Portable Sanitation
How to Maximize the Performance of your Deodorizer
This year has tested all of us in ways we could have never imagined, and the Walex crew wants to help your business persevere through these times. We’re happy to provide you with deodorizers that, when used correctly, keep your portable toilet fleet fresh and clean—but we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of these powerful products. Use these tips to ensure you maximize the performance of your deodorizers.
Add enough water
Many people understandably believe that the solution to foul-smelling units is to use more deodorizing chemical. But you might just need to use more water. To avoid odorous mounding, we recommend adding five gallons of water. If units are especially prone to mounding, add at least seven gallons. Water is the vehicle that delivers the deodorizer to the waste.
Use the correct dosage
Walex offers multiple tiers of both our liquid and portion-control packets and tablets to give you the precise formula to meet your needs, which are determined by weather, traffic and frequency of service. For example, we offer our most popular drop-in, Porta-Pak, in Original, Express and Max. Regular Porta-Pak is effective in temperatures up to 90 degrees; we recommend Max for temperatures exceeding that. Max is also best for units located in heavy traffic areas like public park, a beach access, or a busy construction site. But no matter how heavy the traffic, units that are serviced daily, such as those at certain special events, don’t require excess deodorizer, because odor-emitting bacteria will not have had time to form.
Utilize accessories
Removing odors from your units goes beyond just what you put in the holding tank. Place a Walex Deodorant Disc anywhere in the unit to keep the air fresh. You can also keep the urinal odor-free with a Walex BRAVO Deodorizing Screen.
Change the fragrance
Walex offers liquid deodorizers in more than 25 fragrances, and we recommend switching fragrance every few months, because people become desensitized to fragrances over time.
Switch to drop-in packets
While Walex EZ-Squeeze Bottles make using our liquid deodorizers much easier, you’re still less likely to spill or overuse a drop-in packet. Choosing between liquid and packets depends on many factors, but if you believe you’re losing deodorizer to spillage or a lack of precision, we recommend switching to packets or tabs for portion control.
Clean the “sludge line”
While your service technicians might pump the contents of a unit, a line of residual waste remains in the tank, and if this “sludge line” is not removed, the unit will retain foul odors. We recommend spraying one of Walex’s powerful cleaning products and scrubbing the inside of the tank with a brush.
Walex wants to help your business succeed during these challenging times, and that means maximizing the performance of your deodorizer. If you have more questions, call 800-338-3155 and one of our sales managers will be happy to help you.
NEW PRODUCTS: DEB Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer & DEB Hand Soap
For a limited time, while supplies last, Walex is selling DEB InstantFOAM Non-Alcohol Fragranced Hand Sanitizer and DEB Fresh Scent Hand Soap. Call 800-338-3155 to order, or contact your regional account manager directly.
John Marcucci (West & Southwest):
john@walex.com, 910-443-1493
Ellis Hartley (Southeast):
ellis@walex.com, 910-619-5599
Brian Bost (Northeast):
brian@walex.com, 910-200-1740
Brian Rooney (Midwest):
brianr@walex.com, 910-859-4619
September Special: 20% Off Urinal Screens
Now through September 30, get 20% off BRAVO Urinal Screens, the most powerful urinal screens on the market.
Enhance your restrooms with our powerful BRAVO Urinal Screens and instantly eliminate lingering odors are their source! Take advantage of this incredible special that your customers will be sure to appreciate!
- 6 Long-Lasting Fragrance Options
- Deodorizes for 30+ Days!
- Eliminates Odors
- Splash Reducing Nodules
- Patented Shape & Translucent Design
- Saves Time & Money
- VOC & LEED Compliant
Lavender
A fresh, modern take updates an old standard from laid back to lively.
Mango
This sweet, tropical scent of mango leaves you daydreaming of an island get-away.
Melon
This refreshing fragrance is ripe with the invigorating scent that’ll send your positivity soaring sky high.
Spring Fresh
Add a comforting scent and light, spring freshness that’s unmistakably clean.
Summer Spice
The scent of cinnamon fills your restrooms with the welcoming impression, and feelings of genuine warmth and comfort.
Wildflower
A rich bouquet perfumes the air with vibrant florals and positive vibes.
Urinal Blocks: Para vs Non-Para
When purchasing urinal blocks, you'll need to choose between para and non-para blocks. Para stands for paradichlorobenzene, and many states have outlawed it because the World Health Organization (WHO) considers it to be possibly carcinogenic to humans based on studies with mice. There are pros and cons to both the para and non-para blocks, so keep reading to discover which is best for your needs.
Para
The biggest downside of para blocks is the possible health danger. The benefits are that it lasts for a long time and has a pleasant cherry smell. Para blocks are heat-activated and melt slowly, rather than dissolving and breaking into pieces with use.
Non-Para
Non-para blocks are use-activated; they break apart and dissolve with use, delivering additional odor control as they do so. The benefits are that they effectively control odor, help clean the urinal, and do not contain carcinogenic ingredients. They are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
If you’re still unsure which type of urinal block you should get, please call us at 800-338-3155, and we’d be happy to answer any questions.
New Products for Sinks
Frequent hand washing is encouraged in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As such, demand for portable sinks has risen dramatically. If you rent portable sinks, it's more important than ever to keep them sanitized and functioning. Walex has two new products—chlorine pellets and self-adhesive repair patches—to help you keep your sinks in top shape and your customers happy.
Chlorine pellets make it easy to keep your handwash station's holding tank clean and free from microorganisms. Simply drop one in the tank where it will dissolve in approximately one hour. One pellet normally treats 29 gallons of water. We should stress that these pellets are designed to treat non-potable water only. You'll still need to clean your handwash stations regularly to prevent mold and grime from growing.
We also recommend investing in self-adhesive patches so you can quickly repair any damaged handwash sinks; with the demand for sinks so high, you can't afford to have one sitting on the sidelines! Walex Porta-Patch is a UV light activated fiberglass reinforced self-adhesive repair patch. It cures in sunlight in 15 to 30 minutes or with our UV flashlight in as little as five minutes. Once cured it is rot-proof and waterproof and can be drilled, sanded or painted.
If you have any questions about sink maintenance or want to place an order, call us a 800-338-3155.
Hand Sanitizer Now Available in Gallon Cases
Walex 80% Ethanol USP hand sanitizer now available in gallon size. It is sold by the case with six 1-gallons per case. It is the same 100% FDA-and WHO-compliant formula we also sell in 55-gallon drums.
Walex hand sanitizer (in stock now) is 100% FDA- and WHO-compliant
In order to meet the skyrocketing demand for public health products, most businesses capable of manufacturing hand sanitizer have started to do so. But many of these hand sanitizers do not meet FDA and WHO guidelines. Some, the New York Times recently reported, might even contain dangerous impurities, leading the Trump administration to crack down on manufacturing restrictions.
Walex Products Company has been an industry leader in sanitation chemicals since 1987, and we currently ship products from our North Carolina-based facility to more than 50 countries around the world. Our knowledgeable R&D chemists and experienced manufacturing team ensure that our hand sanitizer formula is 100 percent compliant with WHO and FDA guidelines.
We are fully stocked on 55-gallon drums of 80% Alcohol Antiseptic (hand sanitizer), 1-gallon jugs (6 in a case), and 55-gallon drums of super-concentrated liquid hand soap. If you have questions about our hand sanitizer formula or any of our other sanitizing products, our knowledgeable sales team is here to help.
To order, contact your regional account manager:
West & Southwest: John Marcucci, john@walex.com, 910-443-1493
Southeast: Ellis Hartley, ellis@walex.com, 910-619-5599
Northeast: Brian Bost, brian@walex.com, 910-200-1740
Midwest: Brian Rooney, brianr@walex.com, 910-859-4619
View or download Walex Hand Sanitizer Technical Data Sheet
Bulk hand sanitizer & hand soap while supplies last
While supplies last, Walex has 55-gallon drums of hand sanitizer & liquid soap.
Buy hand sanitizer and hand soap in bulk and refill your empty hand sanitizer bags.
Click for hand sanitizer product details
Click for hand soap product details
Click for printable refill/safety instructions
Call 800-338-3155 to order before they sell out.
*edit: due to the high volume of phone calls, please contact your sales rep via email to order.
John Marcucci (West) john@walex.com
Ellis Hartley (Southeast) ellis@walex.com
Brian Bost (Northeast) brian@walex.com
Brian Rooney (Midwest) brianr@walex.com
Choosing a Liquid Deodorizer: Formaldehyde-Based or Formaldehyde-Free?
When purchasing liquid deodorizer, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to use a product containing formaldehyde. Walex’s liquid deodorizer product line includes three formaldehyde-based products (PT-615, PT-600 and PT-60 Pre-Mix) and six formaldehyde-free products (PT-50 Supreme, Endure, Advantage, Contender, PT-500, and Pre-Mix). There are pros and cons to each type of product.
For decades, the odor-eliminating ingredient in holding tank deodorizers was formaldehyde. But formaldehyde is harsh on both the environment and human health. The EPA has classified it as a probable human carcinogen, causing health hazards when used long-term, and some states have outlawed it. So in order to offer an eco-friendlier product, Walex’s research and development team created an innovative formula that eliminates odors without the use of formaldehyde.
Price might be one deterrent to trying a formaldehyde-free product, because a drum of our formaldehyde-based product is cheaper than a drum of the formaldehyde-free product. However, you must use larger quantities of the formaldehyde-based product, so you go through it more quickly.
Furthermore, formaldehyde-free products are effective for longer. If you tested the products side by side, formaldehyde would be more effective initially but by the fifth or sixth day, formaldehyde-free would be the winner. This is due to the formaldehyde (gas) quickly evaporating while the new modern chemistry within the Walex non-formaldehyde formulas eliminates odors much longer.
Because formaldehyde is a compressed gas, it also emits a powerful, distinctive scent which people associate with effectiveness, so they might be skeptical of a formaldehyde-free product that does not contain that smell.
We know that there are many factors that go into choosing between a formaldehyde-based and formaldehyde-free liquid deodorizer, and our sales managers are happy to help you figure out exactly what is best for your business. Give them a call at 800.338.3155.
Introducing Porta-Patch
Permanently patch your equipment with Porta-Patch, the Instant Repair Patch.
Porta-Patch is a UV light-activated fiberglass reinforced self-adhesive repair patch that works on your portables, holding tanks, trailers, pipes--the opportunities are endless. It cures in 15 to 30 minutes in sunlight (or five minutes with our RV flashlight) and can adhere to wood, fiberglass, or metal. When cured it is rock-hard, rot-proof and waterproof and can be drilled, sanded or painted. Call 800-338-3155 to place your order.
Navigating the world of portable sanitation drop-in packets
How do I choose the right product for my specific needs?
When it comes to portable sanitation, it doesn’t get more convenient than a drop-in packet. Walex Products Company created drop-in packets nearly 23 years ago to give our customers a portion-control method for cleaning and deodorizing their portable restrooms. Since then, packets have become widely used throughout our industry.
While using pre-portioned packets removes guesswork and human error from the equation, it also takes away your ability to adjust the chemical amounts based on your climate and toilet usage. That’s why we offer multiple drop-in varieties; you can select a chemical that meets your price point and ingredient formula needs. Keep reading to figure out how to choose the right drop-in product.
Walex's best-selling portion-control packet, Porta-Pak, is also the most popular packet in the entire industry, used by customers around the world to ensure long-lasting, effective odor control. And because we serve such a range of customers, we saw the need to develop several Porta-Pak varieties to meet every customer's particular needs. Each Porta-Pak variety has a different price point as well as a unique formula tailored to the climate and traffic level for which it is intended.
Porta-Pak Max
- Our strongest product for high-traffic and extreme heat
- Contains 50 percent more color, 50 percent more odor control and double the fragrance of the original Porta-Pak
Porta-Pak
- Effective in all conditions
Porta-Pak Express
- An economical solution for mild climates and moderate traffic
In addition to Porta-Pak, Walex's portion-control product line includes Bio-Pak and Porta-Tab. If you have further questions about our drop-in packets or if you’re ready to place an order, call 1-800-338-3155. Our experienced account managers will get you what you need.
How to winterize your portable toilets
Walex’s leading line of portable sanitation products will keep your portable toilets smelling fresh, but what do you do when frigid winter temperatures cause the contents of those portables to completely freeze? You can’t service frozen toilets, so it’s critical that you winterize all your equipment, especially your portable toilets. How you do that depends on just how frigid your climate is, but here are a few general tips to keep your operation running through the winter season.
Take me straight to the freezing chart
You can start by proactively preventing freezing. Tuck your units up against a wall instead of leaving them out in the open, exposed to the elements. Wind chill can cause your portables to freeze even faster. Also keep a close eye on the 10-day weather forecast. That way you won’t be scrambling to winterize your portables or run out of time and end up with a fleet of frozen units.
The next step in winterizing is adding a mixture to your holding tank to prevent the liquid from freezing. Depending on the temperatures you’re dealing with, you’ll need some combination of salt and water (brine), methanol and water, or salt, methanol and water. There are pros and cons to each.
Brine will only protect you down to about 0 ° F. You can make your brine using rock salt or calcium chloride pellets. Mix with water according to the chart below and circulate the solution.
Below 0 ° F, start adding methanol to your mixture. On the plus side, you don't have to wait for methanol to dissolve like you do salt. But you must be cautious when working with methanol because it is harmful to your health if you inhale the vapors for too long or accidentally ingest it. Methanol mixed with water is also flammable when the percentage of methanol exceeds about 30%.
The chart below will help you create your winterization mixture. For all your sanitation and deodorization needs, contact the experts here at Walex.
PORTABLE RESTROOM FREEZING CHART
SALT
½ lb. per gallon of water protects to 26 F
1 lb. per gallon of water protects to 19 F
1 – ½ lbs. per gallon of water protects to 11 F
2 lbs. per gallon of water protects to 0 F
(Note: 2 lbs. of salt is the maximum amount dissolvable in one gallon of water.)
METHANOL
5% or 6.4 oz. per gallon of water protects to 28 F
10% or 12.8 oz. per gallon of water protects to 22 F
15% or 19.2 oz. per gallon of water protects to 17 F
20% or 25.6 oz. per gallon of water protects to 11 F
25% or 32.0 oz. per gallon of water protects to 4 F
30% or 38.4 oz. per gallon of water protects to –4 F
(Note: Methanol and water mixtures can be flammable when the percentage of methanol exceeds about 30%. Refer to Methanol Material Safety Data Sheet for health and safety data.)
SALT & METHANOL COMBINED
Start with maximum salt solution, then add methanol at:
5% or 6.4 oz. per gallon of water protects to –6 F
10% or 12.8 oz. per gallon of water protects to –11 F
15% or 19.2 oz. per gallon of water protects to –17 F
20% or 25.6 oz. per gallon of water protects to –21 F
25% or 32.0 oz. per gallon of water protects to –30 F
30% or 38.4 oz. per gallon of water protects to –40 F
(Note: Methanol and water mixtures can be flammable when the percentage of methanol exceeds about 30%. Refer to Methanol Material Safety Data Sheet for health and safety data.)