Can You Put Fabric Softener In A Toilet Tank? (Find Out Now!)
People are always looking for new ways to keep their homes clean- especially their bathrooms. Toilets can generate some of the worst odors in a household, particularly if they aren’t used regularly.
Can putting fabric softener in your toilet tank help keep your bathroom feeling (and smelling) fresh?
While you can put fabric softener in a toilet tank a few times safely, experts recommend against this practice. The consistency of fabric softener will cause it to build up in your septic system and create severe plumbing problems. Use products specifically designed for toilet use or opt for natural ingredients like vinegar to keep your toilet tank clean.
Continue reading to discover if it’s safe to put fabric softener in a toilet tank and what experts think about doing so. Furthermore, we’ll discuss why people put fabric softener in their toilet tanks and some alternatives to keeping your septic system clean!
Is It Safe to Put Fabric Softener in a Toilet Tank?
Is it a good idea to put fabric softener in a toilet tank? Are there any repercussions to doing this?
It’s generally safe to put fabric softener in a toilet tank once or twice in its lifetime for a quick refresh. However, this practice can wreak havoc on your septic system over time.
Additionally, it can be rather toxic for the environment. When you pour fabric softener into your toilet tank, the chemicals in the product ultimately make their way into your septic system- which means they’ll end up in your wastewater treatment plant.
Fabric softeners can collect in your pipes over time, leaving a thick film behind that will eventually lead to blockage. Obstructions in your plumbing may lead to bigger problems, such as backups into your sinks and tubs or a clog in the main sewer line that leaves you with a nasty, unwanted (and expensive to fix) mess.
While it’s “safe” to use this method a couple of times, it’s not a long-term solution to keeping your toilet fresh. Instead, opt for products that are specifically designed to be used in a toilet tank or bowl.
Expert Opinion on Putting Fabric Softener in a Toilet Tank
Professional plumbers also advise against this practice.
They claim that fabric softener isn’t a good way to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. In addition to causing septic system issues, it doesn’t clean well or freshen surfaces as you would expect from a product that’s designed for laundry softening.
There are a number of products on the market that are made to be used with your toilet- so it’s best to avoid using fabric softener in this area.
What’s the Point of Putting Fabric Softener in a Toilet Tank?
Why do people do this in the first place?
A few years ago, a well-known company shared a tip on social media that recommended using fabric softener in your toilet tank. The idea is to pour a cup of your favorite softener and allow for the liquid to sit at the bottom of the system.
Then, a wonderful scent will be released every time you flush! The post went rather viral and sparked both praise and criticism.
Unfortunately, fabric softener has fatty elements that will stick to your toilet’s parts. For that reason, we side with the experts in being wary of the eventual impact on your water piping system.
Alternatives to Putting Fabric Softener in a Toilet Tank
If you want a fresh-smelling bathroom without worrying about the negative side effects of using fabric softener in your toilet tank, there are other options:
- Toilet-specific products
- Natural ingredients
- Wall plug-ins
- Standard diffusers
Toilet-Specific Products
You can purchase a product that is specifically designed for toilet tanks and bowls. These typically come in the form of crystals or beads and work to keep your toilet clean while releasing a pleasing fragrance.
They can be placed in your toilet tank or attached directly to the bowl.
Natural Ingredients
Another option is to use natural ingredients. For example, you can place a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar in your toilet tank for a fresh scent.
Wall Plug-Ins
You can also leave your toilet alone and opt for a wall plug-in instead. Nest and Glade are two companies that offer different wall-diffuser options suitable for any room in the house.
Just make sure you replace the oils regularly and plug them in an outlet that isn’t sitting beneath something that could catch fire.
Standard Diffusers
Lastly, you can place a standard diffuser in your bathroom.
These typically require the use of oil and bamboo sticks to work properly but provide a longer-lasting and hassle-free experience than other options on the market.
Related Questions
Can you put fabric softener in a diffuser?
Diffusers usually come with enclosed oil plug-ins or are already filled with the appropriate liquid.Never use fabric softener in a diffuser because it can create lung and respiratory problems, as well as cause a fire hazard.It’s best to use items as they’re intended and to stick to using fabric softener in the laundry only.
Should you use fabric softener on your towels?
Using fabric softener on your towels can make your out-of-shower experience that much better. However, doing so every time you wash them can reduce the absorbency of the towels over time.Stick to using fabric softener once every 5 times you wash your towels to preserve their function. Make sure the liquid isn’t irritating to your skin if you have sensitivity problems.
Can you use fabric softener instead of detergent?
Detergent works by removing stains and cleaning your clothes. Fabric softener makes your clothes softer and smell better, but it won’t actually clean them.This is why you should never use fabric softener in lieu of detergent. It would be like spraying perfume on dirty clothes in hopes that it would render them completely clean!
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are safer options for keeping your bathroom smelling fresh and clean than putting fabric softener in your toilet tank.
If you want a natural ingredient to use in the system that will also save you money on expensive scented products, lemon juice or vinegar work well. You can also opt for a wall plug-in instead.
Lastly, if neither of these techniques appeals to you, try placing a standard diffuser in your bathroom!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
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