How to Winterize Your RV Tanks and Prevent Odors During Storage

Quick Answer: To properly winterize your RV and prevent odors or damage, clean both holding tanks, remove residue, and place an odor absorber inside before storage. Using targeted treatments for black tanks, grey tanks, and interior air helps protect your RV until spring.

Why Is RV Winterization Important?

If you store your RV without winterizing it, leftover waste, grease, and moisture can cause foul odors, buildup, and system issues while it sits unused. Proper tank cleaning before storage removes residue that could harden, clog plumbing, or interfere with sensors when you take your RV out again.

What Products Do You Need to Winterize RV Holding Tanks?

Many RV owners use three types of treatments:

• Black tank cleaner to remove residual waste
• Grey tank cleaner to break down grease and organic buildup
• Air odor absorber to keep the interior fresh during storage

Products like Commando, Elemonate, and Odor Absorber are designed specifically for these tasks.

How to Clean and Winterize an RV Black Tank

1. Empty and rinse the tank completely.
2. Drop one Commando packet into the toilet.
3. Fill the tank above the sensor level.
4. Let it sit 12–24 hours so the enzyme formula can break down residue and lubricate valves and seals.
5. Dump and rinse again.

This process removes buildup from tank walls and sensors so the system stays clean while in storage.

How to Winterize an RV Grey Tank

1. Drop one Elemonate tablet into the sink drain.
2. Run water briefly to dissolve it.
3. Wait about 24 hours so enzymes can dissolve grease and organic residue.
4. Empty the tank fully to prevent freezing.

Cleaning the grey tank before storage helps prevent odors and eliminates sludge that could harden during colder months.

How Do You Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh in Storage?

After cleaning your tanks and completing the rest of your winterizing process, place an odor absorber inside the RV. Gel-based odor absorbers infused with charcoal begin neutralizing odors as soon as they are opened and can keep interior air fresh for up to 60 days.

Winter Storage Checklist for RV Odor Prevention

• Clean black tank thoroughly
• Clean grey tank thoroughly
• Empty all holding tanks completely
• Remove residual waste and grease
• Place odor absorber inside cabin

Pro Tip: Deep-cleaning your tanks before storage not only prevents odors but also makes your first trip of the new season faster and easier because your system is already clean and ready to use.

Need Help? Call 800-338-3155 for product guidance or purchase winterizing treatments from RV dealers worldwide.