Preventing Mold/Mildew Inside Toilet Tank Once And For All

[Steven Litvintchouk]

Hi,

I found tiny rounded black spots (which I assume is mold or mildew) growing inside my toilet tank. I cleaned the inside of the tank with ammonia (didn't want to use Clorox near rubber seals). But a month or so later the spots are back again.

How can I keep the inside of my toilet tank free of mold and mildew once and for all? Would it be safe to just pour ammonia into the toilet tank and let it sit for a while, or might that damage the toilet?

Thanx in advance!

-- Steven L.

[jim]

whatever you do dont use ammonia and then add bleach.. if you do the fumes are toxic... cant remember what it was called, but in 1st. year college chemistry class the instructor stated that the old time ladies used to use it all the time and some would hit the floor with the fumes and never get up....

[Dennis J Sunday]

According to the Minnesota department of health....... (complete article at:

)

Clean Surfaces - surface mold growing on nonporous materials such as hard plastic, concrete, glass, metal, and solid wood can usually be cleaned. Cleaning must remove and capture the mold contamination, because dead spores and mold particles still cause health problems if they are left in place. . Thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces using a stiff brush, hot water and a non-ammonia soap/detergent or commercial cleaner

. Collect excess cleaning liquid with a wet/dry vacuum, mop or sponge

. Rinse area with clean water and collect excess rinse water

5) Disinfect Surfaces (if desired) - after cleaning has removed all visible mold and other soiling from contaminated surfaces, a disinfectant may be used to kill mold missed by the cleaning. In the case of sewage contamination, disinfection must be performed -- contact the Minnesota Department of Health for appropriate advice.

. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water and apply to surfaces where mold growth was visible before cleaning. The solution can be applied with a spray bottle, garden sprayer, it can be sponged on, or applied by other methods.

. Collect any run-off of bleach solution with a wet/dry vacuum, sponge or mop. However, do not rinse or wipe the bleach solution off the areas being treated -- allow it to dry on the surface.

Always handle bleach with caution. Never mix bleach with ammonia -- toxic chlorine gas may result. Bleach can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Provide fresh air (for example, open a window or door). Protect skin and eyes from contact with bleach. Test solution on a small area before treatment, since bleach is very corrosive and may damage some materials.

[Joseph Meehan]

Get one (not a two) of those in tank cleaner tablets and use it, that should take care of what is there. Don't keep using those things on a regular basis, they can damage the working parts of your toilet.

BTW don't get too worried. It is not likely to be a harmful mold, but you can never tell without testing.

[Jane]

Clean the dammed toilet, please

AHHAHA

Jane

[Steven Litvintchouk]

How often do YOU clean the inside of your toilet tank?

-- Steven L.

[LaManchaDQ]

Yep, chlorine gas will do that to ya, 'cause that's what released when ammonia (NH3) and chlorine bleach (NaOCL) are mixed. Deadly, and painful.