Toilet Cleaning Hacks That Can Damage Your Toilet
Cleaning the toilet is an essential household chore, but some popular toilet cleaning hacks can do more harm than good. To avoid costly repairs, it’s important to know what not to do when cleaning your toilet. In this article, we’ll cover some common cleaning mistakes that could damage your toilet and offer better alternatives.
The Fabuloso TikTok Hack: Why You Should Avoid It
A trending TikTok hack suggests placing a bottle of Fabuloso cleaner in your toilet tank for continuous cleaning with every flush. While the idea of a self-cleaning toilet sounds appealing, this method can damage the internal parts of your toilet.
The constant exposure to chemicals can weaken seals and gaskets made of rubber and plastic, causing leaks and malfunctions. Additionally, placing a large bottle in the tank displaces water, leading to poor flushing performance and potential clogs.
Instead, it’s better to clean your toilet regularly with safe, recommended cleaners.
Don’t Use Drano in Your Toilet
When you encounter a clog in your toilet, it’s tempting to reach for a chemical solution like Drano. However, Drano and similar products contain harsh chemicals, including bleach, that can damage your toilet.
The chemicals can get trapped in the toilet’s trap, a curved part of the pipe made of porcelain. The heat generated by the chemical reaction can crack the porcelain, leading to expensive repairs. Additionally, if you try to use a plunger after applying the chemicals, there’s a risk of splashing the product onto your skin, which can cause irritation or burns.
Instead of chemicals, use a plunger or plumbing snake to clear clogs safely.
Never Flush Cleaning Wipes
Cleaning wipes are convenient for wiping down toilet seats and handles, but they should never be flushed, even if labeled “flushable.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises homeowners to avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper.
Unlike toilet paper, cleaning wipes do not break down in sewer or septic systems, leading to blockages in your plumbing and local wastewater systems. These clogs can cause significant damage and costly repairs.
Always dispose of cleaning wipes in the trash to protect your plumbing.
Conclusion
While some toilet-cleaning hacks may seem convenient, they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Avoid using chemical solutions like Drano, don’t flush cleaning wipes, and skip the Fabuloso hack to keep your toilet in good working condition. Regular, safe cleaning methods will help maintain your toilet and prevent costly repairs.
