Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by acechapman
Your RV toilet needs regular cleaning just like the toilet in your home. An RV toilet bowl, however, is made from soft material, which is not the case with a home toilet. The rubber blade seal can be damaged by chemicals. So how can you clean your RV toilet bowl without damaging it? Read further to learn how to clean a camper toilet easily with a few steps.
Mix 2 cups water with 1/2 cup mild dish detergent in a bowl. Mix half of the mixture in a bowl for your RV toilet. Use a sponge or soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean the bowl.
How does a camper toilet work?
The tank and water pressure required for an RV toilet are not the same as a regular toilet. The blade opens and allows waste to flow into the blackwater tanks. The line to the freshwater tank is simultaneously opened, allowing gravity to fill the tank with water. You can find out more about the RV toilet.
This system is lightweight and durable. It’s also simple and easy to use. It is not great at cleaning the toilet, and can often leave stains and waste accumulation. This is why it is so important to remove the smells and prevent them from returning.
Most camper toilets have a holding tank that stores the waste until it can be properly disposed of. When the tank is full, it can be emptied at a designated dumping station. Some camper toilets also have a built-in waste treatment system that can break down the waste further, making it safe to discharge into a septic tank or other wastewater systems.
You may need to replace your RV if it has been damaged by scuffs or wear from time and improper cleaning. A good cleaning can make your RV smell new again.
How to Clean a Camper Toilet
Cleaning With Dish Soap
Here are some steps you can follow to clean your camper toilet with dish soap:
- Begin by emptying the toilet of any waste and cleaning out any solid matter.
- Next, flush the toilet a few times to rinse out any remaining waste.
- Once the toilet is empty, add a small amount of dish soap to the bowl. You can use a sponge or a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, paying extra attention to any stains or areas that are particularly dirty.
- Flush the toilet again to rinse away the soap and any dirt that has been scrubbed away.
- Wipe down the outside of the toilet, including the seat and lid, with a damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap. Be sure to also wipe down the base of the toilet where it meets the floor.
- Rinse the cloth and use it to wipe away any soap residue from the toilet and seat.
- Once the toilet is clean, close the lid and seat to keep it fresh until the next use.
Clean The Blade Seal
It is simple to forget about the blade seal on your RV Toilet. It’s not necessary to worry about it in your home toilet. It is an integral part of every flush on your RV toilet. However, it can become clogged and leaky. Here’s how to clean it.
- A blade cleaning tool is essential. You can buy one at RV supply stores, or you can make your own from a paper clip or wire coat hanger, or a flathead screwdriver.
- Use sturdy gloves.
- Turn off your water supply. If you aren’t connected to city water, turn off your water pump.
- Make Cleaner. Warm soapy water is all you need. This will work if you have any leftovers from cleaning your toilet bowl. You can also buy tools and cleaners for this job at some RV shops.
- Close the door and turn off the vent fan. To clean the seal, you will need to open the blade. This will allow the blackwater tank fumes to escape. To reduce the unpleasant odor, you might consider wearing a mask.
- You can flush the toilet by holding it open. This will let you flush the water and expose the blade seal.
- Locate the blade seal and use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the seal.
- Make sure to lubricate the seal. Simply rub the lubricant on the seal. You can find lubricants for RVs at RV supply stores.
- Once the blade seal is clean, reattach the toilet to the floor using the bolts you removed earlier.
- Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet a few times to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Everyday Cleaning
Drop-in tablets are safe and free from harsh chemicals. You can also use mineral oil baby wipes to clean your toilet bowl and its seal.
Use Safe Cleaning Tools
To ensure that you are using safe cleaning tools for your camper toilet, it is recommended that you avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. These can damage the toilet and potentially harm you or the environment.
Instead, try using natural cleaning products or mild detergents such as dish soap to clean your camper toilet. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda as a natural cleaning agent.
In addition to using safe cleaning products, it is also important to use safe cleaning tools. Avoid using steel wool or any other abrasive sponges, as these can scratch the surface of the toilet and create places for bacteria to grow. Instead, opt for soft sponges or brushes made of nylon or other non-abrasive materials.
Use Safe Cleaners
Safe cleaners are best for RV toilet cleaning. These cleaners include those that are specifically for RV toilets. Mild cleaning agents, such as vinegar, citric acid, and baking soda, can still be effective.
How can I stop my RV toilet from smelling?
There are a few steps you can take to prevent your RV toilet from smelling:
- Use a quality RV toilet chemical with a built-in deodorizer: These chemicals are specifically designed to help eliminate odors and keep your toilet smelling fresh.
- Keep the toilet clean: Regularly clean your RV toilet, including the bowl, seat, and exterior, to prevent any dirt or bacteria from building up and causing odors.
- Use a toilet deodorizing tablet: These tablets are designed to be placed in the holding tank of your RV toilet to help eliminate odors.
- Keep the holding tank empty: The more full the holding tank is, the more likely it is to produce odors. Be sure to empty the tank frequently to help prevent odors.
- Use a holding tank treatment: These treatments are designed to help break down waste and prevent odors from forming in the holding tank.
- Use a vent fan: If your RV toilet has a vent fan, be sure to use it while the toilet is in use. This will help to circulate fresh air and prevent odors from building up inside the RV.
By following these steps, you can help to keep your RV toilet smelling fresh and clean.
Are RV sewer gas and other chemicals dangerous?
Exposure to RV sewer gas can be harmful to your health, as it can contain a variety of toxic chemicals and pollutants. Some of the harmful substances that may be present in RV sewer gas include hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane.
Additionally, exposure to high levels of these chemicals can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, exposure to RV sewer gas can even be deadly.
It’s important to take steps to prevent exposure to RV sewer gas and other harmful chemicals, such as properly maintaining and ventilating your RV’s plumbing system and using quality RV toilet chemicals to help break down and deodorize waste.
If you suspect that you are being exposed to harmful chemicals or gases in your RV, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
You buy an RV so you can travel and enjoy life. Also, you don’t want to fix a wastewater holding tank problem. Our proven process makes it easy to keep your tanks in peak operational condition.
Hopefully, you’ve learned about how to clean a camper toilet. Now, you know how to avoid odors, blockages, and sensor issues so that you can spend more time enjoying the freedom and adventure of holding tanks.
You can try it out for yourself to see why so many campers rely on these easy steps every day to keep their RVs safe.
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