Cleaning Hacks Cause Toilet Problems

Household chores can often feel like a never-ending list, and cleaning the toilet is one task that often stands out. It’s a chore many dread, but doing it correctly is crucial to maintaining a functioning bathroom and to avoid toilet problems. So, here are some essential dos and don’ts to ensure you’re not inadvertently damaging your toilet in the process.

Common Causes of Toilet Problems

Avoid the TikTok Fabuloso Hack

Scrolling through TikTok, you might encounter a video suggesting the use of the cleaning agent Fabuloso inside your toilet bowl to achieve a self-cleaning effect with every flush. While the idea of a self-cleaning toilet is appealing, the reality is quite different.

Placing a large bottle of cleaner in the toilet tank can cause significant damage over time. Moreover, the constant exposure to chemicals can deteriorate toilet parts such as seals and gaskets made of plastic and rubber. Furthermore, this deterioration can lead to leaks and eventual failure of your toilet’s inner workings.

Additionally, the bottle inside the tank displaces water, preventing the toilet from flushing adequately and potentially leading to clogs and backups. Therefore, although a clean toilet sounds fabulous, leaving a bottle of cleaner inside your toilet tank is not the way to achieve it.

Never Use Drano in Your Toilet

When faced with a toilet clog, the urge to resolve it quickly is strong. However, reaching for a chemical solution like Drano is not advisable. Traditional Drano and similar products use bleach, a caustic chemical, to break down clogs. So, when flushed, these chemicals can get trapped in the S-shaped trap of the toilet.

The trap and the rest of the toilet are typically made of porcelain, which can crack under the heat generated by the chemical reaction of the Drano. Moreover, if you combine chemical use with a plunger to clear the clog, you risk splashing dangerous chemicals onto your skin, which can cause irritation or burns. Therefore, it is safer and more effective to use a plunger or a plumbing snake to address clogs.

Don’t Flush Cleaning Wipes

Disposable cleaning wipes offer a convenient way to quickly clean your toilet, especially for disinfecting the handle and seat. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly advises against flushing anything other than toilet paper.

Sanitary or cleaning wipes, even those that are labeled as “flushable” should not be disposed of in the toilet. Furthermore, these wipes do not break down in sewer or septic systems and can cause significant damage to your home’s plumbing and local wastewater systems. Besides, the fibers in these wipes can create blockages, leading to costly plumbing repairs.

Safe Alternatives for a Clean Toilet

Use Gentle Cleaners

Instead of harsh chemicals, opt for mild, toilet-safe cleaning agents. Vinegar and baking soda are excellent natural alternatives that can effectively clean your toilet without causing damage. If you’re not sure what to do, it’s better to hire a Myrtle Beach plumber.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean your toilet to prevent the buildup of grime and bacteria. Additionally, this not only keeps your toilet hygienic but also reduces the need for harsh cleaning methods.

Professional Help To Fix Toilet Problems

For persistent issues or significant clogs, it’s best to call a professional plumber in Myrtle Beach. They have the tools and expertise to handle problems without causing damage to your toilet or plumbing system.

While modern cleaning hacks can be tempting, they often do more harm than good, especially when it comes to your toilet. So, by avoiding common pitfalls like using harsh chemicals or flushing inappropriate items, you can maintain a clean and functional toilet without causing damage.