Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but dealing with a smelly camping toilet can quickly ruin the experience. So how can you keep a camping toilet from smelling?

To keep a camping toilet from smelling, clean it regularly, close the flap securely and use a decent product. Other ways include using enough liquid to eliminate holding tank odors, fitting a SOG unit or vent, and sprinkling an air freshener on the seat.

In this blog post, I will discuss ten ways to prevent your camping toilet from smelling bad.

How to Keep a Camping Toilet from Smelling

Here is a detailed discussion of the different ways you can keep your camping toilet from smelling bad:

Clean it Regularly

The first and most important thing you can do to prevent your camping toilet from smelling is to clean it regularly. A clean toilet will not only smell better but also be more sanitary.

Suppose you have a portable camping toilet; empty and clean it after each use. If you are using a chemical toilet, you should still clean it regularly. At a minimum, you should clean your chemical toilet once a week.

To clean your camping toilet, flush it with water and scrub it with a toilet brush. Be sure to pay attention to the nooks and crannies where odors can build up.

If you use a chemical toilet, you will need a cleaning solution specifically designed for these toilets. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning products.

Close the Flap Securely

Toilets will often smell bad if the flap is not closed correctly. This is because the flap is designed to keep odors from escaping.

Portable toilets are especially prone to this problem since they often bounce around, and the flap can become loose. Be sure to check that the flap is closed tightly before each use. Doing so will go a long way in preventing odors.

Use a Decent Product

There are many different products available that can help to prevent your camping toilet from smelling bad. These products work by trapping odors inside the toilet and/or by masking the odors with a pleasant scent.

Some popular products include RV holding tank deodorizers, formaldehyde tablets, and air fresheners. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any of these products.

Use Enough Liquid

If you are using a chemical toilet, it is essential to use enough liquid to prevent odors from building up. The amount of liquid you need will depend on the size of the toilet and on how often it is used.

When you do not use enough liquid, the waste will start to dry out, and this can cause odors. Be sure to add enough liquid so that it covers the waste completely.

Use a Deodorizing Spray

You can also spray a deodorizing solution around the toilet area to keep odors at bay. The specific scent you choose will depend on your personal preferences. Lavender, vanilla, and citrus are some of the most common scents used in deodorizing sprays.

Sprinkle an Air Freshener on the Seat

This is one of the quickest and easy ways to keep your camping toilet from smelling bad. Sprinkle a small amount of air freshener on the toilet seat before each use.

Be sure to choose an air freshener that has a pleasant scent. Some of the most popular scents include lavender, vanilla, and citrus.

Pour Baking Soda Down the Drain

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can keep your camping toilet from smelling bad. The baking soda will help to absorb any odors that are present in the toilet bowl.

To use this method, pour a small amount of baking soda down the drain before each use. Be sure to flush the toilet afterward so the baking soda does not clog the drain.

Add the Neutralizing Powder to the Toilet Bowl Water

A neutralizing powder can help prevent odors in your camping toilet. This powder is designed to absorb odors and keep them from spreading.

When you are using a neutralizing powder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You will usually need to add a small amount of powder to the toilet bowl water before each use.

Place an Activated Carbon Filter Near the Toilet

The activated carbon will help to remove odors from the air around the toilet. There are many different types of activated carbon filters available on the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Empty Waste Buckets When Full

This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent odors from building up in your camping toilet. When waste buckets become full, the waste will start to decompose, which can cause foul odors.

It would be best if you emptied the waste buckets when they were about half full. This will help to prevent odors from becoming a problem.

Use Citronella Candles

These candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes and other insects away from the toilet area. The citronella scent will also help to neutralize any odors that are present. The candles will need to be lit when you are using the toilet and then extinguished afterward.

Fit a SOG Unit or Vent

A SOG unit (self-contained odor generator) or vent can be a great way to prevent odors from building up in your camping toilet. These units work by releasing a small amount of chlorine into the air, which helps to neutralize odors.

Many types of SOG units and vents are available on the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Keep the Area Around the Toilet Clean

One of the best ways to prevent odors is to keep the area around the toilet clean. Keeping the site clean means sweeping or mopping up any spills that occur.

It is also essential to clean the toilet brush after each use. This will help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, which can cause odors.

Use Fresh Traps

A fresh trap is a small container that is filled with water. The water helps to trap any odors that are present in the air. It works by holding the water in the container so the odors cannot escape. You can purchase fresh traps at most hardware stores or online. Be sure to place the fresh trap near the toilet so it can work effectively.

Why is the Camping Toilet Smelling?

Knowing the cause of the foul odor is the first step in finding a solution. Here are the most common causes of the camping toilet smell:

• Waste not correctly disposed of.
• Need to clean the toilet regularly.
• Not emptying the waste buckets when they are full.
• Using the wrong type of toilet paper.
• If you are using a chemical toilet, not adding enough chemicals to the water.
• Growing bacteria in the drain.

Final Thoughts

The camping toilet is an essential piece of equipment. You must clean it regularly, use the right toilet paper, and empty the waste buckets when they are full. Following these tips can keep your camping toilet from smelling bad.

Do you have other tips on keeping a camping toilet from smelling? Please share them with us in the comments below.