Is It Safe to Put Fabuloso in Your Toilet Tank? (Answered)

Written by

Paulk Webb

FACT-CHECKED BY

Freddie J. Hagopian

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is it safe to put fabuloso in your toilet tank

You’ve probably seen a toilet hack going all around TikTok where you place a bottle of Fabuloso with holes inside the toilet tank. So every time you flush, a nice aroma would be released.

But is it safe to put Fabuloso in your toilet tank?

Technically, Fabuloso in the toilet tank won’t hurt you, but it will hurt the tank’s components in the long run. Plus, you’re reducing the amount of water in the tank necessary for efficient flushing.

Reasons Why Fabuloso is Bad for the Toilet Tank

Reasons-Why-Fabuloso-is-Bad-for-the-Toilet-Tank

Everybody wants a neat bathroom with a pleasant aroma, as it adds to the impression of cleanliness. That’s why during the pandemic, several toilet tricks for smell reduction arose, including putting Fabuloso in the toilet tank. 

We all want to mask the smelly effect of our cheat days, don’t we?

However, this is not such a great idea, especially if you’re concerned about the longevity and efficiency of your toilet. Below are the reasons explaining why.

1. It lacks the manufacturer’s approval

Fabuloso-manufacturer’s-approval

An unspoken rule when using a product is to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. In this case, Fabuloso’s designated use according to the company’s description is for the following:

  • bathtub
  • showers
  • sink
  • toilet
  • doorknobs
  • furniture
  • sealed wood surfaces
  • walls
  • floors
  • windows
  • mirrors
  • counters
  • appliances

The toilet tank wasn’t mentioned and clearly, this product is for surfaces (which does not include the tank).

The manufacturer also didn’t make any statement regarding these Fabuloso cleaning hacks, whether they’re safe for the toilet tank’s components or not.

2. It can damage your toilet tank’s components

Fabuloso-Cleaner-can-damage-your-toilet-tank’s-components

Here is another rule from licensed professional plumbers: don’t pour or place any kind of multi-purpose cleaning product at the back of the toilet tank.

While it will depend on the concentration and duration of exposure, chemicals in Fabuloso can harm and corrode the plastic, rubber, and metal parts that make the toilet function.

3. It weakens your flushing power

Fabuloso-Cleaner-weakens-your-flushing-power

To put a toilet cleaner in the tank—including its bottle—will take up space, which can cause water overflow. A nice-smelling toilet won’t make up for the spike in your water bill, don’t you think?

It will also lessen the water in the tank, which may not fulfill the amount necessary to successfully flush the toilet (usually 1.6 gallons per flush). This applies to any product, including putting a Pine Sol bottle in the toilet tank.

4. It may harm your septic system

Is Fabuloso septic safe? This product is not meant to be placed in toilet tanks, and let alone be flushed down the drains regularly. While Fabuloso is biodegradable, it isn’t certified as septic-friendly.

5. It may harm your pets

Fabuloso-Cleaner-may-harm-your-pets

Pets can be naughty and drink water from the bowl that may run from the tank. While Fabuloso is not harmful to you, being exposed to it is another story. It’s even more dangerous if your pets will digest it. 

How to Use Fabuloso Cleaner in Your Toilet Bowl

steps-to-Use-Fabuloso-Cleaner-Toilet-Bowl

What to prepare:

  • Fabuloso (at least 2 cups)
  • toilet brush
  • cleaning gloves

We can still use Fabuloso in our toilet bowl since the manufacturer specifically stated it in the product’s description. To do this, follow the instructions below:

  1. Turn off the shut-off valve and flush the toilet.
  2. Add 2 cups of Fabuloso around the toilet bowl, especially in areas with dirt or stains.
  3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  4. Take your brush from the brush holder and thoroughly scrub the bowl. Apply elbow grease if necessary.
  5. Once done, turn on the shut-off valve and flush the toilet to rinse the solution.

What Alternatives Can You Use Instead of Fabuloso?

1. Toilet tank

Alternatives-for-Fabuloso-Clean

If you’re looking for a non-harmful way to keep your toilet clean and fresh, use a toilet cleaning system with a bleach cartridge. This is a small tool attached to the back of the tank and releases its cleaners directly to the bowl through the overflow tube.

This is better if you want something attached to the tank that doesn’t take up space meant for water and won’t damage the components. If you want to ask, “How long does it last?” A cartridge has a lifespan of 3 months.

Moreover, we advise cleaning your toilet tank twice a year with safe ingredients such as scrubbing with vinegar and baking soda, to avoid grime and stains that later result in bad odor.

2. Toilet bowl

Alternatives-Fabuloso-in-toilet-bowls

While we can use Fabuloso in our bowls, there are many natural and commercial cleaning alternatives such as:

  • baking soda and vinegar (natural and homemade)
  • Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner (cleaning gel)
  • Scrubbing Bubbles Bubbly Bleach Gel (contains bleach)
  • Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner (plant-based)

If you’re targeting limescale, you will need stronger cleaners that are specially made to eliminate hard water stains. Some examples are:

  • CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover
  • Lime-A-Way Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • WD-40 Multi-Use Product
  • Bar Keepers Friend Powder

Frequently Asked Questions

cleaning-toilet-once-per-week-to-prevent-dirt

How Often Should You Clean Your Toilet?

We advise cleaning your toilet at least once a week to prevent dirt and grime buildup. This will also prevent hard water stains from setting and germs from growing.

For the tank, we recommend cleaning it at least twice per year.

What Are the Risks of Putting Chemicals in Your Toilet Tank?

There are many risks of pouring chemicals into your toilet tank, especially products not manufactured for the tank itself.

  • It can damage the tank’s parts.
  • It can harm your plumbing and septic system.
  • If it takes up a large space, such as a bottle of Fabuloso, it will affect the toilet’s flushing efficiency.
  • When the water from the tank with chemicals flows into the bowl, it can harm your pets by drinking from it.

Can I Mix Fabuloso With Other Cleaning Products?

We don’t recommend mixing Fabuloso with other cleaning products, especially with bleach. This will create chlorine gas which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. At high levels, it can damage your lungs.

Conclusion

Many eccentric methods come to life when it comes to cleaning our toilets, and one of them includes Fabuloso. But to answer the question. “Is it safe to put Fabuloso in your toilet tank?” we strongly advise against it.

While there is no harm to you, it can degrade and corrode your tank’s components made of plastic, rubber, or metal. Doing so will also hinder the tank from storing the right amount of water for flushing.

Lastly, if the Fabuloso makes its way into your bowl’s water, your pets may digest it and put them in danger.

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