How to Clean Toilet Tank Rust

From the outside, your toilet tank may look clean, but the moment you remove its lid, you’ll likely be introduced to unsightly rust on its metallic parts.

After this experience, consider replacing your toilet. But trust us when we say this: there are some ways to clean the toilet tank rust easily.

Rust in toilet tanks is harmful as it corrodes the metal parts, leading to leaks and structural damage. It can also contaminate the water supply, posing various health risks.

Finally, it can severely interfere with the flush and fill mechanisms, compromising it in the process and leading to ineffective flushing and water wastage.

However, there is no need to panic! All you need is the right cleaning method, bathroom cleaner, and toilet block for the cistern, such as Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Citrus and In The Cistern Flushmatic—Original, and a promise to maintain proper bathroom care and maintenance in the future.

Make your toilet tank rust-free and let it create a wellness oasis in the bathroom by following our guide on how to clean toilet tank rust.

What causes rust stains in toilet tank

There are two primary reasons behind the rust stains in the toilet tank.

Iron in the water supply

Rust is a form of corrosion that eats away at the metal and creates visible rust on any metal's surface. It is formed inside the toilet tank due to oxidation, a chemical reaction between the iron in the water supply and either oxygen or water.

Although iron oxide isn’t a severe health risk, it does give water a metallic taste and a brownish look that almost everyone isn’t fond of.

Using a water softener is the best way to reduce the iron content in your water. This appliance will employ an ion exchange process, effectively removing iron, calcium, and magnesium particles.

Rust from galvanized pipes

Another common source of iron oxide is corrosion inside galvanized steel pipes. Not only do these pipes corrode, but their corrosion can do a lot more damage than depositing rust in your toilet water. For example, it can restrict water flow in the bathroom faucets.

How to remove rust stain from the toilet tank

1. Step 1

Before cleaning the rust, you must empty the toilet tank. To achieve this, you must turn off the water valve, typically found behind the toilet tank near its base, and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.

2. Step 2

Remove the toilet tank’s lid and flush the toilet until the tank is completely drained.

3. Step 3

Pour Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Citrus directly on the walls, bottom, and any other area inside the toilet tank where rust has accumulated.
Leave the cleaning agent for at least 5 minutes and gently scrub the stained area. You can also use a long-handled scrub brush to access hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, wipe down components such as the flapper, handlebar or handle chain, ball float, and refill tube.
Turn on the water valve, letting the toilet tank refill completely. Lastly, flush the toilet several times to remove the loosened dirt, dust, soil, limescale, and rust.

How to keep toilet tank clean

By minimizing rust stains and mineral deposits in the tank, you can extend the life of the flush fill valves, and the toilet bowl will stay cleaner, too. Here’s how to keep the toilet tank clean between cleanings.

Use drop-in tank tablets in the cistern, such as Harpic In The Cistern Flushmatic - Lavender, that release a dose of powerful detergent with every flush and help maintain a hygienic and deodorized toilet by preventing rust, stains, and limescale build-up.
Regularly clean and disinfect your toilet tank and bowl using Harpic Bathroom Cleaner to prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, limescale, rust, germs, and bacteria, which is necessary to maintain hygiene standards. Use the Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Trigger and a scrub brush to clean the tank’s interior surfaces and flush the mechanism precisely and efficiently.

FAQs

Is using bleach to remove rust from the toilet tank safe?

Using bleach to remove rust from a toilet tank isn’t a good idea, as it could worsen the rust stains. For the best results, always use a toilet tank rust remover, such as Harpic Bathroom Cleaner. This product contains powerful cleaning agents that remove rust and eliminate limescale, germs, and bacteria.

Can you scrub a toilet tank with a wire brush?

Avoid using wire brushes on the toilet tank or bowl. They can damage the porcelain and leave permanent scratches and blemishes that no cleaning solution can remove.

How often should you clean your toilet tank?

You should clean your toilet tank at least twice a year to avoid the build-up of any rust, grime, limescale, or other minerals that can damage the toilet’s components through corrosion or rust and create unpleasant odors.