5 Best RV Holding Tank Treatments (Pros and Cons Compared)
So, you’re ready to clean your holding tank.
Well, no RV owner really enjoys doing it and is rarely “ready” to tackle the black water holding tank. But keeping the holding tank clean is an essential part of RVing.
After all, you want to keep your RV smelling fresh, sensors detecting the tank’s capacity correctly, and the tank clog-free.
All you need is the best RV holding tank treatment to clean your tank. But picking from the dozens of options is time-consuming and taxing.
So, we’ve shortlisted your best options for you below.
5 Best RV Holding Tank Treatments
Tank treatments are all about preventing the stink. Here are the five best RV holding tank treatments money can buy:
#1 Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs
Drop one of the TST MAX treatments in your toilet, flush, and boom, no more odor for a week. The treatment does not have bronopol, the toxic agent that releases formaldehyde. You can safely drain your tank anywhere after using this treatment.
One of these drop-ins is good for a 40-gallon tank.
The special chemical that breaks down waste and traps odor (instead of masking it) make the TST drop-ins one of the best RV holding tank treatments.
Another nice thing about these drop-ins is that you can find them in various scents. Besides orange, you will also find them in lemon, lavender, hibiscus breeze, fresh, and ocean breeze scents.
Furthermore, you don’t have to buy a 30-pack, although it’ll work out cheaper. Get your hands on a 10-pack to try it out. The treatment is safe for all septic tanks and is RV- and marine-approved.
Pros
- Excellent at containing and removing odors
- Dissolves toilet paper efficiently
- Easy to store
Cons
- Packets disintegrate in the container over time
#2 Black Diamond Stoneworks GET SERIOUS Holding Tank Treatment & Deodorizer
The GET SERIOUS treatment continually breaks down grease, toilet papers, and food waste, making it one of the best-rated holding tank treatments online.
The billions of bio-renewable spores in the treatment will release enzymes when you pour it into your tank. These enzymes will break down the contents of the tank and minimize the chances of solids forming.
Like the Camco treatment, the GET SERIOUS treatment doesn’t have bronopol and eliminates odors rather than masking them.
Pros
- One of the most affordable treatments available
- Hundreds of happy repeat customers crown it the best RV holding tank treatment
- Keeps sensors working and prevents blockages effectively
Cons
- None
#3 HAPPY CAMPERS RV Holding Tank Treatment
One of the best RV holding tank treatments on the market, the Happy Camper treatment is a powerful, water-activated mineral blend.
Unlike an enzyme treatment, the formula remains unaffected by residuals. More treatment doesn’t need to be added regularly for it to work.
It will remove any clogs in your sinks and showers by breaking down waste within hours of treatment—without damaging any plumbing.
Pros
- One scoop is sufficient for a 40-gallon tank
- Works perfectly in extreme temperatures
- Neutralizes odor completely
Cons
- You must mix it with a gallon of water
#4 Eco Strong RV Holding Tank Treatment
The Eco Strong treatment will easily clean your grey and black holding tanks. The half-and-half biology and enzyme formula rapidly breaks down paper, hair, grease, and food wastes.
Since it’s a liquid, it won’t clump on the bottom of your tanks like a packet or powder. It comes with a deodorizer to make your loo smell fresh and clean, making it one of the best RV holding tank treatments out there.
Pros
- Available in lavender and citrus scents
- No harmful chemicals
- Effective in hot and cold climates
Cons
- Effective and affordable, but not the best
#5 Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment
Say goodbye to porta-potty smells with RV Digest-It. By breaking down the contents of your grey and black tanks, it liquefies wastes and keeps your sensors functioning.
It’s safe to use in septic tanks and sewers and complies with all state dumping laws, making it one of the best RV holding tank treatments you can rely on.
Pros
- Unclogs drains effectively
- Breaks down paper quickly
- Leaves a pleasant smell
Cons
- Not ideal for seasonal campers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my holding tank from smelling?
The black tank starts to smell bad when it dries up or clogs. Add water with each flush to control the odor. Also, when you drain the tank, fill it with enough water to cover the tank’s floor sufficiently. It could take seven to eight toilet bowls of water to do this, depending on the tank size. Use RV-grade toilet paper to prevent clogging.
It is important to emphasize that RV black tank treatment is essential for RV, camper, and boat owners, ensuring proper sanitation system functionality, a clean environment, and odor-free, worry-free adventures on the road or water. This treatment plays a crucial role in breaking down waste, preventing odors, maintaining a hygienic atmosphere, and extending the lifespan of their sanitation systems.
Can you put Dawn in RV black tank?
Dawn dish soap is cheap, biodegradable, and non-corrosive. Since it doesn’t have phosphates and can be dumped in a strict environment, you can use Dawn to wash your black tank.
Why does my RV toilet smell like rotten eggs?
The likely cause of a smelly toilet is that your black and gray water holding tanks’ valves are open. If they’re open, close them, and pop open a window. The toilet should stop smelling. There’s a chance that the black tank’s roof vent is clogged and is trapping bad smells in your RV. You will need to clear the clog for your RV to stop smelling.
Conclusion
Keeping your tanks clean is the only way to keep your RV smelling great. And with the products highlighted in this post, cleaning up is much easier.
You will need to wash your black tank periodically (with water pressure) to get rid of the build-up of sludge. No product will work if you neglect deep-cleaning your tank.
Moreover, a “pyramid” of excrement will form under the toilet hole. The pyramid can stay above the water line and make your RV smell like death.
The higher the frequency of use, the more often you need to clean the tank. It’s the only way to keep your RV smelling good.
Drop a comment telling us what your tank maintenance routine is like. We’d love to hear how you prevent the nightmarish smells from a black tank.
