How to Clean an RV Toilet & Keep It Smelling Fresh
It’s crucial to keep the toilet in your RV clean. But beware, cleaning an RV toilet differs from your home toilet.
This comprehensive guide provides in-depth, specific instructions on how to clean your RV toilet effectively, addressing common issues and ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
What Do You Clean RV Toilets With?
It’s important to use the correct cleaning supplies for your RV toilet. Not only do RV toilets come in different types of materials (often, RV owners don’t know what it’s made of), but any cleaner you use in your toilet will empty into your black water tank. This means you need to be especially careful about the products you choose.
1. Thetford Aqua Clean RV Toilet Cleaner
This cleaner is a safe and powerful solution for cleaning RV toilets. It’s gentle yet effective, perfect for the toilet bowl, and can even be used on other surfaces in your RV like countertops, sinks, showers, and tubs. It’s biodegradable, bleach-free, and won’t scratch surfaces.
2. Non-Abrasive Bowl Brush or Sponge
Use a soft-bristled toilet brush or a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the toilet bowl, particularly if it’s plastic. A silicone brush is a hygienic and easy-to-clean option.
3. Gloves
Protect your hands from germs and cleaning products.
How to Clean an RV Toilet Bowl
With the proper cleaning supplies, cleaning your camper toilet is as easy as 1, 2, 3… but with a few extra details for a truly deep clean:
- Spray Toilet Bowl With Cleaner: Spray the inside of your toilet bowl evenly with Thetford Aqua Clean or your chosen RV toilet cleaner. Ensure you spray under the rim as well.
- Let Cleaner Sit: Allow the bowl cleaner to sit for 10-15 minutes (or as directed on the product label). For tougher stains, you can spray the cleaner and let it sit overnight. This dwell time is crucial for the cleaner to break down any stains and buildup effectively.
- Scrub Bowl: Use your non-abrasive bowl brush or sponge to scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly. Pay special attention to the rim, the area where water enters, and any stubborn stains. Use short, firm strokes to dislodge any stuck-on debris.
- Rinse With Clean Water: After scrubbing, flush the toilet several times with clean water to rinse away the cleaner and any debris. Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary for particularly stubborn stains.
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How to Keep Your Toilet (And RV) Smelling Fresh
Since a camper toilet works differently than a home toilet, there are several tips we can follow to ensure that not only the toilet stays clean and fresh but the RV bathroom and the entire vehicle itself stay fresh, as well.
1. Clean Your Toilet Regularly: To keep your toilet as clean as possible and to make subsequent cleanings easier, ensure you regularly clean your RV toilet. Don’t wait until it’s visibly dirty.
2. Clean Your Black Tank Regularly: If your RV bathroom is starting to smell… less than fresh… then the main culprit is likely your black water tank, not your toilet. Regularly cleaning your black water tank is crucial. This can involve flushing the tank with a built-in system, using a portable tank rinser, or having it professionally serviced. The frequency depends on usage, but aim for a thorough cleaning at least a few times per season.
3. Use Drop-In Packets (Black Tank Treatments): These special black tank treatments help break down waste in the tank, control odors, and prevent clogs. They contain enzymes and bacteria that liquefy solids and promote a healthier tank environment. Follow the product instructions for dosage and frequency. Camco TST MAX Drop-Ins are a popular choice.
4. Turn The Bathroom Vent Fan Off When Flushing: Your bathroom vent usually does a great job of removing unwanted odors from your bathroom, but when you flush your toilet, it essentially sucks the foul odors and fumes out of your holding tank and into your bathroom. So, continue to run your fan, but shut it off during the flushing process.
5. Use Dissolvable Toilet Paper: Regular household toilet paper may lead to clogs and nasty odors coming from your holding tank. It can also stick to your holding tank sensors, causing false readings. RV-safe toilet paper dissolves quickly and easily, thus reducing the possibility of clogs and broken systems. Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper is a good option.
6. Flush Frequently and with Ample Water: Water is your camper toilet and black tank’s best friend. Flush frequently, even for liquid waste, using plenty of water. This helps ensure that waste is properly carried away from the toilet and into the tank. A good rule of thumb is to flush until the water runs clear.
7. Monitor Tank Levels and Empty Regularly: Regularly monitor your black tank level to avoid overfilling. An overfull tank can lead to clogs, leaks, and unpleasant odors. Empty the tank when it reaches around two-thirds full.
8. Check Toilet Seals: Regularly check the toilet seals for any signs of wear or damage. Replacing worn seals can prevent leaks and odors.
By following these expanded tips and using the right products, you can keep your RV toilet clean, fresh, and functional, ensuring a more enjoyable RV experience.
