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How to Make a Magnetic Fish Tank Cleaner

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: January 16, 2017
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 for this use. The sponge can be of different roughness, the important thing is that it is new and has not been used before.

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

You will also need a powerful magnet that will be able to firmly hold the sponge to the inner wall of the container. These are widely available in hardware stores.

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

First, cut the sponge to make it a little bigger than the magnet. You need the magnet to fit inside the sponge but avoid it being too large.

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

Use a sharp knife to cut a slot in the side of the sponge. This slot is large enough to fit the magnet. Take care to not cut the sponge from side to side.

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

Insert the magnet into the sponge. Now you have a simple magnetic sponge. You need two of these, so repeat the previous steps to make a second one.

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 stand still against the container's side. Then move the sponge on the outside and inside one will follow.

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

If the inner sponge is released just move the outer one near to it to catch it again. The only problem is that the magnet can sometimes escape through the slot. One solution is to sew the opening to hold the magnet in place.

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

All you have to do is embed a powerful magnet inside a sponge. Then you can guide it with another magnet on the outside and clean even the places that are most difficult to reach.

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