deodorizer
Why Does My Black Tank Smell So Bad During the Summer?
Understanding and Preventing RV Black Tank Odor Issues in Hot Weather
If you’ve spent any time RVing in hot weather, you may have encountered a strong and persistent smell coming from your black tank. You're not alone. Summer RV odor issues are incredibly common due to the heat’s impact on waste breakdown and bacterial growth in RV holding tanks. As RV tank temperatures rise, so does the intensity of the odors. The confined space inside an RV only makes it more noticeable. Whether you're camping in the desert or parked at a sunny campsite, understanding the heat effects on RV tanks is essential for a more pleasant experience.
What Causes Black Tank Smells When It's Hot?
Black tank smells during summer are often due to the accelerated decomposition of waste at high temperatures. When heat builds up inside your RV’s waste system, it intensifies odor production and exacerbates RV waste system challenges. Odors are caused by anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in high temperatures. The warm environment acts like an incubator, speeding up bacterial activity and producing noxious gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
Managing RV Tank Smells: Products and Practices
The best strategy for managing RV tank smells in the heat involves regular maintenance and the right sanitation products. Porta-Pak is the industry's gold standard for combatting summer odors. Walex's team of R&D scientists originally created the Porta-Pak formula to control odors inside portable restrooms and later adapted it for the less-demanding RV environment. Still, it remains in a class of its own when it comes to odor control, with the ability to provide immediate and long-lasting freshness.
Water: A Key Ingredient in Preventing Black Tank Odors in Hot Weather
Preventing black tank odors begins with routine RV holding tank care. Always start with a clean tank—after dumping, add 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of tank capacity before dropping in a deodorizer. This helps submerge waste and prevent the “poo pyramid” from forming above the waterline. Adding inadequate water is one of the most common causes of black tank odors.
Hot Weather RV Maintenance Tips
In addition to using the best RV black tank treatments and adequate water, hot weather RV maintenance also includes keeping your RV cool and shaded when possible. Store your RV with windows cracked open for ventilation and park with your black tank side away from direct sun exposure. Use vent fans or an odor-neutralizing product inside the RV, like Walex’s Assure, to control smells at their source. Clean your tank regularly with Commando, an enzyme-based black tank cleaner that eliminates lingering odors and restores malfunctioning sensors. These are all essential summer RV sanitation tips to enhance your overall experience.
Stay Ahead of Summer RV Plumbing Problems
With proper knowledge and the right tools, preventing RV tank issues in the summer becomes manageable. From using black tank treatments that excel at odor control to understanding RV holding tank cleaning routines, these odor control in hot climates tips can save your trip. Always travel with proven solutions and make odor control in RVs part of your regular summer RV care checklist. Don’t let black tank smells ruin your adventure—equip yourself with effective, trusted products and enjoy the open road without the stink.
Walex RV Liquid Essentials for Summer 2025!
Walex helps get your customers ready for the road this Summer with their all-new liquid essentials for black and grey tank treatment, as well as a premium washing & waxing mixture that both cleans and protects. Designed to meet the diverse needs of RV consumers, these new products bring superior performance, refreshing fragrances, and versatile options to the market. Most of the new additions introduce liquid versions of Walex’s best-selling holding tank treatments that have previously been available only in a drop-in form. The liquid versions offer a new solution to satisfy the needs of every Walex customer.
Check out our entire line of RV holding tank treatments, deodorizers, and cleaners for 2025.
Bio-Fresh Liquid Enzyme-Based Holding Tank Treatment
The perfect companion for RV holding tanks. Designed with a next-generation enzyme formula, it eradicates odors naturally while breaking down waste and all types of toilet paper. Biocide-free so it’s safe for septic systems and environmentally sensitive areas. Available in 32oz, 64oz, and 1-Gallon.
BIO-FRESH - Ocean Mist Scent
BIOFROM32 Bio-Fresh 32 oz Ocean Mist, Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM64 Bio-Fresh 64 oz Ocean Mist Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM1G Bio-Fresh 1-Gallon Ocean Mist, Case (4/cs)
BIOFROM32CA Bio-Fresh 32 oz Ocean Mist, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
BIO-FRESH - Alpine Fresh Scent
BIOFRAF32 Bio-Fresh 32 oz Alpine Fresh, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF64 Bio-Fresh 64 oz Alpine Fresh, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF1G Bio-Fresh 1-GallonAlpine Fresh, Case (4/cs)
BIOFRAF32CA Bio-Fresh 32 oz Alpine Fresh, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
Citra-Fresh Liquid Holding Tank Deodorizer
Robust odor control with natural citrus fragrance for a refreshing travel experience. Citra-Fresh stimulates the growth of good bacteria in your holding tank, which prevents bad bacteria from causing foul odors, resulting in up to 7 days of maximum odor control. Available in 32oz, 64oz, and 1-Gallon sizes.
CITRAFR32 Citra-Fresh 32 oz Citrus, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR64 Citra-Fresh 64 oz Citrus, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR1G Citra-Fresh 1-Gallon Citrus, Case (4/cs)
CITRAFR32CA Citra-Fresh 32 oz Citrus, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
Commando Liquid Black Holding Tank and Sensor Cleaner
This super-charged enzyme formula liquefies waste, toilet paper and gunk built up on your black tank walls & sensors in as little as 12 hours. The go-to product for RV Techs when troubleshooting sensor issues during service. Now available in a user-friendly 32oz liquid formula.
CMDOLQ32 Commando 32 oz Liquid, Case (8/cs)
Elemonate Liquid Grey Water Deodorizer
Unmatched triple-action formula cleans, deodorizes and freshens RV grey tanks. Walex scientists perfected this blend of digestive enzymes that eliminate odors at the source, dissolving grease, food particles and organic sludge to keep grey tanks and drain lines clean.
ELEMLQ32 Elemonate 32 oz Liquid, Case (8/cs)
RV/Marine Wash & Wax
High-foam, deep-cleaning formula eliminates dirt, grime and tough residues, leaving surfaces spotless. Advanced polymer technology delivers exceptional sheeting and beading action while providing a brilliant, long-lasting high-shine finish. Available in 32oz, 64oz, 1-Gallon, and 5-Gallon sizes.
WALWW32 RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 32 oz, Case (8/cs)
WALWW64 RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 64 oz, Case (8/cs)
WALWW1G RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 1-Gallon, Case (4/cs)
WALWW5G RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 5-Gallon, Single (1)
Walex is committed to delivering premium, versatile products that align with your unique preferences and needs. Our expansion reflects our dedication to innovation and our mission to offer comprehensive solutions for every holding tank and cleaning challenge.
You're Going to Love Walex RV's New Premium Products for 2025!
Walex is excited to announce our new products for 2025 that include the latest premium liquid holding tank treatments and cleaning solutions. Designed to meet the diverse needs of RV and Marine consumers, these new products bring superior performance, refreshing fragrances, and versatile options to the market. Many of the new additions introduce liquid versions of Walex’s best-selling holding tank treatments that have previously been available only in a sachet, drop-in form. The liquid versions offer a new solution to satisfy the needs of every Walex customer.
Check out the list below of all our new RV/Marine products for 2025 and be sure to contact your authorized retailer or distributor for information on how to purchase yours.
Bio-Fresh Liquid Enzyme-Based Holding Tank Treatment
A liquid adaptation of our industry-leading Bio-Pak formula that combines advanced enzyme technology for exceptional deodorization and efficient waste and paper digestion. It is available in two refreshing fragrances, Ocean Mist and Alpine Fresh, and comes in three convenient sizes: 32oz, 64oz, and 1-Gallon.
BIO-FRESH - Ocean Mist Scent
BIOFROM32 Bio-Fresh 32 oz Ocean Mist, Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM64 Bio-Fresh 64 oz Ocean Mist Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM1G Bio-Fresh 1-Gallon Ocean Mist, Case (4/cs)
BIOFROM32CA Bio-Fresh 32 oz Ocean Mist, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM64CA Bio-Fresh 64 oz Ocean Mist, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
BIOFROM1GCA Bio-Fresh 1-Gallon Ocean Mist, Dual Language, Case (4/cs)
BIO-FRESH - Alpine Fresh Scent
BIOFRAF32 Bio-Fresh 32 oz Alpine Fresh, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF64 Bio-Fresh 64 oz Alpine Fresh, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF1G Bio-Fresh 1-GallonAlpine Fresh, Case (4/cs)
BIOFRAF32CA Bio-Fresh 32 oz Alpine Fresh, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF64CA Bio-Fresh 64 oz Alpine Fresh, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
BIOFRAF1GCA Bio-Fresh 1-Gallon Alpine Fresh, Dual Language, Case (4/cs)
Citra-Fresh Liquid Holding Tank Deodorizer
This premium liquid product offers a powerful deodorizing solution featuring an invigorating Citrus fragrance. It delivers robust odor control technology and is available in 32oz, 64oz, and 1-Gallon sizes.
CITRAFR32 Citra-Fresh 32 oz Citrus, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR64 Citra-Fresh 64 oz Citrus, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR1G Citra-Fresh 1-Gallon Citrus, Case (4/cs)
CITRAFR32CA Citra-Fresh 32 oz Citrus, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR64CA Citra-Fresh 64 oz Citrus, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
CITRAFR1GCA Citra-Fresh 1-Gallon Citrus, Dual Language, Case (4/cs)
Commando Liquid Black Holding Tank and Sensor Cleaner
Commando liquid provides a high-powered, advanced solution for deep cleaning and sensor restoration. This scientifically developed formula contains natural enzymes that easily maintain holding tanks with heavy build-up. Now available in a user-friendly 32oz liquid formula.
CMDOLQ32 Commando 32 oz Liquid, Case (8/cs)
CMDOLQ32CA Commando 32 oz Liquid, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
Elemonate Liquid Grey Water Deodorizer
Elemonate tackles tough grey water tank odors with ease and efficiency. It is now offered in a 32oz liquid option for enhanced usability, ensuring your grey water tanks remain fresh and odor-free.
ELEMLQ32 Elemonate 32 oz Liquid, Case (8/cs)
ELEMLQ32CA Elemonate 32 oz Liquid, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
Fresh-Pak Holding Tank Treatment
An all-new drop-in addition to our premium line that offers an easy-to-use, high-performance solution for holding tank treatment. It comes in a convenient 30-pack, perfect for effortless maintenance of tank hygiene.
FRESHPAK30 Fresh-Pak, 30 Pack, Case (8/cs)
FRESHPAK30CA Fresh-Pak, 30 Pack, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
RV/Marine Wash & Wax
Our premium solution combines washing and waxing in one easy step. The high-foam, deep-cleaning formula uses advanced polymer technology, leaving a brilliant, long-lasting shine. Available in 32oz, 64oz, 1-Gallon, and 5-Gallon sizes.
WALWW32 RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 32 oz, Case (8/cs)
WALWW64 RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 64 oz, Case (8/cs)
WALWW1G RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 1-Gallon, Case (4/cs)
WALWW5G RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 5-Gallon, Single (1)
WALWW32CA RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 32 oz, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
WALWW64CA RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 64 oz, Dual Language, Case (8/cs)
WALWW1GCA RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 1-Gallon, Dual Language, Case (4/cs)
WALWW5GCA RV/Marine Wash & Wax, 5-Gallon, Dual Language, Single (1)
Walex is committed to delivering premium, versatile products that align with your unique preferences and needs. Our expansion reflects our dedication to innovation and our mission to offer comprehensive solutions for every holding tank and cleaning challenge.
A comprehensive guide to choosing a deodorizer
Selecting the best deodorizer to use in your portable restroom or restroom trailer holding tank is crucial. You service your units regularly to create a superior impression, but deodorizer is the agent that works around the clock to preserve that environment. Keep reading to discover which deodorizer will set you apart from the competition.
Know your options
There are many types of deodorizer from which you can choose: liquid or pre-portioned drop-in, different chemistries (formaldehyde-based, formaldehyde-free, or natural), and various formula strengths. Many factors influence your decision: usage, climate, frequency of service, and even personal preference.
Traditional liquid or pre-portioned drop-in?
There are different benefits to liquid deodorizers and portion-control drop-ins, so choosing between them is often a matter of preference. The packets remove the guesswork from adding deodorizer because no measuring is required. And while containers like the Walex EZ-Squeeze Bottles allow greater accuracy when using liquids, you're still less likely to spill or overuse a drop-in packet.
One advantage of liquids, however, is the variety offered. Walex portion control drop-in packets are available in three strengths: Porta-Pak Max, Porta-Pak, and Porta-Pak Express, while Walex liquid deodorizer is available in nine varieties—three formaldehyde options and six formaldehyde-free choices. Liquids can also be made in any of Walex's 24 fragrances, whereas packets only come in certain fragrances.
Formaldehyde-free or Formaldehyde-based?
Liquid deodorizers are available in two chemistries: formaldehyde-based and formaldehyde-free. Walex's line of liquid deodorizers 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).
In our industry's early days, formaldehyde was the main odor-eliminating ingredient in deodorizers. However, some states have since banned formaldehyde, so Walex's research and development team created equally effective formaldehyde-free deodorizers.
Formaldehyde-free products control odors for a longer period of time. If you tested the products side by side, formaldehyde would be more effective initially, emitting a powerful chemical odor. But because it is gas, it will evaporate after three to six days, depending on temperatures. The formaldehyde-free products continue providing odor control longer using the modern technology developed by Walex R&D chemists, and they’re safer to use.
What strength of product do you need?
The final decision you must make is the product concentration to order, which depends on your climate, usage, and frequency of service.
If you're in a hot climate or your units get heavy usage, the best drop-in is Porta-Pak MAX, a potent formula with 50% more dye, 50% more odor control, and double the fragrance of the original Porta-Pak. Your best liquid options are PT-50 Supreme, Endure, PT-615, or PT-600.
If you're in a warm climate or your units get moderate usage, choose Porta-Pak for your drop-in or Advantage or Contender for your liquid.
During the cold winter months, you could switch your drop-in to Porta-Pak Express, a smaller dose of formula. You can stick with Contender for your liquid or choose a ready-to-use product like PT-500.
Porta-Pak Express is also an economical option for outdoor events where units get heavy usage but are serviced daily.
When in doubt, opt for a more concentrated formula. The benefits of investing in odor control far outweigh the relatively small cost increases.
If you still have questions about which deodorizer best fits your needs, the odor control experts at Walex are here to help. Give us a call at 910-371-2242.
Can I use Elemonate in my home sink too?
Elemonate is a deodorizer designed for an RV's grey holding tank—the tank that collects water from your shower and sinks. The quick-dissolving tablet not only smells lemony-fresh but also contains digestive enzymes that attack odor-causing organic sludge.
You may have a few extra Elemonate tablets left over from your last trip and wonder whether you can use them in your home. Even home sinks, shower drains, and garbage disposals can emit foul odors due to grease, greywater, and food scrap residue.
The good news is you can instantly freshen up your kitchen sink with Elemonate. Use it the same way you would in your RV. Drop it into the sink and run water over to dissolve it. The lemon fragrance and enzymes will coat the inside of your pipes, eliminating odors. Not only will Elemonate not harm your pipes, but it is also safe for your septic system. It deodorizes using natural enzymes that are completely septic-safe.
Happy adventuring!
How to Use Deodorizer in a Camper Van
Deodorizer usage for a 2.5-gallon or 5-gallon potty
Walex deodorizers like Porta-Pak are created for black holding tanks, but you don't have a black tank if you're living #VanLife in a converted camper van. Instead, you might have either a cassette toilet or a porta-potty, both of which have from 2.5 to 5 gallons capacity. So here's what you need to know about using deodorizer.
Add one entire packet of deodorizer
No matter what type of tank you have, you should always add an entire packet of deodorizer. You should not handle a holding tank product; that's why the Porta-Pak formula is contained in a water-soluble casing. Simply drop the entire packet into your cassette toilet or porta-potty and add water.
Add the correct amount of water
For a 5-gallon tank, add 3/4 to 1 gallon of water, and for a 2.5-gallon tank, add 1/2 gallon of water. You always need water because it dissolves the packet and allows the waste to fall below the waterline. The deodorizer can only treat the waste that it can touch!
In addition to deodorizing, Porta-Pak also breaks down waste and paper, making it easier to empty the tank.
If you have any questions about how to use our products, call us at 910-371-2242.
Happy Adventuring!
How long will my deodorizer last?
How often do you need to add deodorizer to keep your toilet odor-free?
We often get questions from RV owners about how often to use Porta-Pak or Bio-Pak, and how long one bag of the product will last. The short answer is this: two people living in an RV in a moderate climate will need to drop in one packet every five to seven days. Each Porta-Pak and Bio-Pak bag contains 10-packets, so the length of time one bag lasts depends on the number of people using the RV's facilities.
A good rule of thumb is to add a new packet of deodorizer right after you empty your tank. Always wait to empty your black holding tank until your sensors show that it's 2/3 full because gravity helps move all the solids out when you open the valve. Plus, if you're using a product like Bio-Pak, waiting long enough to empty will give the enzymes more time to liquefy the waste and paper.
Add enough water
After emptying the tank and adding your Walex drop-in, make sure to add enough water to disperse the active ingredients throughout the holding tank. The odor is less prevalent when the waste and paper sinks below the waterline. Otherwise, you may have a pyramid of waste and paper above the water line that causes malodor. We recommend starting with 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of holding tank. With adequate water added, one packet of deodorizer will control odor and treat waste up to a 40-gallons.
Keep your sensors functioning
One more thing to keep in mind: controlling holding tank odors depends heavily on watching your sensors, and if you start getting false sensor readings, you won't know when to empty and refill your tank. When this happens, you'll want to drop in one packet of Commando. This super-concentrated enzyme-based formula liquefies residual waste and paper build up within the tank, lubricates your valves, and cleans your sensors. Give Commando a minimum of 12-24 hours to do its job (longer is okay if it's a stubborn issue), and your tank will be good as new.
Happy Adventuring!