Toilet Tank
 

Yesterday, I opened the lid on the toilet tank and there is black nasty looking gunk all over the tank. Even on the bottom of the lid and under the water. Are others here having the same issue? I'm assuming it's mold but not sure how to clean it without doing damage to the flushing mechanism. Looking for ideas from fellow villager's on the best way to clean this.

If it's mold, bleach should do the trick in no time!

Open windows and doors to get fresh air in while you use bleach. Mix no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.

I would suggest that you close the toilet supply valve, completely empty the tank, and clean it by hand. Don't leave bleach in the tank for a long period because it can damage the rubber parts.

I tend to agree with previous comments, I would suggest also going to ACE and getting the YELLOW bottom seal, then go ahead and clean the tank (with the water turned off) once cleaned, wipe down the existing seal and the seat, fill the tank and see if it leaks, if so, turn off the water and replace the yellow seal. It appears the yellow seal lasts longer than the red seal.

If you have well water or are not utilizing the toilet often then you will build up the fungus.

They have tablets you can throw in there that keep the build up from forming. You can purchase them at Win Dixie or Publix in the cleaning supply section. The ones made today do not damage the rubber components in the tank.

Bleach

IMO added chemicals in tanks which breaking down the black rubber polluting the tank. Cleaning IMO won’t do no good, replace all seals, flappers, ect… recommend don’t put any chemicals in to tank only the bowl if you have to?

You see black washers that hold tank on, mostly they are problem, see date on fill valve, see how clean tank is, cause I put no chemicals in top tank. Those minor stains you see are old from lessons learned.

As others have said do not use the cleaning tablets in the tank (same recommendation from the Villages after you buy a home) as it will degrade the rubber seals. If the build up is not bad you might try Clorox wipes as opposed to liquid chemical bleach's etc. The last thing you need is a spill/splash accident or worse yet get it on you, etc.

That would be wonderful. When we moved here in 2012, I used the tablets we've used in every other john tank in the 40 years prior. The seal deteriorated, and a plumber told me not to use those tablets.
It would be wonderful if there's a harmless tablet that accomplishes the same thing. Do you know a brand name?

Get odor free (Ace Hardware has it) White Vinegar and pour 1 cup in tank. 2-3 times should take care of it and the put 1 cup in every two to 3 weeks. The brand is Pantry Mate. I also quit using Rinse and Forget for my shower. I mix the white vinegar and water half and half in my old Rinse and Forget Bottle and spray my shower one a week, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse. It kills mold.

They have seal safe cleaners that are drop ins. You have to clean with bleach first, closing the valve and emptying the back as others have said

The drop ins should help keep it clean after that. Make sure to get the rubber seal are ines

Had a similar issue in my tanks. Bought a tank cleaning product on Amazon which is citric acid powder, Works better than bleach or vinegar. Just put in tank and leave overnight. Amazing results.

Try Kaboom Scrub Free! Toilet Bowl Cleaner System with 2 Refills. It does not erode the plastic parts inside the tiolet.

I've had black gunk come out of my bathroom faucet. It is a harmless bacteria that lives in water. To get rid of it, I put baking soda down my drain then added vinegar. I closed the drain and let it sit for 30 mionutes and then flushed it out. That did the trick.

It looks like Kaboom cleans the toilet bowl, not the tank.

For a simple fix just add a little Fabuloso (spelling) to your tank every now and then. It will not only clean it up but it will smell nice for a few flushes.

clean out tank - refill tank and add one cup of vinegar - let sit then continue to add vinegar on a monthly basis - for full instructions watch on u-tube it really works and it also helps with the black that forms under the rim of the seat

Toilet tank
 

The black gunk I get is from deteriorating black rubber stopper or ball in the tank due to harsh cleansers and blue cleaners left on the tank. If you have black rubber swipe it with your finger and see if it comes off on your finger.

Use vinegar once a month. Cleans tanks and cleans seals. No mold or rust in any of my tanks.

Check out this product on Amazon.
Amazon.com

The tank contains "clean" water.

If the utility company replaced a pipe or hydrant on your area recently, the gunk will be temporary and flush out.

Agree with all other comments to:
1) turn off water valve
2) flush the toilet
3) clean out tank with mild bleach solution

Thank you to everyone that replied. I've decided to do this. First buy a new seal. Shut off the water supply and drain the tank. Clean tank with a solution of bleach and water. Rinse tank with clean water. If the tank leaks, replace the seal.
Thanks Everyone. :wave:

Overnight?

Do you have a water softener?

We had a similar issue and it was like a black residue that resembled fine sand. Was able to swirl it around and get it out. Came back a month or so later. Replaced the water softener and problem went away.