Porta Potty Forum
Log inAsk a question

How to clean a porta potty between services without wrecking the deodorizer ✓ Solved

Sam O.asked 0 viewsOdor, Cleaning & ChemicalsCleaningDeodorizerHome renovationHomeowner rental

Accepted answer

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 antibacterial cleaners, but any liquid you pour down the bowl dilutes the deodorizer and fills the holding tank faster. For spills, wipe with a dry paper tow Read the full answer

We have a standard portable toilet on our gravel driveway for a six-week bathroom remodel. Just my wife and I use it, but I want to keep it clean between the weekly service visits. The last thing I want is to mess up the deodorizer in the holding tank or make the unit smell worse. I've heard that certain cleaners can kill the bacteria that break down waste. What's the best way to wipe down the seat, walls, and floor without harming the chemical balance? Is there a specific type of cleaner or wipe I should use, or should I just stick with water? Also, any tips for dealing with spills or messes right after they happen?

2 answers

Accepted answer first, then by votes
3✓

✓ Accepted by Sam O.

Deb K.Akron, OH

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 antibacterial cleaners, but any liquid you pour down the bowl dilutes the deodorizer and fills the holding tank faster. For spills, wipe with a dry paper towel and toss it in your house trash. If you need to disinfect the seat, use a disinfectant wipe and let it dry completely before closing the lid; the small amount of residue that drips in won't wreck the chemical balance for two users. The weekly service visit handles the deep clean and tank chemistry.

  • Sam O. Thanks, Deb. That makes sense about the deodorizer. I'll stop wiping down the inside with a wet rag and just use dry paper towels for spills from now on.
2
Hector V.Phoenix, AZ

Use a mild, biodegradable cleaner diluted in water to clean a portable toilet between services without wrecking the deodorizer. Avoid all harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia, and antibacterial soaps, which kill the beneficial bacteria in the holding tank and disrupt odor control. A simple mix of water and a small amount of dish soap or a dedicated RV toilet cleaner works well.

Wipe down the seat, walls, and floor with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with the cleaning solution. Rinse the cloth with plain water and wipe again to remove any soap residue. Do not pour buckets of water or cleaner directly into the toilet bowl, as this dilutes the deodorizer and can cause the tank to fill up prematurely. For immediate spills, use a paper towel to blot the mess and dispose of it in a regular trash can, not the toilet.

The service visit by the operator each week will fully pump the tank, scrub the interior, and recharge the deodorizer. Your light cleaning between services maintains cleanliness without interfering with the chemical process.

  • Sam O. Thanks Hector. I will try a small amount of dish soap in water on a cloth. I was worried about diluting the tank, so the tip to blot spills with a paper towel is a big help.

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.

Related questions