The last thing anyone wants when they walk into a bathroom is a stinky toilet.

While most of us remember to clean the toilet bowl, we often forget about the tank - and that's where some not-so-pleasant smells can come from.

I have some good news for you: there are a few simple tricks you can try to keep things fresh without using harsh chemicals or expensive products. 

And the best part? Most of these methods involve things you probably already have around the house! 

In this quick guide, I’ll show you 5 things you can put in toilet tank to smell good.

#1 Essential Oils

Essential oils are the best thing to put in a toilet tank to smell good, and they're all-natural too. 

Just put 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil right into the tank water. 

You can go with classics like lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Or try something different - peppermint smells great, and so do lemongrass and sweet orange. 

These oils do more than just make things smell good - they actually help fight bacteria too. 

Every time you flush, a bit of the scent will come out. You'll want to add more oil every week or two, depending on how much your toilet gets used.

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#2 Lemon Slices

If you’re a fan of citrus scents, this one's for you! 

Lemon not only smells great, but it has natural antibacterial properties that can help keep your toilet fresh while also fighting off any hard water stains or mineral buildup.

Get a small mesh bag and put 2-3 fresh lemon slices in it. Hang it inside your toilet tank, but make sure it's not getting in the way of any moving parts. 

Want to mix things up? Throw in some orange or lime slices with the lemon. 

You'll need to put in fresh slices every 3-4 days because they lose their scent over time. 

The oils from the citrus help kill bacteria that cause bad smells, and they work especially well during hot weather when smells tend to get stronger.

#3 Baking Soda And Fabric Softener

This is a classic DIY hack that’s super simple, yet effective.

Mix one cup of baking soda with a few drops of liquid fabric softener. You can pick whatever fabric softener smell you like best. 

Roll this mixture into little balls (about marble-sized) and put them in a mesh bag in your tank. 

When you flush, the water flows through the mixture, gently deodorizing and freshening up the air. 

Plus, the fabric softener gives a light, pleasant scent without being overwhelming, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something subtle.

These balls usually last about two weeks. Just check on them now and then to see if they've dissolved and need replacing.

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#4 Minty Fresh Toothpaste

This might sound strange, but you can put toothpaste in toilet tanks to smell good. 

To make it work, just squeeze about two tablespoons of minty toothpaste into your toilet tank. If you can find toothpaste with baking soda in it, that's even better. 

The mint smell helps get rid of bad odors, and toothpaste actually has some cleaning power too.

So the next time you flush, the water will mix with the toothpaste, releasing a refreshing mint scent throughout the bathroom.

Add new toothpaste each week to keep things fresh. You might want to stir the water a bit to spread the toothpaste around.

If you're using this method, stick to a mint flavor, since it’s the most powerful and refreshing scent. 

Avoid toothpaste with added colors or whitening agents, as they could potentially stain your toilet or tank over time. Don't use gel toothpaste either - it doesn't work as well. 

#5 Toilet Tank Tablets

If you’re not into DIY solutions or simply want something that requires zero effort, toilet tank tablets are a great go-to. 

These are commercially available tablets that you can drop directly into your toilet tank. They come in lots of different scents and types.

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These tablets slowly break down in the water, cleaning and adding fresh scents every time you flush. Some even turn the water blue to let you know when it's time for a new tablet. 

Just make sure to get tablets that work with your type of plumbing. If you have a septic system, double-check that the tablets are safe for it. 

One tablet usually lasts one to three months, which makes them pretty convenient.

A Word Of Caution

These methods work well, but you need to be careful about a few things:

• Only use a few drops of essential oils to avoid greasy residue and potential clogs.

• Change lemon slices regularly to prevent citrus acid from damaging rubber seals.

• Don’t overuse baking soda and fabric softener—too much can cause buildup or interfere with the flushing mechanism.

• Use toothpaste sparingly, as too much can foam up and clog the system.

• Choose septic-safe, chemical-free toilet tank tablets to protect plumbing and septic systems.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – five simple, budget-friendly ways to keep your toilet tank smelling fresh and clean! Keeping your toilet tank smelling fresh doesn't have to be hard or cost a lot.

But do keep an eye on how your toilet's working after trying any of these methods. 

If you notice anything strange about how it flushes or hear weird noises, something might not be right. 

These simple solutions, plus regular cleaning, will keep your bathroom smelling fresh and your toilet working well for a long time.

Don't forget to give your toilet tank a good cleaning every few months!

FAQs

What To Put In Toilet Tank To Keep It Clean?

Try some drop-in toilet tablets or vinegar. These work great for keeping your tank clean and preventing build-up without damaging the parts.

Is It Safe To Put Toothpaste In Toilet Tank?

Yes, it’s generally safe to put a small amount of toothpaste in your toilet tank. Just make sure you're using a mild, non-gel toothpaste. Toothpaste helps freshen up the smell,and  it also acts as a gentle abrasive to help keep things clean.

Just don’t overdo it—use a small dollop to avoid clogging or excessive buildup.