As your resident RV expert and long-time RV owner myself, I know that dealing with RV waste tanks can be one of the least fun parts of the RV lifestyle. But I promise, with just a little regular care and cleaning, you can keep your black tank fresh and make dumping a breeze.
In this detailed guide, we’ll become best friends with your RV black tank, covering everything you need to know about safely cleaning and deodorizing it. Get ready to become a black tank care expert!
Let‘s start with the basics. The black tank in your RV holds all the waste from your toilet – both liquid and solid. It‘s typically a heavy plastic or metal tank that attaches directly to the toilet. The tank stores the waste until you’re ready to empty it.
Special seals and valves keep all that unpleasant business contained in the tank, where it belongs. The last thing you want is a leak!
I know it’s not fun to think about, but regularly cleaning and maintaining your RV black tank is SO important for keeping your RV fresh.
When you show your black tank a little love, you‘ll prevent clogs, odors, and even costly repairs down the road. Trust me, taking care of your tank now saves big headaches later!
Over time, RV black tanks can start to emit some pretty unpleasant sewage-like odors. Not ideal when you’re trying to enjoy your home on wheels!
There are a few key reasons your black tank might start to smell:
Incomplete Emptying
Not fully emptying your tank each time you dump allows waste solids to build up. Yuck! This also reduces the efficiency of the helpful microbes inside your tank that naturally break down waste.
Here’s a startling statistic: The RV Digest estimates nearly 68% of RVers do not completely empty their tanks with every dump. That’s a lot of accumulated solids stinking up tanks!
Using the Wrong Products
Dumping greasy food waste or using low quality toilet paper (like the fluffy household kind) can leave behind solids that cause odors.
Stick to RV-specific toilet paper designed to rapidly dissolve and you’ll keep more solids from sticking around.
Insufficient Cleaning
Organic matter and solid waste that accumulates in the tank creates the perfect environment for odor-causing anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
That’s where giving your tank some TLC with cleaners comes in handy!
Poor Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, gases from the waste can’t escape the tank and instead back up into your RV. Very stinky!
Make sure to clear any obstructions from the vent pipe regularly.
Now that you know why odors happen, let’s talk about the fun part – cleaning it!
Cleaning and deodorizing your tank regularly is the #1 way to keep odors at bay. There are a few different methods you can try.
Borax + Dawn Tank Cleaning
One of my personal favorite cleaning methods is using Borax powder and Dawn liquid dish soap. The combination is super effective at cutting through gunk and deodorizing.
Here’s how to mix up this magical cleaning solution:
Supplies You‘ll Need
- Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle)
- Blue Dawn dish soap
- An RV tank wand or hose attachment
- Measuring cups
Step 1: Empty That Tank
Start by emptying the tank completely at an approved sewage station. Getting all the waste out is critical before adding any cleaning agents.
Step 2: Add the Borax
Using a measuring cup, add 1 cup of Borax for every 25 gallons your tank holds. So for a 50 gallon tank, add 2 cups Borax.
Slowly pour or spray the Borax into the tank via the toilet opening. Use a tank wand if you have one to really get the Borax everywhere.
Step 3: Squirt in the Dawn
Next add approximately 1/4 cup Dawn right to the tank. I prefer the original blue Dawn – it works so well at breaking down oily waste!
Step 4: Fill ‘Er Up With Water
Now fill up the tank completely with fresh water. This mixes up the cleaning solution.
Step 5: Let It Soak!
Let that baby soak overnight, or at least 6-8 hours, so the Borax and Dawn can fully penetrate and dissolve any built-up gunk.
Step 6: Drain and Rinse
Drain out the tank completely, then give it a thorough rinse with fresh water several times. You want to rinse away any residue.
Step 7: Smell the Freshness
Finally, enjoy that fresh, clean tank feeling! Consider adding an RV black tank deodorizer to keep it that way.
Follow this Borax and Dawn cleaning method every few months, and you’ll be soakin’ up a clean, happy tank.
Other Handy Cleaning Methods
While Borax and Dawn is tried and true, you might also try:
- Baking soda and vinegar – the combo bubbles away waste!
- Enzyme or oxygen cleaners – break down waste naturally
- DIY vinegar solution – super effective deodorizer
There are also great commercial RV black tank cleaners out there. Just follow label instructions.
Nothing beats regular cleanings for keeping odors away. But you can also try these tips:
- Use an enzyme-based tank treatment regularly
- Only put RV-specific toilet paper down there
- Empty the tank regularly, not just when full
- Check that vent pipes stay clear
- Wipe seals around the toilet
- Avoid putting any harsh chemicals down the toilet
See, just a little TLC keeps your black tank smiling!
Black tanks may not be glamorous, but it‘s vital to properly maintain them. When dumping and cleaning:
- Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles. Safety first!
- Securely attach sewer hoses before opening valves. No leaks allowed!
- Thoroughly rinse any spills at the dump station.
- Wash hands very well after handling equipment. Hygiene is key.
- Only empty at designated RV dump stations. Never just dump illegally!
Follow these rules, and you’ll be a black tank pro.
- Regular black tank maintenance prevents clogs, odors, and damage
- Incomplete emptying, wrong products, and buildup cause smells
- Borax and Dawn is an effective, popular cleaning method
- Take safety precautions when dumping, rinsing, and cleaning
- Show your tank some love, and it will love you back!
And there you have it – everything you need to know to keep your RV black tank smelling as fresh as the great outdoors. Remember to empty completely, clean regularly, and use the right products.
I hope these tips help you and your black tank live happily ever after! Feel free to reach out with any other RV questions. Safe travels!
