A common problem in many households is strange smells emitted from the toilet cistern; this is usually attributed to stagnant water in the tank and will continue to stink out your bathroom until you take some time to clear the problem. This problem is particularly common in ‘secondary bathrooms’ and areas with ‘hard water’ which is a large cause of lime scale and scum, such as the South of the UK. Fear not fans, the Bathshop321 is on hand to help you fix up your bathroom once again!

A common problem in many households is strange smells emitted from the toilet cistern; this is usually attributed to stagnant water in the tank and will continue to stink out your bathroom until you take some time to clear the problem. This problem is particularly common in ‘secondary bathrooms’ and areas with ‘hard water’ which is a large cause of lime scale and scum, such as the South of the UK. Fear not fans, the Bathshop321 is on hand to help you fix up your bathroom once again!

What is the Smell?

As mentioned above, the smell is caused mainly by stagnant water and a build-up of lime scale. If you are not in an area that is renowned for having a ‘hard water’ supply, then it is likely that the cistern is not being emptied regularly enough, or there is a problem with the flushing mechanism. This is common in secondary bathrooms when owners simply don’t use the room very often, either because they have an en suite or the bathroom is reserved for guests.

Getting to Work

Now it’s time to say goodbye to that troublesome stink.

First, you need to shut off the water supply to your toilet; the supply is usually found on one side of the toilet, or around the back. Simply turn the valve to the ‘off’ position to cut off the supply so we can begin draining the cistern. Take off the top of the cistern and carefully place it down (as to avoid cracking or damaging it) and flush the toilet; this will drain the cistern and allow us to continue into the next step.

Getting your hands on an empty spray bottle for this step would be ideal, any bottle that allows you to point and spray liquid will do. Put on your rubber gloves and safety goggles, and fill the bottle with bleach; spray the inside of the cistern, completely coating all sides and the base and then leave to settle for ten minutes or so. Return to the cistern with a rough scouring pad and rub off all the built-up lime scale and scum; don’t hang your head directly over the cistern as the bleach fumes can still be harmful.

Next, turn the water supply back on slowly, and allow the cistern so refill. Flush the toilet a couple of times to get rid of all the dirty water left from the cleaning, and replace the top.

Another pesky bathroom problem eradicated with the help of the Bathshop321 handyman!