Is Your Toilet Tank Tablet Actually Safe To Use? Here's What You Need To Know

Cleaning the toilet can be a gross but necessary chore, yet not all toilet cleaning hacks are worth it. So-called automatic toilet bowl cleaners, tablets that you drop in the toilet tank, promise to clean your toilet with every flush, but that cleanliness can come with a cost. For a clean, long-lasting toilet, you're better off skipping the toilet tab and opting for a safer cleaning process. This is because most toilet tank tablets contain bleach and other harsh chemicals that can damage the internal components of your toilet. You may see a clean toilet bowl on the outside, but all the while, the tab may be in the process of corroding your tank's internal parts.

Toilet tabs are meant to rest or hang inside your tank, slowly dissolving as your toilet tank distributes clean water into your bowl after a flush. Each flush introduces clean water, along with the tablet's ingredients, which helps scrub the bowl clean. However, just imagine as the water rushes into the bowl, it also distributes the bleach throughout your tank, letting it come into contact with everything inside. Suddenly, you may be faced with expensive repair bills, or worse, you may need to replace your toilet.

When it comes to your toilet tank, it has several vital components that let the whole system run sufficiently. These parts include the flapper, gaskets, washers, and flush valves, all of which may corrode from the bleach exposure over time. These vital elements are susceptible to damage from bleach, leading to corrosion and deterioration. Over time, the compromised parts can lead to malfunctions and leaks. A toilet tank tablet may also affect performance if it doesn't dissolve completely. It may get stuck in the toilet valve and pipes, making the bowl refilling process harder. An insufficient toilet can result in higher water bills, turning your "cheap" toilet cleaning hack into a big mess. Some plumbing fixture manufacturers even now state that using a tablet in your toilet tank will void the warranty of your toilet, leaving you on the hook if you need costly repairs or replacement.

Using a toilet tank tablet can also be a health concern, especially if you have pets or individuals with sensitive respiratory systems. As they contain bleach, there's the potential that the tablets will emit dangerous fumes, especially in bathrooms with little to no ventilation. You also must consider the fact that some pets frequently drink from the toilet, potentially leading to poisoning. 

At this point, you may be wondering if there are any toilet tablets that are safe to use. Realistically, no. Even the non-bleach tablets might have ingredients or dyes that could harm your toilet. Instead of taking chances with tablets, plumbing experts recommend a simple cleaning process: putting vinegar in your toilet bowl. The acidic vinegar will help remove stubborn stains, especially with the addition of baking soda.