In-tank toilet cleaning tablet

An in-tank toilet cleaning tablet placed in toilet tank

Blue toilet water from using in-tank toilet cleaner tablet

In-tank toilet cleaners (also known as toilet water tablets or drop-in toilet bowl cleaners) are tablets or cartridges that add chemicals to toilet tank water to reduce toilet bowl stains. They are commonly used to prevent toilet bowl stains from calcium, limescale, mold, etc. ^[1] Most contain chlorine bleach as the main active ingredient, ^[2] however, some may use other main active ingredients.

History

In-tank toilet cleaners were originally invented by Flushco, Inc. in 1978, branded as 2000 Flushes (acquired and now owned by WD-40 Company ^{[3] [4]} ). ^[5]

Eventually, some other brands and companies such as S.C. Johnson Scrubbing Bubbles, ^[6] Clorox, ^[7] and Ty-D-Bol sold their own in-tank toilet cleaner tablets.

View from professionals and plumbers

Many plumbers, manufacturer of toilets, and other professionals discouraged in-tank toilet cleaning products due to major disadvantages. ^{[8] [9]} A major complication that may occur includes bleach breaking down rubber gaskets and corroding steel parts. ^[10] Another issue is the blue dye commonly used in in-tank cleaning tablets may cover up iron deposits. ^[11]

Many manufacturers of toilets have discouraged the use of in-tank cleaners by voiding warranty of toilets that are damaged from use of in-tank cleaners. ^{[12] [13] [14]}

See also

• Toilet cleaner

References

1. "In-Tank Toilet Bowl Cleaners". do it yourself. Internet Brands, Inc. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
2. Klinkhammer, Michael. "Chlorinated in-tank toilet cleansing block". Google Patents. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
3. "WD-40 Company to Acquire Global Household Brands (press release)". 2001-04-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
4. "Learn What WD-40 Stands For and More About Our Company History". WD40 Company. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
5. "2000 FLUSHES; Serial Number 73176664". Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR). United States Patent and Trademark Office . Retrieved 2023-05-23. Mark: 2000 FLUSHES [...] US Serial Number: 73176664 [...] Application Filing Date: Jun. 30, 1978 [...] For: CLEANER FOR TOILET BOWLS
6. Klinkhammer, Michael. "Chlorinated in-tank toilet cleansing block". Google Patents. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
7. Rader, James; Mainquist, William. "Toilet bowl cleaning tablet". Google Patents.
8. "Toilet Repairs May be Needed due to In-Tank Cleaners". Summzim Plumbing. Summers & Zim's, Inc. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
9. "Microbial Inefficacy of Toilet Cleaning Tablets: A Scientific Review of Antimicrobial Limitations and Regulatory Gaps" (PDF). 123toilet. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
10. "Fresh & Clean But Be Forewarned..." Lester's Plumbing Service inc. galnova. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
11. "How Can I Keep My Toilet Bowl Clean?". Hefner Plumbing Company, Inc. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
12. "AS America, Inc. Limited Warranty for ActiClean, Boulevard Dual Flush, Champion PRO, Champion 4, Heritage VorMax, VorMax, VorMax Plus and LXP Toilets". American Standard. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2023. Warning: This warranty DOES NOT COVER any damages caused by the use of in-tank cleaners. These products can seriously corrode the fittings in the tank.
13. "Warranty for Fluidmaster Products". Fluidmaster Products. Retrieved 24 May 2023. Do not use in-tank drop-in toilet bowl cleaners containing bleach or chlorine. Use of such products will result in damage to tank components and may cause flooding and property damage. Use of such products will void this warranty.
14. "KOHLER Toilets and Seats Limited Warranty" (PDF). Kohler Co. 2020. Retrieved 2023-05-24. Unless used properly with a Continuous Clean unit, in-tank toilet cleaners will void the Warranty.