Deodorizer
Also called: blue liquid, blue chemical, tank treatment, portable toilet chemical
Deodorizer is the treatment added to a portable toilet's holding tank at each service: a blue dye that hides the contents, a fragrance, a surfactant and a biocide that slows the bacteria that produce odor. It comes as a liquid or a dissolvable packet.
The blue liquid is not a cleaner and does not break down waste; it buys time between services. Heat shortens that time, which is why units in July need more frequent service or a stronger dose than the same units in October.
Most operators now use formaldehyde-free deodorizers because many wastewater treatment plants restrict or refuse waste that contains formaldehyde. Enzyme and bio-based products are common alternatives.
See also: Formaldehyde-free deodorizer, Holding tank, Service visit
Questions that use this term
Search allWhat is the blue liquid in a porta potty and is it toxic?
The blue liquid in a portable toilet is a deodorizer, and the formulas used in public spaces today are not toxic. The liquid is a mixture of a blue…
Porta potty water splashed on me: is the blue liquid dangerous and can you get an infection from it? ✓ Solved
A splash of blue liquid is not dangerous if you wash it off promptly, which you did. The real risk depends on how full the holding tank was and how…
How to clean a porta potty between services without wrecking the deodorizer ✓ Solved
Use water and a damp cloth to clean a portable toilet between services, not a bucket of soapy water. Hector is right about avoiding bleach and…
Why does my porta potty smell so bad by midweek and how do I fix it?
We have a standard portable toilet on our construction site for a crew of about 15 guys. It gets serviced every Monday morning, but by Wednesday…
How often does a porta potty need to be pumped and cleaned? ✓ Solved
Yes, weekly service is necessary even for light use. The rental company follows a standard service frequency schedule to prevent odor, maintain…
How do porta potties actually work? Where does everything go and why does it not smell worse ✓ Solved
Jules covered the system well, but the vent stack is key to why it doesn't smell worse. That small vent on the roof creates a passive airflow,…
How to start a porta potty rental business: what you actually need before the first unit goes out
Starting a portable toilet rental business requires more than just buying a few units. You need a complete operational system before your first…
What does a standard porta potty rental for a job site include, week to week?
I'm getting my first porta potty rental for a job site. We're a small GC, about a dozen guys on site for a three-month build. I'm looking at a…