How to Clean a Camping Porta Potty: A Definitive Guide for Families
Porta-potties are essential pieces of camping equipment. Not only do they provide a safe and hygienic way to dispose of human waste, they also keep the camping ground clean and tidy. But it isn’t enough to just purchase a portable toilet; it needs to be maintained and regularly cleaned in order to keep it in good condition. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean and maintain your portable camping toilet like a pro, whether you have three kids in tow or not!
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Step 1: Disinfecting the Porta Potty
The first and most important step in thoroughly cleaning a camping porta potty is to disinfect it. To do this, use an RV-specific disinfectant designed for use in portable toilets. These household disinfectants typically come in liquid or aerosol cans and can be purchased at most camping-supply stores or online. It is important to note that some bleach-based products can cause corrosion and discoloration, so make sure the product you use is specifically designed for RV and camping use.
After selecting the right product, make sure to read the product instructions carefully. Follow the instructions for proper dilution rates and ensure the product mixes with fresh water without leaving lumps or clumps of product. Then, pour the disinfectant into the tank and give it a good swish to ensure it fully coats the inside of the tank. Now, the tank is ready for flushing. Use a sufficient amount of water to create a cleaning stream that will clear away all the debris and germs. You should also flush the tank several times to ensure all the contaminated water is gone before use.
Note that if the water within the tank is extremely dirty or smells bad, you may need to empty the tank completely. To empty the tank, simply invert it and allow the water to flow out. Once the tank is emptied, you can follow the above instructions to disinfect it before refilling.
Step 2: Cleaning the Outside of the Porta Potty
Once you’ve finished disinfecting the tank, the next step is to clean the porta potty’s exterior. To do this, use a cleaning solution made specifically for RV and camping equipment and either a soft cloth, sponge, or scrub brush. First, apply the cleaning solution to the outside of the porta potty and let it sit for a minute or two. This will allow the cleaning product to penetrate the dirt and grime. Then, scrub the outside of the potty and rinse it off with cool water.
In addition to cleaning the porta potty itself, you should also pay attention to the hoses. After disinfecting the inside of the tank, flush out the hoses using a cleaning solution. This will help ensure the hoses remain bacteria-free and smelling fresh. Finally, when the exterior of the potty has been thoroughly cleaned, cover the potty with the protective lid to ensure that it remains clean until the next use.
Once the potty has been disinfected and cleaned, you should inspect the tank for any cracks or holes. If any are found, they should be patched immediately to prevent odors from escaping. Additionally, consider using a sealant to keep the tank moisture-proof and reduce the amount of water that can get into the tank.
Step 3: Deodorize the Porta Potty
In order to make sure your porta potty stays smelling fresh, consider using a deodorizing product specifically designed for RV and camping use. These products come in liquid form and can be added directly to the tank before use. It is important to note that many of these products contain formaldehyde, so make sure to read the product instructions and use it in an adequatelyventilated area. Alternatively, you can use one of the more natural deodorizing products available on the market.
Additionally, it is also important to regularly empty the tank to take out any accumulated waste. This will help keep odors at bay and will also help to reduce the amount of cleaning and deodorizing that will need to be done.
Additional Tips for Maintaining a CLEAN Portable Toilet
In addition to the above steps, here are a few other tips to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your camping porta potty:
- Prevention Is Key. To reduce the amount of cleaning and deodorizing required, consider adding a few tablespoons of sawdust to the bottom of the tank after each use and also dispose of all solid waste immediately. This will help to eliminate odors and inevitable mess.
- Add Bleach Alternatively, you can also use a diluted bleach solution to sanitize the tank. Simply mix one part bleach with 10 parts water and pour into the tank. Allow it to sit for 7-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and replacing the lid.
- Avoid Excessive Water. If you notice that the tank is becoming excessively full of water, it is likely due to improper flushing of toilet paper. To ensure this does not occur, place a stick of firewood inside the tank. This will help to keep the toilet paper from clumping and blocking the water flow.
- Empty the Tank Frequently. Make sure to empty the tank frequently, especially if the porta potty is going to be exposed to extreme temperatures or will not be used for an extended period of time.
As a father of three and an experienced camper, I know how important proper sanitation and hygiene is when camping in the great outdoors. Although portable toilets can provide a great convenience in such situations, they must be properly maintained and cared for to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. This guide will help you maintain your camping porta potty like a pro and keep your camping experiences unforgettable for all the right reasons.