Non-Conventional Black Tank Treatment Method

[TexasBob]

I have a total of 15+ years of RV experience and I have used almost every treatment chemical sold to treat my black tank. I’ve tried the Geo method. I have not had any severe issues except for bad tank odor.

One day I was shopping for groceries and spotted a product the I was willing to try in my black tank. I purchased a bottle of the cheapest liquid laundry detergent I could find. It was a house brand. It was also for low water washing machines. When I start a trip, I add enough laundry detergent to the black tank to wash one normal load of laundry. I add the same amount of detergent after I dump my tank. I’ve been doing this for almost two years and it works better than any thing I have every used and my tanks are clean. Most importantly, no more odor!

Does anyone else have a non-conventional method to treat your black tank that you are willing to share?

[Booboos]

Very clever idea. How much water do you put into the tank before adding the detergent?
Also, have you (or anyone reading this) ever had problems with the black water sensor not reading correctly? Do you think your detergent method would clear this problem up?

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by Booboos

Very clever idea. How much water do you put into the tank before adding the detergent?
Also, have you (or anyone reading this) ever had problems with the black water sensor not reading correctly? Do you think your detergent method would clear this problem up?

I've been too concerned about the about of water. I add the detergent after dumping the tank and probably add 3 to 5 gallons of water.

My tank sensors have never worked well , no matter what treatment I used.

[Decon Blue]

Been doing this for over 20 years now. I use dawn dish liquid. I usually try to buy it at the Dollar Store on sale. I use 1/2 bottle and also I buy the cheapest laundry softener I can get and put couple capfuls with it after each tank dump adding about 2-3 gallons of water. Never had issues, no issues with monitors lights, no excessive odors. Much cheaper than RV chemicals recommended.

[tosh99]

I also use Dawn dish detergent in the black and grey tanks on the trip home before the final dump. This allows some water in those tanks to slosh around and even clean up the sensors.


I get the Costco size though.

[Ilovemywife]

I drink a lot of water so my urine doesn't smell and being just awesome my **** doesn't stink either.

Seriously, I use about 6 ounces of odoban which is available at Home Depot and other stores. I also use it for doggy accidents, in my wash rinse to eliminate mold/mildew smells, and a variety of other uses.

I will give the laundry detergent a try. All I have available are Tide Pods and will drop one in tonight as I just dumped all of my tanks.

Thanks for the tip!