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How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: October 12, 2025
How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner

Sometimes it can be difficult to clean the inside of containers, such as vases and fish tanks. Here we explain how to make easily at home a cleaner for vases and fish tanks. Many vases have an opening that is too narrow to insert the hand and a shape that makes it impossible to use a brush. In the case of fish tanks, you often have to empty the tank in order to clean the glass. Both problems can be easily solved with a simple magnetic brush. Take a look at this OneHowTo tutorial to learn how to make a magnetic fish tank cleaner.

Steps to follow:

1

The first thing you need to make a magnetic fish tank cleaner is a sponge or cleaning tool that suits this purpose. The sponge can be of different roughness, depending on your cleaning needs, but the important thing is that it is new and has not been used before to avoid any contamination.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 1
2

You will also need a powerful magnet that can firmly hold the sponge to the inner wall of the container. These magnets, often called neodymium magnets, are widely available in hardware stores and come in various sizes and strengths.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 2
3

First, cut the sponge to make it slightly larger than the magnet. This allows the magnet to fit snugly inside the sponge without being too tight or too loose, ensuring it remains effective during cleaning.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 3
4

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a slot in the side of the sponge. This slot should be just large enough to fit the magnet. Take care not to cut the sponge all the way through, as this might compromise its integrity.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 4
5

Insert the magnet into the sponge. Now you have a simple magnetic sponge. It is essential to make two of these magnetic sponges, so repeat the previous steps to create a second one. These will work in tandem to clean the glass surfaces effectively.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 5
6

Place one of the sponges on the outer wall of the container and then place the second one inside. They should be attracted towards one another and therefore stay in place against the container's side. Once positioned, move the sponge on the outside, and the inside one will follow suit, allowing you to clean without difficulty.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 6
7

If the inner sponge becomes detached, simply move the outer one close to it to reattach them. One common issue is that the magnet can sometimes slip through the slot. To prevent this, sewing the opening or using strong adhesive to secure the magnet in place can be effective solutions.

How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner - Step 7
8

All you have to do is embed a powerful magnet inside a sponge. By guiding it with another magnet on the outside, you can clean even the most challenging-to-reach areas. This method not only saves time but also ensures a thorough cleaning without the need to empty the tank or vase, preserving the habitat for any aquatic life.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner, we recommend you visit our Art & handicraft category.

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1 comment
Sharon
I'm going to try the sponge and magnet I let you know the outcome thank you
OneHowTo Editor
You're welcome Sharon, let us know how it goes! It is not great for really stubborn stains, but is great for recent mildew and works best when done regularly.
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How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner