Cleaning your toilet tanks is essential to keep them functioning well and remove mineral deposits. Hard water causes different problems, such as smell due to mold, rust, and corrosion accumulation.
Can You Put a Dishwasher Tablet in Your Toilet Tank? It is better not to put dishwasher tablets in the toilet tank because they are less environment-friendly, difficult to dissolve in tank water, and are not designed to clean the toilet tanks. They also cause corrosion and rust on the components, which leads to leakage and mold growth around the plumbing fixture. However, you can use these cleaning tablets to remove the stains and mineral deposits inside the toilet bowl after 30-40 days.
Dishwasher tablets are used to clean the dishes in the automatic dishwashing machine and work as detergents to clean different plumbing fixtures, furniture, and washing machine.
Why should you not put a dishwasher tablet in your toilet tank?
Professionals recommend that it is better not to put dishwasher tablets inside the toilet tank because it can cause the following problems.
Less environment-friendly
Dishwasher tablets are not eco-friendly because they contain chemicals that are not compostable and biodegradable.
Some of these tablets contain a small quantity of plastic and are packed in thin plastic covers. The chemicals inside these cleaning products can reduce the oxygen in the water and are toxic to wild animals.
The chemicals, such as phosphate, boosters, and sodium percarbonate, contaminate the water under the floor and damage the septic tanks and the plumbing system.
The toxic chemicals can cause polyvinyl alcohol and plastic residues to form inside the drains and deteriorate the septic system. According to Environment Research and Public Health, approximately 70-75% of plastic waste is added to the environment due to these cleaning products.
It is better to use more environment-friendly cleaning tablets to reduce the smell and clean the toilet tanks without damaging the eco-system and the plumbing system.
Difficult to dissolve in tank water
Dishwasher tablets are difficult to dissolve in tank water, as they need a certain water pressure and quantity to dissolve properly inside the water.
The water coming from the main supply line is cold, and the water pressure inside the toilet tank is low, which causes the tablets to not dissolve completely.
The residues or the tablet pieces settle down in the bottom and will not clean the fixture properly. The plastic wrapping can also cause the cleaning pods not to dissolve completely in the water and fail to remove the smell and mineral deposits from the toilet. The same is the case with laundry detergents.
However, these cleaning pods can dissolve well in the toilet bowl and dishwasher machine because of more water pressure.
Not designed for toilet tanks
The dishwasher tablets are not designed and formulated to clean the toilet tanks, as the chemicals employed are for cleaning the dishes and other utensils in the house.
Different ingredients in these cleaning products can cause blockage in the drain pipes and affect the flushing system. Therefore, people avoid using these cleaning tablets inside the toilet tank to prevent damage to the plumbing fixture.
Causes corrosion inside the tank
The chemicals used in manufacturing these cleaning tablets can cause corrosion and rust inside the tank components if used excessively.
The polish on the metal components can get damaged when harsh chemicals come in contact with the tank components more often and affect their performance.
The rubber seal and the lever chain connected to the flapper can get corroded over time because the tablet will dissolve after some time, and chemicals sit down at the bottom.
I often used a dishwasher tablet inside the toilet tank, but later I observed that the components become rusty and there is corrosion around the chain. Excessive chemicals use causes the toilet components to worn-out and deteriorate over time.
Leakage inside the tank
The corrode components cause leakage inside the toilet tank, which leads to water wastage and molds around the plumbing fixture.
Mold and bacteria love to grow in moist and stagnant water. In addition, the leakage from the tank components causes water to drip from the toilet, increasing the chances of mold growth.
Moreover, water leakage causes an increase in water bills and low water pressure when you push the handle or press the flushing button.
It also causes labor costs if you hire a plumber to fix the leakage problems or repair the worn-out components, which disturbs the monthly budget.
How can you use dishwasher tablets in the toilet without damaging it?
You can use the dishwasher tablets to clean the toilet bowl by putting in inside the bowl after removing the plastic wrap over it.
Put the tablet inside the bowl for 30-35 minutes and scrub the surface with a toilet brush to remove the urine stains and mineral deposits.
Scrub the corners and rim with this brush to clean it thoroughly. The yellow rings can form around the edges and the bowl due to hard water and urine scale deposits.
It is better to scrub the areas where the mineral deposits are severe or add a cup of vinegar if the dishwasher tablet cannot remove the stains. You can leave the tablet inside the bowl overnight to dissolve it properly and remove the stubborn stains.
Flush the toilet when you observe and examine that all the stains and deposits are removed and the plumbing fixture is clean. It is better to use less toxic and mild chemical dishwasher tablets to prevent damage to the drains and the septic system.
Why do some people use dishwasher tablets in the toilet tank?
Most people use these cleaning products to remove the yellow rings around the edges and corners because of the hard water.
The rust accumulation due to calcium and lime deposits is another reason people use the dishwasher tablets inside the tank, but it causes more corrosion instead of removing it.
Effective chemicals can work to remove stains and mineral deposits, but long-term use leads to more damage than benefit.
The toilet will smell good when you flush the waste because the water coming from the tank contains some of the dishwashing tablet chemicals, which spread fragrance in this place.
People use different techniques and hacks to clean the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom, and putting dishwasher tablets is one of those hacks.
However, cleaning tablets with different harsh chemicals is not suitable for excessive cleaning, but people use them to remove the yellow rings, stains, and grime on the plumbing fixture surface.
How often should you use the dishwasher tablet to clean the toilet?
You can use the dishwasher tablets inside the toilet bowl once a month for thorough cleaning. Excessive use can cause damage to the toilet and is not safe for the ecosystem.
It can cause the toilet tank and bowl surface to get hairline cracks if exposed to harsh chemicals more often in a month.
The porcelain surface can lose its shine and become porous, which causes chipping and make the plumbing fixture look old and unattractive.
Therefore, professional plumbers recommend using them after 30-40 days to avoid any damage to the toilet and its components. It is better to clean the tank and the bowl once a week to keep the plumbing fixture in good condition and perform well.
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