Best RV Black Tank Odor Control Buying Guide And Reviews – 2022

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Many RVers have experienced that owning an RV is a huge responsibility in all manner. And, maintaining it is a big challenge in itself. It may be tinier than the house, but it takes courage to maintain it. So, in this situation, you require a good RV black tank odor control. Specifically, when your RV goes to the areas where the situations are sewage and septic. The entire unit is not as elaborate as the ones found in traditional homes. So, it requires excellent management to avoid foul smells. The best RV black tank odor control ensures that the waste is broken down and results in an odor-free living place.

There are many options available in the market. But, tank odor control by Camco 41514 is best among all. The best thing is that you can get it in whatever size you want. Also, Camco 41514 has buffering agents that prevent acid formation and septic odor.

How We Decided

--We researched every product, we review with our own.

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Expert's Opinion

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Expert's Opinions

Customer Reviews

226

Customers Reviews

01. Camco 41514 Rhino Heavy Duty Holding Tank Treatment -Eliminates Tough Odors in Your RV Tote Tank for Up to 7 Days and Digests Waste and Tissue - Pine Scent 

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: 9.44 x 5 x 3.5 inches
  • Weight: 4.32 pounds
  • Fragrance: Yes
  • Brand: Camco
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: 7 days
  • Scent Fragrance: Pine
  • Formaldehyde: No

Camco's product is one of the best products on our list and grabbed the first spot in the list. The best feature of the product is that it has bacteria or enzyme formula. It digests waste and breaks down all the tissues in the RV.

The second most important benefit of the Camco Rhino Heavy duty is that it enables only in the presence of material requiring digestion. The formula of the system is very advanced and stable. So, that it helps to make your RV odor-free in just minutes, additionally, it has a long shelf life, plus it is not temperature sensitive. So, you can easily use it whenever you want. It will not harm your RV or you in any condition.

The research found that buffering agents help to prevent acid formation. So, the Camco Heavy Duty tank odor control has this unique characteristic that not just helps to prevent acid formation, but it also prevents septic odors.

There is a wide range of choices of size for this product. If you want to buy it for testing, then you can buy a 4-ounce pack. If the product meets your requirement, you can go for more oversized quantity products such as ten packs, 16 ounces, 32 ounces, and 64 ounces.

Pros

  • It has an enzyme/bacteria formula that digests waste.
  • The product helps to break down the tissues.
  • It contains buffering ingredients
  • It is not a temperature-sensitive product
  • With the advanced formula, it offers long-shelf-life.

Cons

  • The product does not contain formaldehyde.
  • The quality of the product has a scope for improvement.

02. Camco TST Lemon Scent RV Grey Water Odor Control, Stops Sink Trap Odors, For Use In Drains, Sink Traps and Waste Vents

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: 9.4 x 4.55 x 3.5 inches
  • Weight: 4.34 pounds
  • Fragrance: Yes
  • Brand: Camco
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: -
  • Scent Fragrance: Lemon
  • Formaldehyde: No

This is another simple yet effective product by Camco. The price of Camco TST lemon scent is less than the previous product. You will find some of the best characteristics of this product as well. The essential feature of any odor control is to eliminate the odors. And, this product has got full marks on it.

It has a strong odor elimination capability. You will not require to use lots of odor control to remove the odor. Also, this product by Camco eliminates grease build-up in your gray water system. If you find any grease build-up in your RV, you can easily remove it using Camco TST lemon scent.

One of the product's best and amazon features is that it comes with a fresh lemon scent. Lemon itself has so many characteristics, but the lemon helps remove the odor, but its smell also makes you feel amazing.

The product by Camco comes with two buying options. Either you can get a 32-ounce bottle or get the product with a capacity of 64 ounces. It would also help if you took note that 4 ounces of the liquid treat 40-gallon water tank. So, you will not require to waste lots of odor control to remove the odor in your recreational vehicle.

Pros

  • It helps to remove the odors effectively.
  • With the fresh lemon scent, the smell will meet every corner of the RV.
  • Four ounces treat a forty-gallon water tank.
  • It helps to eliminate grease build-up in the grey water tank.

Cons

  • It Does Not Fix The Shower Drain Smell.

03. Camco 41519 Rhino Heavy Duty Holding Tank Treatment -Eliminates Tough Odors in Your RV Tote Tank for Up to 7 Days and Digests Waste and Tissue - Pine Scent , 10 Pack 

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: 7 x 0.92 x 10 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Fragrance: Yes
  • Brand: Camco
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: 7 days
  • Scent Fragrance: Pine
  • Formaldehyde: No

If you don't want the lemon scent and want to try something else, this product is for you. The product is mostly similar to the previous Camco product, but the USP of the product is its pine smell.

Apart from its pine scent, there are many features and functionalities of the product, such as its odor removing capacity. You can eliminate the odors very effectively using the product. The best part about the Camco Rhino heavy-duty holding tank is that is it approved by marine. The product does not contain formaldehyde formulation, which can be harmful to your RV holding tank. You don't need to worry much about the product because it can be used safely for all septic tanks.

The product can be used easily as each bag of the product comes with ten drop-ins. This easy to drop drop-ins has a particular enzyme that will help you remove unwanted odors in RV black holding tank.

Pros

  • Helps to control non-required odors in RV holding tank.
  • It contains a particular enzyme that is very helpful in digesting waste.
  • Each bag contains ten drop-ins.
  • Safe and secure for all black septic tanks.

Cons

  • You will require more liquid to clean the smell.

04. Energen Grey Water Tank Treatment - Holding Tank Odor Control and Cleaner - RV Water Tank Deodorizer - 64 Ounces 

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.5 x 3.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.94 pounds
  • Fragrance: No
  • Brand: Energen Carolina LLC
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: 7 days
  • Scent Fragrance: Pine
  • Formaldehyde: No

If you want RV tank odor control that comes in a budget-friendly manner, then you should go for Energen grey water tank treatment. The price of the product is significantly less compared to similar products. The product is entirely natural. It does not contain any harmful chemicals that are non-required.

This black tank odor control by Energren is free from formaldehyde. It is compatible with every RV and cleanses your black tank odor very effectively. Also, it eliminates and deodorizes the grease build from the holding tank. Additionally, the product from the Energen prevents unnecessary odors for seven days. Also, it leaves pure mountain breeze fragrance to every space of the RV.

The product comes with a 64 ounces bottle and has up to 16 treatments. So that you can leverage the product for more than 100 days.

It reduces odors from sinks traps, drains, and also waste vents. You should empty flush, and treat it weekly or when it is 3/4 full. It is one of the best tanks to remove all unnecessary odor and is corrosion free. It is compatible with several types of RVs and assist to make your camping experience a pleasure one.

Pros

  • Complete organic and free from formaldehyde
  • It removes and deodorizes the grease build-up from RV black tank
  • Prevents unessential odors for seven days
  • Has up to 16 treatments for more than 100 days of coverage.

Cons

  • It does not have a great smell.

05. Thetford Campa-Chem Original 6 Pack 8 Ounce Bottles Holding Tank Deodorant

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: -
  • Weight: -
  • Fragrance: No
  • Brand: ThetFord
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: 7 days
  • Scent Fragrance: Pine
  • Formaldehyde: No

It is the most potent RV black tank odor control in the market. Also, it is one of the most trusted odor control brands by customers. There are tons of benefits to using these odor control.

It helps you keep the hold of the black tank in your RV cleaner and fresher. It is the perfect product for you if you want your RV to be clean and fresh for a long time. As it is the most potent RV black tank odor control available in the market, the brand does not give you a single chance t complain.

Thetford Campa RV black tank odor control liquefies the waste and breaks down the tissue fast to avoid clogging. The package contains powerful detergents that can clean drain lines and walls of the black tank.

One of the best things about the product is that it is compatible with almost every weather condition. You can use it anytime and anywhere.

Pros

  • Keeps your RV black tank fresh and clean.
  • It has powerful detergents that clean the tank and drains pipes.
  • The product efficiently breaks down tissue to prevent clogs.
  • The product comes with six-pack 8 ounces bottles.

Cons

  • It is a bit pricy compared to similar products.

06. Odor-Shock Rv Black & Gray Holding Tank Treatment - Eliminates Odors Without Fragrances

Salient Feature

  • Package Dimensions: -
  • Weight: -
  • Fragrance: No
  • Brand: ODOR-SHOCK
  • Exterior: Machined
  • Folding: No
  • Lasting capacity: -
  • Scent Fragrance: Pine
  • Formaldehyde: No

If you are looking for RV black odor control that removes odors without fragrances, then you should check out this product by ODOR-SHOCK. The product is new in the market but has received overwhelming responses because of its results. If you have ever stepped on your RV and felt a smell from your black tank or used the black tank odor control that did not work, ODOR-SHOCK can remove those smells.

The product is natural and safe for the environment, and it also does not mask odors. The reason is that it has no fragrances or formaldehyde. This product removes odors by oxidation that neutralizes odors.

Pros

  • Eliminate smells like no other brands
  • Safe for the environment and organic
  • The product is formaldehyde-free
  • It removes odors by oxidation

Cons

  • It does not contain fragrances
  • It is effortless and has fewer features compared to similar products.

How To Choose The Best RV Black Tank Odor Control

It is highly complicated to deal with sewage, but it can easily manage you using the right product. But it is hard to choose the right product because a wide range of products are available in the market, and they all resemble themselves as the best product in several parameters. So, it becomes tough to find the right product. Therefore, we have a buying guide to assist you in choosing RV tank for odor control.

Points To Keep In Mind While Buying RV Black Tank Odor Control

1. Biodegradability

Always prefer to choose a holding tank that is biodegradable, and it should harm the environment. A biodegradable tank can break down naturally and not harm the environment. Also, consider choosing a tank that does not have formaldehyde releasing compounds because it us very harmful for health and nature.

2. Type

Tank odor control comes in various forms. Mainly they are available in two types, including liquid and tablet form. They are quite similar in several aspects while quite different from each other in other aspects too. You should choose any of them as er your convenience.

The liquid type consists of some type of dilution and measurement, and it's a strong point of its. You don't need the waste to be dissolved in it. I needed to be poured and flushed. On the other end, tablet types are not so messy and are conveniently measured. You can choose any of the liquid and tablet forms as per your requirement.

3. Effectiveness

These are not used for more glamourous jobs, and their works are positively disgusting. Therefore, you must choose a product that works efficiently and speedily. It should be able to unclog or dissolve effectively as soon as possible. It should also be able to eliminate the foul odors arising from sewage. You should choose the product that can effectively do all these tasks and make you rid of a foul smell.

4 . Price

They are not much cheap but are not highly costly too. Most of them are available in an affordable price range. You should always establish your budget before finding the best holding tank treatment. You can find the best product with almost all features and within your budget with a few efforts.

5. Size

It is essential to choose the right size of RV black tank odor control. You should choose the tank as per your RV size because big RVs need more giant tanks than smaller RVs.

Majorly your water tanks are filled from water hookup at the campsite, but the most complicated part is empty the black tanks. Several RV campgrounds and parks have a specialized dump station for it, but they don't have the same.

Therefore, choose the camp tank's size correctly to prevent it from overloaded because you should empty the black tank once it reaches a capacity of 50 gallons. They come basically in a range of capacity 75 to 60 to 50 gallons.

How To Eliminate Holding Tank Odors?

Planning an RV adventure is great fun, thanks to the open roads. While this isn't a glamorous topic, you can't ignore your septic tank RV. If you do, you may regret it. You should learn the realities of emptying and cleaning reservoirs.

Six Tips To Eliminate Holding Tank Odor

1. Top up the water so that everything runs smoothly:

Even if you empty your black water tanks, make sure you add plenty of water back up. All waste that enters the toilet must be mixed with liquid. If only dry stuff is left, it will start to smell and even damage the tank. A good rule of thumb is to add enough water so that the soil is completely covered. It can be up to seven to eight toilet bowls filled with water, depending on your tank's size.

2. Add water with each rinse aid and black water tank:

Another way to avoid a dry tank is to add water every time you flush the toilet. Always read your RV owner's manual before adding chemicals. You will need to add special retention chemicals by flushing them down the toilet from time to time. It helps to break down toilet paper and waste and controls odors.

3. Clogging prevention and cleaning:

Preventing blockages is first and a priority. Toilet paper is a common cause of clogged black water tanks. RV tanks are not designed for regular toilet paper. Instead, choose toilet paper that is biodegradable and zippered.

4. Wash and clean your tank:

Even though it's an uncomfortable job, having a properly cleaned containment tank is an essential part of keeping your sewage system odorless. Fortunately, if you continue to repair your black water tank, you only need to clean it a few times a year. Then you can use a cleaner with a fresh smell.

5. Clean the toilet and lid:

If you have emptied and cleaned the garbage storage tank but still smells that need to thicken, your toilet or valve may need a good scrubbing. If your valve is dirty, it may not close properly, so smells in the sewage tank can fill your RV.

6. Check if repair is required:

If you've tried all of them and the smell is still in, there could be a more severe problem with your water tank or black toilet. When this leak or damage occurs, you will need labor to handle the repair.

How To Get Rid Of RV Black Tank Smell When Driving?

We are happy to say that we have the correct detail in this article. So, grab a pin, hang it up to your nose, and get ready to get out of this annoying situation,

Start with fabric softener:

Begin troubleshooting by add-on of two liquid fabric softener caps to the tank. It is the tank freshener of choice for many RV owners. If your problem is a lack of tank deodorant, this can be used.

Fill the bowl:

You have to make sure that your toilet bowl always contains a small amount of water. In many RVs, the toilet bowl doesn't fill automatically with water after every wash, meaning you have to fill it up manually.

Close the valve:

Apart from filling the toilet, you should need to make sure your wastewater valve is closed. Opening them allows liquid waste to flow and dry. Second, if the valve is left open, the smell of sewage can enter your RV.

Check ventilation:

Motorhomes and trailers were built to remove odors from black tanks through leading pipes to the platform's roof. Unfortunately, when these vents get clogged, the odor cannot escape properly and eventually enter your home.

Disconnect the water hose:

Sometimes the smell in your tank is caused by sewage that does not dry out when you throw it away. This stuff may stick to the tank's walls and bottom and can be very difficult to remove.

Try ice cream and soap:

There is a method of removing odorous debris to use ice. Adding ice, a little water, and a little detergent or dish soap to your tank before driving from one destination to another can potentially help get rid of dirt and clean your tank for the next stop.

Pour in a water softener:

Water softeners are efficient in removing dirt from black tanks. Because this makes everything in the tank and any toilet paper and wastes will come off quickly when the tank needs to be removed.

How To Clean The Black Water Tank?

Emptying the black water tank is relatively straightforward. Just plug your sewage hose into the hole, plug the other end into your black tank valve, open the tank valve and dry out.

Cleaning a black water tank can be one of the trickiest things to do in RV maintenance if you've never done it before. Fortunately, disinfecting your tank is relatively simple on time. The biggest problem with black water tanks is the build-up of debris on the tank walls, which will not drain if emptied into RV landfills. If not removed, this build-up can cause unwanted odor and clogging problems in your RV.

There are steps required to clean your sewage tank thoroughly:

Emptying the tank: See below for tips on emptying the tank.

Eliminate build-up: Tips for eliminating waste build-up are provided below.

Add water: Cover the tank bottom with water (4-5 bowls rinsed).

Add treatment: fill the toilet bowl, add chemicals, and rinse.

Some useful things to remember:

Remove the tank when it is at least 2/3 full. It will ensure there is enough water to hold the solids and allow the tank to dry out. If need to dump before this stage, fill the tank with water first.

First, remove your black tank and then the grey tank. The greywater in the tank will help you get rid of everything stuck in the wastewater hose.

How To Troubleshoot When My RV Black Water Tank Air Vent Is Plugged?

Without free in the air from the tank vents, a vacuum will be created when flushing the RV toilet. With no escape, noxious fumes seep from the tank into the motorhome, creating an uncomfortable environment.

After the RV is stored, the bird can block holes in the roof. An overflowing waste tank is usually responsible for the RV being used.

Step 1:

Go up the stairs to the roof of the motorhome. Check the tank vent cap and seal for damage. The vent cap of the tank is usually round in shape and about 2 inches in diameter. If the vent cover is not available, use a flashlight to search for leaves; also, nests may contain rodent in the tube. Avoid pushing material along the pipe.

Step 2:

If necessary, remove the socket with pliers or tweezers. Purchase and install a new vent cover and vent gasket. Drive the motorhome a few miles to allow air to enter the vents and tanks. If the smell is still there, the barrier may be at the opposite end.

Step 3:

Empty the black water tank, followed by the grey water tank, to the landfill. Connect the watering rod to the garden hose. Keep the shut-off valve on the stem closed.

Step 4:

Open the trap at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Leave the trap open. Insert the stem into the hole and turn on the shut-off valve. Rinse the hose from the toilet bowl for a few minutes. This flushing will remove toilet paper that may clog the ventilation tubes.

Best Homemade Treatment For RV Holding Tank Revealed:

One of the most common discussions between RVers is how to deodorize and clean storage tanks properly. While some campers swear by their brand of tank chemicals and deodorants of choice, while some RVers choose their tank maintenance.

Whatever your reason is, we'll show you best homemade treatment for RV holding tank options and explore how these treatments can help in cleaning and removing foul odors.

Let's discuss and consider methods which would be the best Homemade RV tank treatment:

1. GEO Method:

An enthusiast, Bruni developed home treatments for RV containment tanks in 1980s. He envisions it as an inexpensive way to preserve tank sensors and walls.

This method mimics the operation of washing machine. It can be claimed the inside of the machines is never dirty because detergents, bleach, and fabric softener and cleans washing machine while clothes are being cleaned. It then applies that logic to clean and process RV's containment tank. Hence, it can be safely used on black and grey tanks.

Ingredients to perform the Geo Method:

Geo methods use a combination of ingredients to clean and disinfect storage tanks:

  • 2 cups Calgon powder
  • 1 cup dish soap or detergent
  • 1 gallon warm water
  • Chlorine or bleach if necessary (odor control)

Instructions To Clean Your Stores The Containers Using Geo Method:

To clean tank using this method, first, remove the storage tank. Then, dissolve two cups Calgon in warm water of 1 gallon capacity and add 1 cup detergent or soap, plus bleach or chlorine, if necessary.

2. Citric acid bomb method for cleaning RV tank:

It's seen a little strange (and dangerous) to make use of acid in tank.

You can describe and find these casual ingredient in commercially available black water controls as they do a great job of removing calcium created in tank.

Ingredients to perform acid bomb for cleaning RV tanks:

You will need the components to complete your home care with a citric acid tank:

  • 1 teaspoon pure water
  • One third cup of baking soda
  • One third cup of borax
  • One third cup citric acid

Method To Clean Citric Acid Cleaning Bomb For Cleaning RV Bombs:

  • Combine borax, baking soda, and citric acid with 1 gallon Ziploc bag.
  • Add few drops water slowly until all the ingredients are combined.
  • Wrap the cleaning bomb tightly in silicone molds. Use ice cubes the size of a golf ball to press into the mold.
  • Let it dry overnight.
  • When they are dry, remove the cleaning bomb from the mold and let it dry for one or two days.

3. Unique Method:

This unique method is do-it-yourself process than treatment, however I truly believe it's worth mentioning here. Why? Whether you intend to use a care tank at home or buy one from a store, the process of using it is necessary as the maintenance itself.

It effectively prevents clogging and clogging and removes tank odors with a non-corrosive cleaning effect.

Instructions to Use a unique method to make RV storage tank clean:

To use a unique method, follow below procedures:

  • Always fill toilet tank with water prior using toilet so that waste flows efficiently by the sewer system.
  • Close the tank valve except when disposing of the tank.
  • Treat the storage tank with high-quality enzyme tank such as RV Digest.
  • Hold tank flush every 3-5 landfills for 20-30 minutes with built tank flush, tank flush, or rod for disposing of compacted waste by hand.
  • Provide sufficient water in motorhome toilet to minimize unpleasant odors on your motorhome.
  • Avoid cleaning your toilet with harsh chemicals like bleach and make use of only mild toilet cleaners which do not kill aerobic bacteria.
  • Always prefer to dump tank in every 4-5 days for maximum odor control.
  • While flushing toilets of the RV, use enough amount of water to keep the aerobic bacteria hydrated. Water permits them to break the solid waste into small pieces and reduce the number of odors.
  • Clean your tank thoroughly in every 2 years to remove dirt, wash system, and debris from base, walls, and sensors. Make sure to lubricate your valves and gaskets to make them free all types of bacteria harmful for health. It also maintains the quality of the RV.

Which Is Best RV Storage Tank Treatment?

You should choose the method that best suits your individual camping style, needs, budget, etc.

"Citric Acid cleansing bombs" is used as a universal treatment method which you can sometimes use as preventative measure too. It is very good at removing odors and calcium build in tank.

Conclusion

There are a plethora of benefits of using RV black tank odor control. You can mask odors, prevent major clogs, save money, and clean as well as keep the unit fresh for a long time. If we talk about the best RV black tank odor control brands, you should check out Camco and Thetford. 

FAQs

Can I Put Bleach In My RV Black Tank?

One of the best ways to sanitize RV waste tanks is load tank with water and bleach solution. Mix 1/4 CUP bleach with 1 gallon water.

How Do I Sanitize My RV Black Water Tank Without Bleach?

First, Make a solution of about 50/50 white vinegar and clean water. Then, supply the water tank with liquid. After that, open all of your faucets and showerheads, and start the water pump to run the liquid through the operation.

How Often Should You Sanitize The RV Water Tank?

It does not matter how much you use your RV water tank. It is essential to sanitize it every six months. For precautionary measures, you can sanitize it every four months too.

Is Sewer Gas In RV Dangerous?

At moderate levels, hydrogen sulfide gasoline has a sharp odor related to rotten eggs. At more expensive levels, hydrogen sulfide fumes can cause you sickness and could be deadly.

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