If you’re an RV enthusiast, you know how much funky odors in the RV can detract from your enjoyment of a trip. Managing smells in a small space can be a headache—but it doesn’t have to be! Follow the tips below to keep your RV smelling fresh throughout your next adventures.
Start Using a Black Tank Cleaner—It’s a Game-Changer
Most RVers know they should use a black tank deodorizer, but you should also regularly use a black tank cleaner like Commando. Not only does Commando deep clean the black tank, eliminating residual odors, but it also addresses another source of annoyance: malfunctioning sensors.
See, a little bit of waste or paper can get stuck to your sensors, causing them to indicate the tank is full, even after dumping. Commando’s super-concentrated formula contains powerful enzymes that target and break down both waste and paper, removing any solids caked to the tank walls or sensors.
To use Commando, first empty your black tank completely and close the valve. Then flush one packet down the toilet, fill the tank with water above the sensors, and let it sit for 12 – 24 hours.
For more stubborn issues, leaving Commando in for longer is completely safe. Don’t worry about scrubbing or agitating the tank—the enzymes do all the hard work for you!
For best results, use Commando every three months to keep your black tank and sensors in good working condition.
Use the Correct Deodorizer
Choosing the correct deodorizer can make a world of difference. An enzyme-based formula like Bio-Pak provides excellent odor control and digestion, breaking down and liquefying tank contents for easy dumping. Bio-Pak contains enzymes that target paper and waste, meaning you likely won’t even have to worry about using special RV toilet paper!
If you need an extra-strength deodorizer due to an extremely hot climate or heavy toilet use, switch to Porta-Pak, the #1 portion-control RV tank treatment in the world.
Both Bio-Pak and Porta-Pak are easy to use—one drop-in packet treats a 40-gallon tank, and most campers use one per dump cycle (roughly once a week).
One important distinction: Bio-Pak’s 100% enzyme-based formula is fully septic-safe, making it the better choice if you ever dump into a septic system. Porta-Pak is fine for short-term septic use, but Bio-Pak is the better long-term option in those situations.
Add Enough Water to the Black Tank
Not adding enough water is one of the most common reasons for black tank odor. Inadequate liquid in the tank leads to mounding, also known as the poo pyramid—a situation you want to avoid at all costs!
We recommend adding at least 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of tank capacity. Sufficient water helps ensure solids stay below the water line, where your deodorizer can treat them.
If You Have a Grey Tank, Use a Grey Water Deodorizer
Grey tanks, which collect water from your shower and sinks, also need attention to prevent odors. Elemonate is a fast-dissolving tablet that releases enzymes specifically designed to break down grease, soap scum, and organic sludge. Simply drop a tablet into the sink, run a little water to dissolve it, and enjoy the fresh lemon scent it leaves behind.
Add an Elegant Air Freshener
Once you’ve tackled the tank odors, give your RV an extra boost of freshness with an elegant air freshener. Ovation is a long-lasting fragranced disc that you can easily hang, pin, or place anywhere in need of a boost of pleasant fragrance.
Assure is a fragranced spray that destroys odor molecules on contact to instantly eliminate unsavory smells from mildew, dirty laundry, pets, diaper pails, trash cans, and other odor sources.
Finally, a charcoal odor absorber absorbs odors for up to 60 days for folks who are more sensitive to fragrance.
Following these tips will ensure your next adventure is carefree and odor-free. Happy RVing! 🧡
