How do I get rid of the smell in my toilet tank?

Author: Petra Rice  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts is a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

How to get rid of odor in toilet tank?

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts are a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid of odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

What can I put in my toilet tank to freshen it?

Vinegar is a great toilet cleaning solution. Not only is it free of chemicals and naturally antibacterial, it's also an acid, so it will remove minor lime and calcium deposits. All you need to do is pour a couple cups of vinegar in your tank and let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub and flush to rinse.

What to put in a toilet tank for fresh scent?

Adding a few drops of essential oil in the water tank will make your toilet feel fresh but as soon as all the water scented due to oil goes down the drain, it will be all the same again.

What is the best odor eliminator for toilets?

Vinegar: White vinegar is also effective at neutralizing odors. Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub and flush.

Clean Your Toilet Tank/No Scrubbing- I Didn't Know I Needed to do This!

What is the absolute best odor eliminator?

11 Best Odor Eliminators of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Clorox Disinfecting Mist. Read more.
  • Best Value. Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener. Read more.
  • Best for Bathroom Odors. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. Read more.

How do you get rid of a smelly toilet fast?

Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or any proprietary Drain Cleaner down the drain followed by hot water, can help eliminate these odours. Make sure to clean hair, soap scum and any other obstacle to drainage from drain covers.

How can I make my tank smell better?

Carbon is by far the most popular and effective way to keep your aquarium smelling fresh. Activated carbon has a higher surface area than normal carbon so can adsorb smells even more effectively. Carbon can be effective on all of the above smells and will also provide crystal clear water.

Can I put fabuloso in my toilet tank?

You can clean the toilet using this product by pouring a little into the bowl and scrubbing clean. But we don't recommend placing Fabuloso or any other all-purpose cleaner in the back of the toilet tank. Such cleaners can be corrosive and may degrade the rubber gasket and seal in your tank.

How can I make my bathroom toilet smell better?

Use Detergent or Fabric Softener in Your Toilet Tank

There are a few ways to get around this situation. You can add some freshness to your toilet tank by pouring half a cup of detergent or fabric softener.

What is the best thing to put in toilet tank?

Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, recommends starting with vinegar to soak the tank. “First, remove the lid and take a peek inside,” she told Martha Stewart Living. “If you see any mineral buildup or crud, pour four cups of vinegar into the tank.

What do plumbers recommend to clean toilet tanks?

We recommend using a mixture of ¼ cup of vinegar for every 1 cup of water. This ensures your toilet tank is being disinfected without causing damage, which the use of bleach or chemical cleaners can do.

How do I get rid of the smell in my tank?

He said chlorination is the best way to remove the smell from the water tank. To do that, add a solution containing chlorine and let it settle for a few hours before fully draining it out. This will eliminate any bacteria or algae that could be the source of the smell.

How to remove sewage smell from toilet?

Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and pour it down the drains. Let it sit and start to work before flushing it with hot water, which should do the trick. Another trick you can use is to place coffee grounds or activated charcoal in a bowl in the bathroom to absorb the odors.

What can I put in my toilet tank to make it smell better?

White vinegar and baking soda in equal parts is a cost-efficient and effective means of getting rid odors in a toilet. Add them to the tank, mix them in and then use the toilet brush to gently scrub the tank. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub the tank again and flush.

Is there anything safe to clean the inside of a toilet tank?

Pour white vinegar into the empty tank, filling it to about an inch below the rim. Let the vinegar sit for 12 hours. Scrub the tank's interior with a plastic bristle brush. Turn the water valve counterclockwise.

What happens if you put baking soda in the toilet tank?

It's essential to clean the inside of a toilet tank to remove mineral deposits that can damage or interfere with the toilet's operation. Baking soda will absorb odors, break down stains, and dislodge fungal growth with its abrasive power.

How do I clean my water tank smell?

You can try flushing the tank to remove sediment and bacteria buildup. Additionally, installing a water heater anode rod or using chlorine treatment can help eliminate odors and maintain a fresh hot water supply.

How can I make my septic tank smell better?

Septic Tank Odors: How to Avoid a Smelly Septic Tank
  1. Don't Flush Non-Soluble Solids Down the Drain. ...
  2. Check All Riser Covers. ...
  3. Consider Pumping the Septic Tank. ...
  4. Get a Pre-Season Septic Tank Checkup. ...
  5. Replace the Septic System.

Why does my tank smell?

A bad smell is usually a sign that excess waste is in the tank, and usually excess food.

How to deodorize a toilet?

Add around 1.5 cups of vinegar to the water in your toilet's tank and let it sit. After at least 15 minutes, flush the toilet two to three times to drain the tank. Add in another . 5 cups of vinegar; allow it to sit while you finish cleaning.

How to keep the toilet smelling fresh?

Five Ways To Keep Your Toilet Smelling Fresh
  1. Using Essential Oils. Essential oils are a natural and effective way to keep your toilet smelling fresh and inviting. ...
  2. Try a Homemade Toilet Cleaner. This DIY Toilet Cleaner is a game-changer. ...
  3. Use an Odour Eliminating Powder. ...
  4. Use a Room Freshening Spray. ...
  5. Using Wax Melts.

Why does my toilet smell so bad?

Bacteria Buildup

Occasionally, bacteria can travel from the pipes to your toilet bowl. While fresh toilet water and routine cleanings can help, hot and humid weather creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly. Bacterial buildup can produce a foul smell, resembling sewage or rotten eggs.

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