Spring cleaning, bathroom-style

Don’t forget to add your toilet tank to your spring cleaning list. This type of cleaning need only be done about two or three times a year, depending on the mineral content of your water (or the amount of “gunk” that builds up on the moving parts inside the tank).

Buildup on the ball cock, flapper valve, connecting parts and washers can compromise the tank’s purpose, which is to be a watertight storage compartment, ready for the next flush. For example, heavy mineral or “slime” buildup on the flapper valve (which covers the flush outlet to the bowl below) can keep the valve from closing completely, resulting in a slow leak. A symptom of such a leak is periodic refilling of the tank between flushes (the occasional soft hissing of water you often hear from the toilet).

Water with a heavy mineral content leaves more deposits; these mineral deposits can build up and eat away at the rubber seals in the bottom of the tank, or break down the metal parts that open the flush valve or keep the float ball floating.

So regular cleaning is important. How do you do it? First, get your cleaning equipment together: rubber gloves; a stiff, nonmetallic brush (along with an old toothbrush); a cleaning cloth; a pitcher of fresh water; and a solution of half-water, half vinegar.

•Drain the tank by turning off the water valve behind the toilet, then flushing once; the tank will empty and not refill.

•Put on your rubber gloves, dip the cloth in the vinegar solution, and gently scrub the tank and everything in it. Lift the flapper valve at the bottom and wipe off the edges, underside and the mouth of the outlet.

•Use the brush or toothbrush to scrub away stubborn deposits. When you’re done scrubbing, rinse the tank with fresh water so that the loosened deposits fall to the bottom; then scoop out as much of the sediment as possible and throw it away.

•Jiggle the handle a few times to make sure the valve mechanisms are all working smoothly. If any parts have deteriorated, don’t work or are frozen in place, replace the assembly (kits and advice can be found at your home-improvement store).

•Refill the tank by turning the water valve back on, and flush three or four times to completely rinse it.

(A note of caution to zealous cleaners: never use bleach or lime-dissolving products in the toilet tank, even in diluted form. These chemicals will break down the rubber seals quickly, leading to expensive repairs. Stick with a mild vinegar solution.)