Camping is one of the best ways to get away and enjoy nature, but one thing that many people don’t think about until it’s too late is how to keep a camping toilet from smelling.
So this summer, I decided that I would figure out this problem before my next camping trip – I was determined not to let an unpleasant smell ruin my outdoor experience.
After research, trial and error, and advice from experienced campers, I finally figured out how to keep a camping toilet from becoming smelly.
In this post, I’ll share all the tips and tricks that worked for me so you can have (hopefully) odorless toilets on your next adventure.
Why Does Camper Toilet Smell?
Have you ever been camping and noticed a strange smell coming from the camper toilet? Well, I must say I felt that many times, and it’s pretty annoying. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for campers, but why does it happen?
Inadequate ventilation is a primary culprit for the accumulation and intensification of toilet odors. Insufficient airflow, coupled with waste materials such as food, tissue, and chemicals, can amplify the emission of strong odors when exposed to air.
Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to reduce odor issues, such as
- Opening windows while using the bathroom
- Using special deodorizers on an ongoing basis
- Investing in solid waste holding tanks or covers to keep liquid elements contained.
With just a few modifications, those unpleasant smells should soon be a thing of the past!
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How Do I Stop My Portable Toilet From Smelling | Pro Ways
If you’ve ever gone camping, chances are you’re familiar with the dreaded “outdoor toilet” smell. It’s a common problem that plagues campers everywhere and can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect camping experience.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to keep your camping toilet from smelling so that you don’t have to worry about it every time you go into nature. Let’s break down the six most effective solutions for keeping your camping toilet smelling fresh.
- Keep it Dry
- Use a Thick Liner
- Find Deodorizers Throughout your Home
- Air it Out
- Keep it Clean
- Disinfect the Tank before Use
1) Keep it Dry
The first step to keeping your camping toilet from smelling is to ensure it stays dry. This means immediately wiping up any spills or leaks and not letting any standing water accumulate in the bowl.
You should also avoid putting water in the bowl, as this can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to foul odors!
If you need to use water, make sure it’s just a few teaspoons at a time; otherwise, bacteria will start to grow, and the smell will get worse over time.
2) Use a Thick Liner
When using a portable or collapsible camping toilet, line it with thick plastic before each use. This helps prevent liquid waste from seeping through the fabric and into the ground below (which can cause smelly problems).
It also makes cleaning up after yourself much easier when you’re done using the toilet since all the waste is contained within the liner!
Make sure to change out your liners regularly so that they don’t become too saturated with urine or feces—which can also lead to foul odors.
3) Find Deodorizers Throughout your Home
Natural deodorizers can help keep your camping toilet from smelling bad without resorting to harsh chemicals or air fresheners.
Baking soda is one of the best options as it absorbs odors naturally, but other household items such as vinegar, lemon juice, coffee grounds, or even cat litter can be used in a pinch.
Place these items around your campsite before each use and let them sit for several hours before removing them—this will help keep any unpleasant smells at bay!
Another place to look for deodorizers is online. Many websites sell products specifically designed to keep your camping toilet from smelling.
4) Air it Out
If you’re using a portable camping toilet, it’s important to empty it regularly to keep it from smelling. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Empty the tank as soon as possible after use. The longer waste sits in the tank, the more it will stink.
- If you can’t empty the tank immediately, add water to the waste to help dilute the odor.
- Ensure the valve that seals off the waste tank is closed tightly so that no odors can escape.
- Clean the toilet regularly with a disinfectant or bleach solution. This will help prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria.
5) Keep it Clean
If you’re using a portable camping toilet, it’s essential to keep it clean. Here are some pro tips:
- Empty the tank after each use. If you let waste sit in the tank, it will start to smell.
- Rinse the tank with clean water after each use. This will help remove any waste that’s left behind.
- Use biodegradable toilet paper. This will break down in the tank and not add to the odor problem.
- Add a drop of essential oil to the tank before each use. This will help mask any odors that might escape when you flush.
6) Disinfect the Tank before Use
It is important to disinfect your camping toilet before use. This will help to keep the toilet from smelling bad and prevent the spread of germs.
There are a few different ways that you can disinfect your camping toilet. One way is to use bleach.
Simply add a small amount of bleach to the water in the tank and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flush the toilet and allow it to fill with fresh water.
Another way to disinfect your camping toilet is by using vinegar. Add a cup of vinegar to the water in the tank and let it sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, flush the toilet and allow it to fill with fresh water.
You can also use commercial cleaners designed specifically for toilets. These cleaners will usually have instructions on how to disinfect your toilet correctly.
Follow the instructions on the bottle, and be sure to flush the toilet several times after using the cleaner.
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What To Put In Camping Toilet To Make It Smell Better?
Just like me, for everyone going camping is an adventure that can provide you with plenty of memorable moments and experiences. But, let’s face it, some aspects of camping aren’t so fun.
One of those things is the dreaded camping toilet. Keeping these toilets smelling fresh and pleasant can be challenging. But there are a few tricks you can use to help make your camping toilet smell better.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective solutions to keep Toilets To Make It Smell Better.
- Charcoal Briquettes
- Baking Soda
- Odor Eliminators
1) Charcoal Briquettes:
Charcoal briquettes are a great way to absorb and eliminate unpleasant odors in your camping toilet.
Place a few charcoal briquettes at the bottom of the toilet before you take your trip, so they are there when you need them.
The charcoal will help keep odors trapped and contained as long as possible.
2) Baking Soda:
Baking soda is another excellent tool for eliminating odors in your camping toilet.
Sprinkle some baking soda inside the bowl before each use to help neutralize any smells that might arise throughout the day.
You can also pour baking soda directly onto areas that have been particularly smelly or musty to freshen up the area quickly and easily.
3) Odor Eliminators:
Odor eliminators are an excellent way to ensure that your camping toilet stays fresh and clean for extended periods.
Look for products specifically designed for campers and RVs, such as portable odor eliminators.
As these products are formulated to target specific odor molecules more effectively than traditional household products.
Also Read:
What do hotels use to clean toilets
Bottom Line
If you’re worried about your camping toilet smelling, don’t be. With some planning and suitable materials, you can keep your toilet clean and smell-free all trip long.
Do you have any other tips for keeping a camping toilet from smelling? Share them with me and your fellow readers in the comments below!