The 12 Best RV Black Tank Cleaners In 2021

A smelly RV tank can ruin the most exciting trips. To prevent your RV toilet from spoiling your well-deserved vacation, use only the best RV black tank cleaner.

The Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer keeps your black tank odor-free for a week. It comes in pre-measured packs and uses a formaldehyde-free and biodegradable formula, making it a great investment for RV owners. Simply drop it in the tank and pour around five to seven gallons of water over it. That’s it – you now have an odor-free toilet!

To find out more about the Walex Porta-Pak Deodorizer and other highly effective holding tank treatments, read this post until the end.

Overview Of The Best RV Black Tank Cleaner

 

Best RV Black Tank Cleaner

1.Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer (Best Overall)

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Brand: Walex

Weight: 1.6 Ounces

The much-hyped Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer lives up to expectations. It is extremely efficient and quite easy to use. It is efficiently portioned into capsules so you never have to worry about using too much or too little product.

These spillage-free capsules are enough to keep black tanks of capacity up to 40 gallons from smelling foul. They are quick and can prevent your RV’s black tank from smelling for an entire week. Its quick-dissolving formula can break down waste and paper as well.

Besides excellent odor prevention, its dye is completely non-staining and formaldehyde-free. Just drop one Porta-Pak into the tank followed by approximately five gallons of water, and you’re good to go for a week.

Unlike bottled formulas, the Porta-Pak Deodorizer comes in resealable bags. This is a great addition, especially for RV travelers. You can continue your trip without worrying about drips and leakages.

If you’re thinking this product from Walex is expensive, think again. It is one of the most affordable black tank cleaners on the market.

The Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer helps keep your sensors and valves functional and seals lubricated. Overall, it is among the best RV holding tank treatments available to eradicate foul smells in any climate.

Pros:

• Provides top-notch odor prevention.
• Comes in a resealable bag for easy storage.
• Features a formaldehyde-free formula.
• Comes in pre-measured capsules making it easy to use.

Cons:

• Not recommended in hotter areas.
• The individual capsules may sometimes stick together.

2.Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment (Best Organic Cleaner)

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Brand: Happy Campers

Weight: 4.24 pounds

If you want an eco-friendly holding tank treatment for your RV, go for the Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment. It is 100% organic and manufactured without using formaldehyde or chemicals.

This black tank treatment by Happy Campers is a natural solution to your holding tank problem. It is a unique blend of natural minerals and micro-nutrients. Therefore, it does not harm the environment, while being safe for your septic tanks too.

This organic holding tank treatment’s biodegradable formula is highly effective at digesting waste. This makes dumping the black tank that much easier as it dissolves most household tissues too.

Just one scoop of the product can treat a 40-gallon black tank for a long time. This makes it one of the most economical and long-lasting RV holding tanks in the market.

It is a versatile solution that controls odors from your black tanks and grey tanks – you could even use it to remove odors from your washing machine. Each pack offers great value for money as you can use it for 64 treatments. Since you don’t need to use any extra scoops, a 64-pack can last for a year or even longer.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for an effective organic tank cleaner, this one by Happy Campers is our top recommendation.

Pros:

• It has no chemicals or toxins whatsoever.
• It is completely odor-free.
• Liquifies the contents of the tank quickly.
• Extremely easy to use.
• Lasts for at least a year.

Cons:

• It is a little messy since it is a powdered tank cleaner.
• May turn hard like plaster if left in moist conditions.

3.Camco RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins (Most Fragrant)

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Brand: Camco

Weight: 1 pound

A simple and effective way to control black tank odors, the Camco Ultra-Concentrated RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins are one of our favorites. Simply drop one into the toilet and flush. One drop-in can treat tanks up to 40 gallons.

These highly concentrated toilet treatment capsules last up to seven days each. Its completely biodegradable formula does not contain formaldehyde. This drop-in is safe and efficient at the same time.

With the Camco RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins, you can say goodbye to messy dumps. It easily breaks down single-ply tissue and waste besides controlling black tank odors.

Moving to its citrus scent, the drop-ins leave your toilet smelling fresh for up to seven days. Although, in hotter conditions, you may need to use it more frequently to keep your RV odor-free.

These drop-ins by Camco provide a quick and easy solution to RVers. They are extremely handy and leave your toilet smelling citrusy for a long time.

The Camco Ultra-Concentrated RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins are an inexpensive and popular choice among RV owners to keep their holding tanks fresh and smell-free.

Simply put, the Camco RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins are a cheap, effective, and citrus-scented RV holding tank treatment perfect for RV owners. Their ease of use and the fresh citrus fragrance is what makes them stand out.

Pros:

• It tackles odors with its citrus scent.
• Liquifies and breaks down waste in RV tanks effectively.
• No need to mix or measure as it comes in pre-measured capsules.
• Features an ultra-concentrated formula with no formaldehyde.

Cons:

• The bottle is thin and weak.
• Not easy to wipe in case of a pack spill.
• You may need to use more than one capsule sometimes.

4.Thetford Aqua-Kem RV holding tank treatment (Most Effective Formula)

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Brand: Thetford

Weight: 9.15 pounds

The Thetford Aqua-Kem RV Holding Tank Deodorant is a go-to tank treatment among RVers. It boasts a strong and exceptionally effective formula that can entirely remove any foul odor from your RV tank.

Unlike most RV tank treatments, this one by Thetford works wonderfully in a hot climate. No matter where you are, it ensures that your toilet remains clean.

However, it does not just get rid of bad smell, the cleaner digests waste and tissues with ease. For this, it uses an ultra-concentrated formula that makes dumping a much easier task. With this amazing product, you don’t have to worry about blockages at all. Its formula is also safe for septic tanks.

The Thetford Aqua-Kem RV Holding Tank Treatment also acts as a detergent. It cleans the tank walls and drain lines eliminating any buildup simultaneously. Thanks to this phenomenal product, you can bid adieu to expensive repairs and focus on enjoying your RV trips.

The only drawback is its liquid formula. Drop-ins make life easier, but this RV holding tank treatment is not convenient for travelers. You may end up using more than needed or spilling the bottle altogether. But if you ask us, that inconvenience is a small price to pay for an exceptionally great RV tank cleaner.

So, if you have a strong smell that you cannot get rid of, this is the best RV holding tank treatment for you. Although it is a bit more expensive than the other options on the list, it works brilliantly to give you back a smell-free tank.

Pros:

• Delivers in hot climates.
• It is also a powerful detergent to keep our tank clean and minimize repairs.
• Gets rid of strong smells in RV tanks easily.

Cons:

• It is more expensive than most holding tank treatments.

5.TankTechsRx RV Holding Tank Treatment (Best Liquid Cleaner)

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Brand: TankTechRx

Weight: 2.4 pounds

Want a simple but powerful tank treatment to deal with your RV’s lingering toilet smell?

The TankTechRx RV Holding Tank Treatment is just what you need. It is not scented with overpowering perfumes but masks any smell coming from your toilet. Its unscented formula eliminates odors instead of covering foul smells up with strong citrus or floral scent.

This eco-friendly product contains beneficial bacteria that makes it safe for pets and nature. Naturally, it is also safe for your family members.

If you’re thinking the benefits end there, they don’t. Besides eliminating odors, this product also liquifies waste making dumping your black tank a breeze. You can use this multipurpose cleaner on black, grey, and galley tanks too.

Simply add a small amount to the concerned area and the bacteria automatically multiplies to treat it. It continues to work until the tank is empty or you voluntarily emptied it.

Yes, it does come with a high price tag, but a bottle (1L) lasts for 68 treatments offering good value for money.

This amazing product can also remove struvite and limit its formation. Struvite is a result of bacteria in the waste products and buildup in your tank. They can slow drainage and make your toilet smell putrid by trapping odors. All these can together cause a black tank sensor failure.

To sum it up, if you want a clean holding tank without a strong scent, this natural cleaner is a great option.

Pros:

• It boasts an all-natural, scent-free formula.
• Lasts for more than 68 treatments if you use the right amount.
• The formula is highly effective at removing struvite.

Cons:

• It is quite expensive when compared to other black tank cleaners.

6.Valterra Pure Power Blue Waste Digester (Safest Option)

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Brand: Valterra

Weight: 8 pounds

If you’re concerned about your kids and pets, we recommend this waste digester by Valterra. It boasts an all-natural formula and is safe to use around humans and animals.

This product uses a combination of organic enzymes and bacteria to liquify waste and tissue effectively. You can use this multipurpose cleaner in your grey and black tanks, eliminating the need to buy separate products and saving you a lot of money in the long run.

The Valterra Pure Power Blue Waste Digester works in any weather condition. You can count on this cleaner even when the temperatures reach up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

What impressed us the most was this is a CA-compliant product. It means you can use it at campgrounds, RV parks, and dump stations without getting into any legal issues.

As for the amount, two ounces of the cleaner are enough to treat a 40-gallon tank. A 128-ounce bottle should, therefore, last you for 64 treatments at least.

We noticed in the description that its formula includes the BioBlastPlus Odor Control Technology. Simply put, it prevents your black or grey tanks from smelling by eliminating odors. As per the packaging, it has a fresh and clean fragrance. However, we found it rather overpowering.

So, if you’re not a big fan of strong fragrances, get an unscented RV black tank cleaner like the previous one by TankTechRx.

Other than its strong smell, this is a great natural holding tank treatment to keep your tanks flowing and clean.

Pros:

• It is not manufactured using any harsh chemicals.
• The formula is CA-

Cons:

• The product has a strong scent which may seem overpowering if you are sensitive to strong fragrances.

7.Thetford Tank Blaster Cleaner (Sensational Formula)

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Brand: Thetford

Weight: 6.4 ounces

If a deep cleaning solution is what you need, this Thetford Tank Blaster Cleaner is just for you. It is specially formulated to deep clean RV black tanks, so the sensors read clean after dumping. The cleaner uses a dual-action to lift deposits before it begins to break them down.

You get the Tank Blaster Cleaner in sachets in a powder formula. All you need to do is pour the granules into your toilet and fill the tank with freshwater. Leave it overnight and you’ll see the results the next day.

The Micro-Foam action helps it reach every corner of the tank and give any tank a deep clean. The enzymatic blend detaches and digests the tissues, waste, and grease on the tank’s surface.

This concentrated cleaner will help you maintain your RVs sensors and tanks simultaneously. It is quite easy to use and great for RVers that don’t travel much in their RV. This can cause a buildup higher up where other cleaners don’t reach.

The product features a super-concentrated formula that can work in areas with hard water as well. Just leave it overnight and get rid of any tank sensor issues you are having.

Before trying out any expensive sensor replacements, try this amazing RV holding tank cleaner. It may solve your problem at an exceptionally low cost.

Pros:

• It features an effective formula to deep clean tanks.
• A single sachet cleans a 50-gallon tank.
• The micro-foam action lets it reach all tank walls.

Cons:

• A little pricey for the quantity you get.

8.Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment (Most Economic Solution)

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Brand: Unique

Weight: 10.4 ounces

Another drop-in tank treatment that is extremely convenient to use and eliminates odors effectively. The Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment breaks down waste and grease with its highly concentrated formula.

These pods are great for low water use cases like dry camping and are great for preventing foul smells. The EV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment is also good for avoiding sensor misreading and preventing drains from clogging.

It uses a non-toxic, eco-friendly formula without any formaldehyde, making it safe to use around pets and children.

The cleaner works in hotter temperatures too, as it contains a high concentration of bacteria. If you plan to visit hot regions, this should be your go-to black tank cleaner.

To use it, simply take a drop-in capsule and drop it in your tank. It is already measured and prevents excess usage or spills. Although it is a little expensive, you get a safe and effective holding tank cleaner for the price.

The Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Cleaner breaks down any tissue, which saves you more money. With this cleaner, you don’t need to invest in special toilet paper designed only for RVs.

If you’re wondering what scent it leaves behind, it is not scented. You won’t have to deal with any strong fragrance with this non-toxic, made-in-the-USA RV holding tank cleaner.

Pros:

• Its concentrated bacteria and enzyme formula make it a good choice to clean your tanks when dry camping.
• Digests all brands of toilet paper.
• It works well even in the heat.

Cons:

• It is a bit overpriced.

9.Odorlos Black Tank Treatment (Best Value for Money)

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Brand: Valterra

Weight: 5.98 pounds

When looking for a versatile holding tank treatment, we came across this exceptional cleaner by Valterra.

The Odorlos Black Tank Treatment is a biodegradable, unscented RV holding tank treatment. It boasts an eco-friendly formula and offers a premium tank cleaning solution to RVers.

It works in extremely hot weather conditions, unlike many black tank treatments. Its formula also ensures that the valves remain sufficiently lubricated after every use. The formula performs admirably at eradicating odors even in extreme heat.

The product uses naturally occurring bacteria to liquefy the waste and any tissue or buildup in the tank. The result is a clean and easy-to-dump tank.

Besides being non-toxic and formaldehyde-free, this is an extremely easy-to-use product. It comes with a scoop that lets you add an ounce of product, which is enough for a 10-gallon tank.

This tank cleaner is available in multiple sizes; you can pick one based on your needs. Typically, a six-pound tub should last you for 24 40-gallon tank treatments. This makes the Odorlos Black Tank Treatment quite a good value for money.

Unlike scented black tank cleaners, this treatment works on dissipating odors rather than masking them. This is because its formula provides the bacteria with a supply of alternative energy. As a result, the bacteria target sulfates for energy leaving behind no smell.

Overall, this is an easy to use, fast-acting, and environmentally friendly RV holding tank cleaner. If that’s what you are looking for, we highly recommend it.

Pros:

• It breaks down any waste or tissue.
• It is 100% biodegradable.
• It provides sufficient lubrication to valves.
• It is completely formaldehyde-free.

Cons:

• The liquid formula is difficult to store in RVs.

10.Dometic Premium Holding Tank Treatment (Most Affordable)

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Brand: Dometic

Weight: 2.34 pounds

The Dometic Premium Holding Tank Treatment comes in capsules for maximum convenience. It provides a simple way to minimize odors and reduce buildup in your RV black tank.

The product uses a series of additives that help break down waste and tissue, making it easy to dump your black tanks.

This concentrated product is ideal even in hot weather. While its packaging marks it as eco-friendly and biodegradable, it does come with a warning. It can expose you to chemicals like arsenic, which is not biodegradable.

If you have kids or pets in your RV, we recommend storing this cleaner cautiously out of their reach.

With that said, when it comes to usage, it is quite straightforward. You don’t need to measure it before every use and then question yourself whether the amount is enough to last a week.

Simply drop one pod in your toilet and flush. One capsule can treat a 40-gallon tank and lasts up to seven days. The fresh, clean scent makes dump stops pleasant rather than overpowering.

The only downside we could find was its composition. While Dometic claims the product is 100% biodegradable, it warns users about chemicals like arsenic. Besides that, it is a good scent-free toilet treatment.

If you’re looking for a convenient drop-in black tank cleaner, this one by Dometic does a great job. However, given the uncertainty around its composition, we recommend going for a safer, chemical-free product.

Pros:

• It comes in drop-in capsules for easy usage.
• It boasts a series of additives to break down waste and most tissues.
• The cleaner works well at eliminating odors.

Cons:

• Not fully biodegradable as it contains harmful chemicals like arsenic.

11.Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment (Fastest Holding Tank Treatment)

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Brand: Rid-X

Weight: 3.37 pounds

If you’re going through a hard time cleaning your RV holding tank, try the Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment. It works fast, stops odors, and breaks down waste, tissue, and grease in hot weather.

The only catch with this phenomenal cleaner is you must store it below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is biodegradable yet it does contain some chemicals that make it harmful for children and animals. Therefore, it is best kept out of their reach.

It neutralizes odors and breaks down waste effectively. If you’ve had trouble in the past with blockages, the Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment will help you overcome that dilemma. Its composition consists of a powerful enzyme for dissolving paper waste quickly.

If you are extremely sensitive when it comes to tank cleaner smells, you may want to avoid this one. It has a strong citrus scent, which is quite overpowering for some users.

This toilet treatment has been specially formulated for RV holding tanks. However, you can also use it on septic tanks.

A 40-ounce bottle can treat 40-gallon tanks around six times. For the best results, we recommend using it every six to seven days.

Although it does not come in pre-measured packs, the application is quite simple. Pour eight fluid ounces of the cleaner into the toilet and flush or pour in a gallon of freshwater. For larger tanks or in hot conditions, you may need to add a bit more.

Overall, it is a good cleaner, but you may need to restock after a few weeks depending on the temperature of the area where you are.

Pros:

• Fast action breaks down waste, tissue, and grease even in hot weather.
• It uses natural bacteria and enzymes.
• It has a strong citrus fragrance.

Cons:

• Its scent can be overpowering to some people.
• The product only lasts a few weeks.

12.Firebelly Outfitters RV Septic Tank Treatment (Best Fragrance)

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Brand: Firebelly Outfitters

Weight: 1.4 pounds

The Firebelly Outfitters RV Septic Tank Treatment is a handy tank cleaner for RV owners. It comes in a pack of 20 capsules, pre-measured and ready to use. Place one in your RV holding tank and flush.

It leaves a clean smell rather than overpowering your toilet with strong fragrances. One drop-in capsule is enough to treat a 40-gallon tank. After every use, you do not need to worry about the holding tank buildup for a week. So, a 20-pack should last up to 20 weeks with a standard size tank.

Unlike most tank treatments, this one by Firebelly Outfitters is specially created for RV toilets. It is 100% formaldehyde-free and biodegradable, reducing its impact on the environment while keeping your toilet clean.

It uses triple molecular technology to offer you the best odor control. Its mulberry scent is quite pleasant and not overwhelming at all.

This product provides a convenient and easy way to keep your RV holding tanks clean. The only drawback we came across was the capsules stick together rather easily. This can cause spilling of the formula when you try pulling them apart.

Other than this minor setback, the Firebelly Outfitters RV Septic Tank Treatment is a great cleaner with a unique, mellow mulberry scent.

Pros:

• It features a soft mulberry fragrance.
• Comes as drop-in capsules which are extremely easy to use.

Cons:

• The capsules tend to stick to one another after prolonged periods.

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Buyers Guide to Buy the Best RV Holding Treatment for Your RV

Looking for the best RV holding tank treatment?

There are multiple factors you should consider instead of getting the first one you see. Let’s see how you can select the best RV holding tank treatment in this quick guide.

How to Choose the Best RV Holding Tank Treatment

RV holding tank cleaners may vary based on type, cost, effectiveness, and scent. If you want a solution that smells good, you should invest in a holding tank treatment like the Camco RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins.

However, if you’re looking for a quick cleaning solution, we suggest getting the Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment. It is extremely effective and works fast.

Most Important Factors to Consider

Price of the Product

Is the product reasonably priced? Does your budget allow you to buy a rather expensive cleaner?

Full-time users should pay close attention to the cost as they’ll use the cleaner regularly.

To find the best price, a simple rule of thumb is to compare the cost of similar treatments.

Biodegradability and Effectiveness

It is important to get a biodegradable tank treatment. A biodegradable cleaner will not harm the environment as it does not contain any harsh chemicals. Instead of chemicals, these tank treatments contain bacteria to clean the tank.

Before buying an RV tank treatment, make sure it works. You can always try a small amount of the product first and then stock up if it works as expected.

Type of RV Holding Tank Treatment

There are many types of holding tank treatments for your rig. The most popular types are,

• Formaldehyde/Traditional Treatments
• Enzyme Treatments
• Nitrate Treatments
• Bioactive Treatments

Get any RV tank treatment based on your preference. If you need guidance, we recommend bioactive treatments since they are the least harmful to the environment.

Drop-ins or Liquids

What form will the treatment come in?

Is it a capsule or a liquid?

It is all based on your preference. For quick and easy application, go for drop-ins. However, if your tank is larger, nothing beats a liquid RV holding tank cleaner.

What are the Advantages of Using an RV Holding Tank Treatment?

Some may ask, what is the need to buy an RV holding tank treatment?

Let us tell you, there are many benefits of using a holding tank cleaner. These are the most common ones.

Eliminating Foul Smells

Using RV holding tank treatments lets you get rid of the lingering smell. They become especially important in a hot climate and during dump stops.

Without a reliable cleaner, no matter how much you clean the toilet, it will always smell.

Minimize Dumping

The main reason you need to go for irregular dumps is the ghastly smell. But with a fragrant RV holding tank cleaner like this one by Firebelly Outfitters, you can go a longer period between dumping.

While regular dump stops are more hygienic, using a tank cleaner can extend the timeline to five to ten days.

Prevent Clogging

Holding tank cleaners liquefy waste and tissues thoroughly. This prevents your drains from clogging due to excess waste buildup. It also prevents backups, making the dumping process a lot smoother.

Provide Lubrication on Valves

Not many, but some RV holding tank treatments keep your valves lubricated. They prevent the valve lubrication from drying out and making it difficult to turn the valves.

We know you already lubricated your valves, but a little extra lubrication can go a long way.

Improves Sensor Operation

The unwanted buildup in the tank is a big reason why many sensors deliver incorrect readings. If you have a faulty sensor, try an RV holding tank treatment before getting the entire mechanism replaced.

If it was a simple error because of excess buildup in the tank, you will get a low-cost solution in the form of a cleaner.

Extend the Plumbing System’s Lifespan

An effective RV holding tank treatment keeps your tank and lines clean. This keeps the lines flowing freely, thus eliminating the need for replacing or repairing the RV plumbing system. This can save you thousands of dollars on repairs later on.

Conclusion

Investing in the best RV holding tank treatment can significantly improve your experience while driving around in your RV. Based on your preference, you can go for a specific type of RV tank treatment. But if you don’t have a preference, we recommend going for drop-ins. They are the least messy.

If you want to pick the best RV holding tank treatment yourself, go through our thoroughly researched guide. It will give you all the information needed to pick a great product based on your requirements.

To save you the trouble, we have already noted the best RV holding tank treatments for you. You can simply choose any of them and get an effective and easy to use cleaner on the go.