexishamlin5113]

@@kathym6603 Thank you, That was my thought also but it sounded too good to be workable here.

[@bernardotoole4366]

Dissolve the product in the hot water before you pour the solution into the cistern.

[@TightWadDIY]

Good idea.

[@rogernatale6953]

I've done some nasty toilets in the apartment building I worked in most of the toilets were 1960s and some were disgusting .

[@TightWadDIY]

I bet! What did you use to clean them?

[@rogernatale6953]

@@TightWadDIY toilet bowl cleaner and change all the parts and gaskets. Dirty job.its like working on an old car.lol

[@TightWadDIY]

@@rogernatale6953 I bet!

[@Dr.Thomas.]

Another easier way to fill the tank with hot water, is to use your detachable shower-head. Of course this only works if you have a detachable shower-head, and your toilet is next to the tub.

[@cubedmack]

DAM, you just really help me out. Going to the store tomorrow and buying Out White Bright. Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad I could help

[@adamclayton1668]

Never having a drink from his punch bowl again!

[@dotpulchritude1829]

😂😂😂

[@janetsimms9503]

Where did he get the spoon and the measuring cup-his wife is going to strangle him!

[@johnwohlheter601]

i just used some CLR. Tank was WAY worse then the one in video. Let it set over night/ a little scrubbing and its like 99% better than it was.

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great!

[@Mavrik9000]

I like these videos for the rust stain removal aspect, but I wonder why people are looking in their toilet tank.

[@TightWadDIY]

I opened mine to repair the flush seal. I can’t speak for others.

[@v8vabis212]

Hope he doesn't eat his Cornflakes with that spoon ...

[@TightWadDIY]

😂😂 Run it through the dishwasher and good as new.

[@v8vabis212]

@@TightWadDIY ... My OCD wouldn't allow it ... 🤣

[@fuzz2912]

Never have i ever knew people cleaned the inside of the tank. The more you know I guess.

[@jos9569]

I still won't.

[@dariosimone2383]

@@jos9569 Lol. I did not know.but I will try to clean the tank for now on

[@stuartbuckley8720]

I have cleaned mine since mom taught me to do it in the 1960's.

[@tonylittle8634]

Great video. As a professional plumber, my only question is how does the internal parts handle the chemical? That toilet uses a gasket for a flapper. Under normal circumstances it can last 5-10 years. If you’re still getting good mileage, then a definite home run.

[@TightWadDIY]

I haven’t noticed a difference. I will say the after market gaskets are junk. They only last about 3 years in a toilet I have never put any chemicals in.

[@kennyhenry7432]

If it’s city water it has chlorine in it which is a bleach substance!

[@davidh9368]

If you did want to use a toothbrush to finish cleaning the toilet, I always find the kids" brushes do a better job. Also, you left out the final step of wiping the spoon clean with toilet paper before returning it back to the utensil drawer.

[@ruthlong3326]

Poor kids!!

[@Jerry-rf8bn]

Thank you for your informative video but, I don't understand why anyone would want to do this. Those flush tank stains may appear to be nasty but, no one sees them and they pose no health threat to anyone. The stains may disturb anal-retentive types but, cleaning stains inside my flush tank is last on my "to do" list of chores around my home.

[@pogmothoin1342]

What happens the iron deposits also build up in the mechanism of the toilet, the float valve, some of the newer push button flushers are very susceptible I've had to replace 3 so far because of rust, you are right about being anal cause it looks like crap.🤣

[@Jerry-rf8bn]

@@pogmothoin1342 I see your point. My condo has three toilets and one of them became very hard to flush because the flush handle couldn't open the stopper at the bottom of the flush tank. In retrospect, that probably was due to iron deposits and calcium build up on the stopper. I'll have to rethink my critique of this video. Thank you.

[@Melody-285]

@@Jerry-rf8bn I get not just rust but mildew and then after a while, when I flush, it makes the toilet bowl dirty, too

[@lindamacgregor8039]

Over time the crud ends up staining your toilet bowl as well. At least that's why I'm trying to get the tanks clean.

[@tonibenedict5751]

Fungus and algae are gross and not good for health... The tank needs cleaned even tho it is not seen

[@johnd115]

I was pretty skeptical this would work but gave it a try anyways. Up to the fill line was totally black when I tried his idea. The tank has not been cleaned in over 10 years. It worked!!! Granted I had to perform very minor scrubbing to remove the light film at certain spots after the initial clean. Now looks like a new tank. Thank you. Only issue was I did it early in the morning while wife was asleep but she had to go do her business and got a whiff of the chemical smell even though I was venting it. Lets just say she got rather upset. I kind of didn't tell her I was going to do it.

[@TightWadDIY]

Haha. Secrets will always get you in trouble! I’m glad it worked though.

[@NicholasPeters1]

When you did the light scrubbing was it messing up inside the tank at all (destroying or wearing away the inner part of the tank)? I found when I was scrubbing a little bit inside the tank one day that it seemed like part of the inside of the tank was being destroyed or wearing away and stopped scrubbing immediately inside the tank after I saw what looked like inside of the tank was being destroyed or wearing away. I hope I can scrub inside the tank again and hopefully get the same results you saw after scrubbing. I HATE hopeless situations--I really do.

[@sharon-CheriBomArt]

I would have LOVED your CLEANING EFFORT 🥰😘

[@darlenemstrommer7687]

Use hot water vinegar baking soda as no chemicals lemon juice takes smell away

[@angelahone8525]

T was the white stuff he use I can hear what he's saying

[@mackarma2923]

You’re my kind of man...one that loves a clean toilet like me...lol

[@RebornRaw919]

This worked wonders. You sir are a genius. This is a set it and forget hack!!!! I have tried all kinds of tips. This one worked!!! Woke my Husband up to tell him how much I loved this.

[@TightWadDIY]

Same here! Nothing else worked!

[@TheBobcat1978]

How often do you recommend that the tank be cleaned?

[@TimeSurfer206]

Depends on the water in your area, the more lime in the water, the faster the calcium buildup. The more sediment, the more mud (usually clay) at the bottom, and that can cement together pretty hard. But, as a rough rule, every couple years, or when the tank is so gross you can't stand looking in there.

[@esotericonetwork]

Easiest two spoons bicarbonate and one of salt pour and brush after ten minutes you get it pretty similar impact

[@alexandriapeters2519]

Even better, this is safe for septic tank systems. Thank you

[@razzpaul2375]

Llà

[@debolino3847]

This worked fantastic for me! Twenty years of brown buildup gone in a couple of hours.

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great!

[@kokigephart111]

So glad to find this video , worrying a bout my water tank was causing me to lose sleep . Now I am thinking of getting a glass lid to show off my float valve.

[@TightWadDIY]

You should paint it red!

[@zulmabontiffe487]

OH, THAT IS SO FUNNNNY..:''')

[@debimoore7680]

That's a tad OCD don't you think?

[@mikeberg6780]

Funny.... there's never a shortage of "WTH" on YT

[@emilythechef]

I went to Walmart and bought this, and noticed they also had a toilet tank cleaner which almost had the same ingredients, but was minus one. So I bought the one for laundry so that if I had a grungy load of whites I could try it in there as well. That is, if I have any of this left after cleaning my 4 toilets. I had stringy red algae growing in my tank.

[@TightWadDIY]

There are several products that claim to do the same. This is the only one I’ve tested because it worked well. Let us know how it goes.

[@emilythechef]

@@TightWadDIY It worked beautifully. I didn't even try to clean it any other way, so I'm not sure if a plain 'ol scrub brush would have worked, but the tank is fresh and clean now and the stringy red algae is definitely gone! Thanks for the video!

[@TightWadDIY]

@@emilythechef That’s great!

[@crni_miso]

We have innovative and patented cisterns that no one in the world has, that solve all existing problems and that are resistant to everything, we have mechanical and digital. But we need investors or financial support to start production. Let me know if you have a suggestion, thank you. "OZONE 2020"

[@VinnieSutra]

Cold tank water, ceramic, hot water - surprised the tank didn’t crack

[@alexandriapeters2519]

He didn't boil the water, so it's not really as hot as it could be.

[@deboraheubank9430]

Hot water from the tap only!

[@FlagGov]

Mine was from the tap and my tank cracked. I'm not sure whether the tank was more brittle due to age or whether it was caused by the temperature difference between the hot water and the very cold water that had just been removed from the tank (it's winter).

[@leighsutherland6222]

The tank was emptied.

[@benberko9370]

Thank you. Excellent idea! Bavo!!❤🙏👍

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad you like it!

[@Bim310]

I had one of those 1960s Mothers whose floor you truly could eat off of. She was a full-time housewife whose home was always immaculate. When she was born, they didn't have flush toilets. Once she got one, she never cleaned the inside of the toilet tank. I'm 63 and my wife and I have never cleaned s toilet tank. I don't understand why this is even a thing.

[@fuzz2912]

I totally agree. It has no practical purpose other than aesthetically, which also doesn't make sense because the it's not designed for us to even see unless it needs repair or maintenance. Maybe it's an OCD thing.

[@jamesjenkot5750]

@@fuzz2912 THE RUST GETS IN YOUR TOILET BOWL IF YOU DONT CLEAN YOUR TANK

[@fuzz2912]

@@jamesjenkot5750 DOES IT? Because I've not had that problem in 40 years. I merely keep the bowl clean.

[@jackieball733]

I also agree because I never heard anything about cleaning the tank. Lived here over 30 years and have never cleaned a tank. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

[@rockyroad7345]

Thanks so much for your video that popped up randomly today! Can't wait to try it. I have well water with a lot of iron silt and my tank looks just like this.

[@TightWadDIY]

Yes! You are going to love it!

[@hurtfultruth6188]

Always be careful what chemicals you put into your holding tank. Certain chemicals break down the plastics and rubber. Almost all the parts inside of a holding tank are not that expensive but you will find yourself replacing them if they become deteriorated from chemicals. Always read the warning labels and happy cleaning.

[@jmar8507]

Yeah, it looked like the water turned black, like a rubber black. Wonder if it broke down the rubber. :(

[@Sevitrey]

@@jmar8507 After using the OUT?

[@dondee5439]

Your tank float valve looks like a MANSFIELD. It uses a long white lever rather than a chain. Very nice design because it lets you start and stop a flush as desired with the handle. If you need a light flush (urine only) just push the handle DOWN then to stop the flush PREMATURELY push the handle UP. It is wonderful if the bowl gets stopped up (fecal or other) and you need to prevent an overflow fast just push the handle UP.

[@greentea7539]

That's great! Someone got a small flashlight stuck in the toilet and the other bathroom toilet has issues with one floor bolt. Looking at prices of new toilets and how some come with plastic bolts to attach to the floor and plastic seats, I think cleaning mine, taking out the flashlight and securing to the floor is not only cheaper but the old toilets will probably outlive the new ones. I had an old dishwasher once at another house that worked fine, I just didn't like the looks of it. Replaced it with a new one that broke in one year just after the warranty. That taught me a valuable lesson. If it's old and broken or has a flashlight stuck in it, just try to fix the problem The new stuff is really expensive crap.

[@TightWadDIY]

I agree with you! I refuse to buy a newer washer an dryer.

[@greentea7539]

@@TightWadDIY oh this house we bought has an old washer and dryer too. Lol. I did toss the old wall mounted AC though cuz it was too hard to clean. Settled with the not so popular portable AC units. They are just easier to move around if one doesn't have central air. Thanks for sharing this, btw. I'm going out soon to pick this cleaning product up. I think il fill the bowl right up to the rim to get the high spots.

[@judymanuel4314]

People should always use gloves to protect their skin from the chemicals which can cause burns or be absorbed into their skin. I would wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from a splash one drop can cause irreversible damage.

[@leannapolly9791]

One cup vinegar, half cup baking soda and tablespoon of dawn. Let it sit a couple of hours then lightly brush and flush with hot water about 3 times. This works for me. We lived out in country we had our own septic . This method wirk really well 👌

[@shirleyoliver9765]

Do you add this to existing water in tank?

[@p.melvinshyturtle3722]

You could fill the tank with cola. That should remove almost any stain. I've done that to clean the bowl and it works great.

[@TightWadDIY]

That would be quite expensive!

[@p.melvinshyturtle3722]

@@TightWadDIY Not at all. Especially if you use an off brand. And it's pretty much a one time thing.

[@mindypurcell7851]

Looks like the cleaner might have been reacting with the rubber seals. Did you find a rpoblem with that? Thanks.

[@TightWadDIY]

I think it was it’s cleaning them. Rub your finger across yours with no chemicals and see what happens. It’s possible it effected them but I haven’t had any issues.

[@daniep3100]

As others may have noted, it is a variety of things that can cause the discoloration. One is mold, another is bacteria...May not harm the toilet but I wouldnt want to leave that grow for so many years for possible health reasons. Also, its just nice to see a sparking white tank!

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks.

[@valeriehopkins6163]

If the toilet is close enough to your shower and if you have a handheld shower, you can easily hold the shower wand over the tank or toilet bowl and spray in hot water. I use this method and it works very well for me.

[@nadogrl]

Valerie - Genius!

[@jamesarnold2851]

Great idea!

[@janetgray2184]

Certain chemicals can erode the rubber in the tank and need to be replaced

[@TightWadDIY]

Yep

[@susandelooze8956]

I have well water with high iron content. My house was built in the 70’s and I’ve owned it for 27 years since 1993, and I never knew about cleaning the tank. I just cleaned it with citric acid and a good deal of rust stain came out but it’s so thick, I would imagine it would take at least 3-4 treatments with the “Rust Out” however I’m concerned about old, worn out gaskets giving way. There was a bit of dripping from the back after the first cleaning. I would like to know your opinion- at this point would you advise going ahead with more cleanings, or do I run the risk of creating a bad leaking situation because this hasn’t been messed with for 45-50 years? I would imagine most of the toilets in my area look like mine, but I like the idea of having a clean tank that would help keep the bowl cleaner longer. Please advise.

[@durtcobain8539]

Install so new ones lol

[@susandelooze8956]

Not sure what you’re advising. Please clarify.

[@mikeaustin1323]

Hot water loosens up gaskets and flapper. Never use hot water

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks.

[@tcap7917]

oxalic acid, available in most home centers and hardware stores. I buy it in bulk for cleaning rust stains on the boat, masonry cleaning, wood etc.

[@TightWadDIY]

Good to know. Will it take red clay stains off of bricks?

[@tcap7917]

@@TightWadDIY One of it's most popular uses is cleaning masonry. Do a search for potency and application for the desired task.

[@norenemorneau4343]

Would this work on a grave stone?

[@robertcarullo4926]

yeah it looks like the rubber was eaten away. that is what all the black is. you have to watch what chemicals you put in a tank. the tank was not meant to put chemicals in it. and you can see the rubber wore off.

[@kkgibbs1]

Yes I saw that too. Watched another video and they use Citric Acid for one hour and that worked great and didn't eat away the seals.

[@BonnieEwert]

A denture tablet in tank every day will keep it clean. I have horrid well water, so I need one for every flush. It's also much nicer for the septic system and environment.

[@Revelation18-4]

I don't smoke and still have my original teeth lol, however, I used the smoker's polident tabs. It works great.

[@gregnichols663]

Every flush? The cure is worse than the disease

[@Revelation18-4]

@@gregnichols663 I leave the tabs in overnight. Depending on how bad the rust is, you can use 1 to 6 tabs per use. I only use the tabs once a month. A box of 120 tabs is only about 5 bucks.

[@gregnichols663]

@@Revelation18-4 once a month I can handle 👍🏼

[@thetdchannel]

Thanks! Good tip for septic systems. Was worried about destroying the bacteria in the septic tank. The way I understand you is that it does not kill off the bacteria needed in the septic tack.

[@margomartinezmusic6190]

All I can think is if that was my spoon I better not ever see it in the drawer again😄😄

[@TightWadDIY]

Why is that? No human waste ever touches the tank on your toilet. This is the exact same water that comes from your kitchen faucet.

[@Willee64]

After you flush out the Out White Bright, use a shop-vac to get the remaining water out of the bottom of the tank.

[@riclmena9395]

You're right on brother cuz there's always debris that settles at the bottom

[@gwgrote5]

I've used Milliard citric acid (powder) from amazon that I initially used to clean my humidifier.

[@robinluich6626]

Iron out has always been the only thing that works for septic rust .

[@tonyhwang3888]

How about using CLR?

[@woohunter1]

How is septic rust getting in your toilet tank???

[@Sealust50]

@@woohunter1 Well water and iron in water as result. Looks just like rust.

[@woohunter1]

@@Sealust50 the original poster called it “septic rust” I was being a smart Alec.

[@sonflower1118]

you should never pour boiled water into toilet because it will melt the seals

[@TightWadDIY]

The only seal that would melt is the wax seal between the toilet and the floor. This water is nowhere near that seal so there is no danger.

[@roseannsullivan1871]

Thanks for the tips, I love cleaning suggestions. So Easy to understand this when I see you do it.

[@TightWadDIY]

Great! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@michaelrief4424]

Don’t do like the wife of a buddy did and she flushed the rags down the toilet. That little stunt cost them $600.

[@TightWadDIY]

Pee, poop, and TP only!

[@robertwalsh5461]

CLR works great and requires almost no scrubbing or agitation. It will also remove the build up that makes you need to replace you flush/fill valves and other plastic tank innards.

[@peziki]

In toilet bowl, CLR works for me. Scooped out all water, pour in CLR and scraped the deposits w/putty knife. Like new again.

[@barkbarkwoof1]

I had no luck with CLR at all.

[@TightWadDIY]

CLR works great on some stains but not on others. I think it depends on which minerals are in your water so it’s regional.

[@rebeccaflagler2629]

Try a little of everything on cleaning a small section of the tank . I was going to use scrubbing bubbles tub and tile cleaner . Haven't done it yet mine is dark brown to a close black .

[@crni_miso]

We have innovative and patented cisterns that no one in the world has, that solve all existing problems and that are resistant to everything, we have mechanical and digital. But we need investors or financial support to start production. Let me know if you have a suggestion, thank you. "OZONE 2020"

[@embachau]

Is this septic safe?? I have really bad rust stain on the toilet tankand I want to know more before trying it out. Please help and thank you,

[@debrapico3293]

Have been using this for years it's no worse than any other soap product you use. If you're still worried feed the septic with yeast through toilet.

[@Melody-285]

Emmyline - there’s another video where she uses Citric Acid - like for canning, apparently, & it is supposed to be safe for septic

[@embachau]

@@Melody-285 Thank you

[@embachau]

@@debrapico3293 Thank you

[@1969Kismet]

Why is it important that the inside of the tank should be clean? It is clean enough, it's only water and nobody's drinking it. The importance is that it works properly. If it doesn't don't go putting chemicals willy-nilly. A bit of vinager and a bit of baking soda against hard water and job done.

[@kyxxit3664]

Thank you. I totally agree.

[@Greatdome99]

The screws at the bottom of your tank are bronze, not steel, so they won't rust. Boiling water would speed up the chemical action if you're impatient.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks for adding helpful info to the conversation.

[@redTtop]

Vinegar eats the rubber rings and seals in the tank.

[@TightWadDIY]

If you do this only occasionally it won’t hurt anything.

[@Mr-rn6yj]

I used a 28floz bottle of CLR at full strength, using half in the upper tank and half In lower bowl. It worked great so far. Killed the rotten egg sewer gas smell too.

[@reason5591]

Sulphur causes that stench

[@meadowmorph3291]

All very good tips! I have only one question: Will this product damage the rubber/vinyl flap and ball cock? I used to put slow dissolving tablets into the tank which damaged the flap so badly I had to replace it.

[@kellysuzick1992]

Just did this! Wow, what a big difference! Man our toilet was completely caked! Now it’s all clear… amazing, thanks ! 🚽

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great!

[@tjwash2]

You were right, I’m amazed when you’re done! I pet sit about 25 weeks a year. Since the toilet isn’t being flushed it can get funky back there!

[@TightWadDIY]

Yes! So was I!

[@lisaanderson6202]

Thank you! The Iron OUT began to work as soon as I poured it in! I was satisfied after 20 minutes.

[@TightWadDIY]

Lisa Anderson That’s great!

[@robinluich6626]

Baking Soda too.

[@peterp4876]

Just bought a bottle and did both of my toilets. This works fantastic in the tank. All of the stains in the tank are gone! I tried using the crystals in the toilet bowl to try to get rid of a ring. Unfortunately it did not work inside the toilet bowl.

[@TightWadDIY]

Look into the stones used to clean the ring inside of the toilet bowl.

[@peterp4876]

@@TightWadDIY Thanks! I will give it a try. I had a toilet in the house for over 20 years and only replaced it because it was gold in colour. There was no ring in the bowl. I bought a top of the line American Standard toilet and within less than a year, I have this permanent ring in the bowl!

[@e.conboy4286]

@@peterp4876 Mine too! I don’t think Standard uses best quality materials now! Mine is only 4 years old and develops a ring at the water line. I have to clean it at least every week.

[@lauwe54]

thank you

[@TightWadDIY]

You're welcome

[@philtucker1224]

Many thanks! Really useful stuff 😊

[@lynnaelarson6784]

Thank you for your help!! I'll get some of the product at Walmart. My toilet is very filthy with old tabacco smoke too. I will try to use this to clean the toilet and perhaps it will clean it out! Lynn

[@TightWadDIY]

Let me know how it works in the bowl. Don’t put any warm water in the bowl though.

[@rogerg4916]

Is there any reason this needs to be done other than for the appearance of the inside of the tank?

[@TightWadDIY]

It’s mostly for appearance. However, the water from the tank goes into the bowl and sits until flushed. I think cleaner water going in leaves the bowl cleaner longer. I could be wrong but it makes sense to me.

[@e.conboy4286]

No. It’s just a bit of rust. If you wanted to prevent it from forming again after you clean the tank (assuming you do) rub Vaseline or marine grease on the metal pieces.

[@princeofpop8]

I wanna try cleaning my toilet tank. I only got little bit of vinegar, I do have baking powder, are there anything else I can use to clean my tank without scrubbing?

[@e.conboy4286]

No, use vinegar and baking soda. Or drop two or three Alka- Seltzer or Polident tablets. They’ll do the same thing.

[@princeofpop8]

@@e.conboy4286 I meant to say baking soda on my last comment my mistake on that and yes I will indeed have vinegar and baking soda, I’m saying I got a little bit of vinegar left on me, I have to get another bottle. Thanx.

[@johntimothybartholomewbart5060]

Can we use it in the water line which is blocked due to hard water? Will it affect the joint fixtures leak?is it an acid?

[@robeckenrode214]

Don’t really care what the inside of the tank looks like! If your not careful you could possibly harm the tank to bowl washers, the tank to bowl seal gasket and the flush ball or flapper, just keep the tank lid on, no will know!!!

[@fredg5390]

Is the cleaner septic tank safe?

[@TightWadDIY]

Yes. According to the label it is.

[@beebless2358]

SIR, oh thank you for this video. I HATTTTTTEEEE Nasty toilets. Why I got to clean my own? I use all sort of products because it has to be clean. I was willing to have a new one installed.🤗

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad it worked for you too!