How to get rid of stubborn RV odors

The most obvious culprit of odors in your RV is your black holding tank and toilet, so most RVers invest in a premium black tank deodorizer like Porta-Pak. But sometimes odors still linger, requiring odor control products that either work differently or target other odor sources. Walex is the global leader in odor control and offers a complete range of these types of products.

Odor Source: Grey Holding Tank
Product: Elemonate

An RV's grey holding tank is often overlooked as a potential odor source because it simply captures water from sinks and the shower. However, that water contains dirt, grease, and grime, which, over time, can form an organic sludge that breeds bacteria. Elemonate is a grey holding tank deodorizer that contains fresh lemon fragrance and natural enzymes that destroy build-up in the grey tank. Drop one Elemonate tablet in the sink and turn on the faucet for a few seconds to let it dissolve.

Odor source: Mildew, garbage, dirty laundry
Product: Odor Absorber

Tight spaces amplify foul odors, so keeping RV interiors smelling completely fresh is tricky. Odor Absorber is a gel product infused with a layer of charcoal that eradicates and absorbs odors. It keeps working for up to 60 days. Many RVers place one inside their garbage bin, under the sink, or around other potential odor sources.

Odor source: Black tank pyramid
Product: Commando

Sometimes, the reason for black holding tank odors is not a lack of deodorizer but a lack of water. Without enough water in the tank, solids pile up and get caked to the tank walls and sensors. This build-up creates residual odor and causes sensors to read incorrectly. Commando is a lightly-fragranced drop-in packet containing a powerful cleaning formula. Fill the tank with water and drop one packet in. The outer lining dissolves, releasing enzymes that attack and liquefy solids, cleaning the tank walls and sensors. Commando works without agitation in 12 to 24 hours (although you can leave it in longer).

Whatever the odor source, Walex has a product to eradicate it. Call 800-338-3155 or visit your local RV dealer for details.


The 4 products you need to keep your van or RV clean & odor-free

The four products that will keep your RV free from odors, grease and mess

With the wide variety of RV cleaning and deodorizing products, deciding which ones you need for your travels can be a daunting task. We’re here to simplify your shopping with four products that will tackle every potential odor source in your RV.

For deep cleaning: Green Hornet

Space in an RV is limited, so a 3-in-1 cleaner and degreaser is a must-have. Green Hornet combines the RV industry’s three most common product needs: rubber roof cleaner, awning cleaner, and black streak remover. It’s available in a ready-to-use spray and a super-concentrate, making it even more versatile because you can dilute it based on your cleaning need.

For deodorizing the black holding tank: Bio-Pak

The most obvious odor source in your RV is your toilet, so you need a powerful, easy-to-use black tank deodorizer. Bio-Pak is both a deodorizer and a digester. It contains enzymes that break down waste and paper, so you don’t need to use special RV toilet paper! Bio-Pak is also septic-safe and environmentally friendly.

For deodorizing the grey holding tank: Elemonate

Your grey tank might be less scary than your black tank, but it’s still a major odor source in your RV. Your sinks and shower drain into your grey tank, and without a deodorizer, organic sludge can build up over time. Elemonate contains enzymes that break down the grease, grime, and sludge. Plus, it emits a fresh lemon fragrance. It’s easy to use; simply drop one tablet in your sink and run water over it for a few seconds to help it dissolve.

For eliminating airborne odor molecules: Odor Absorber

Even after cleaning with Green Hornet and deodorizing the most apparent odor sources, you might still need to freshen the air, especially if you’re traveling with pets or you cooked a fragrant meal the night before. Simply peel back the label on Odor Absorber, and it goes to work immediately neutralizing odors in the air. It can freshen a space up to 300 square feet for up to 60 days. Odor Absorber is a gel product infused with a layer of charcoal, which traps and eradicates odor molecules. This product is perfect if you’re sensitive to fragrances; it’s available in lavender and orange twist, but the scent is very light.    


Traveling in an RV with pets? Here are two products that will make your trip more comfortable.

Get rid of smells from pets, mildew and garbage with Walex's odor eliminators

In the past year, many people have discovered the excitement and freedom of traveling by RV. If you are one of those new RV owners and have pets that you want to take on your travels, don’t worry! Plenty of RVers travel with dogs of all sizes, cats, and even bunnies.  

Many people know what items to bring to ensure that their pet is comfortable on the road. But it would be best if you also considered your comfort when living in tight quarters with animals, and that means eradicating the occasional furball, dirty pawprint, and odor. Walex is the expert in odor control, and we have two products that animal owners always recommend! 

Odor Absorber

Packing at least one Walex Odor Absorber in your RV is an easy decision. It is a gel-infused charcoal product that destroys odor molecules rather than masking them with fragrance. It is easy to use; simply peel back the top, and it goes to work instantly, neutralizing odors in the air and creating a bright, fresh-smelling space. One Odor Absorber can freshen a 300 square foot space for as long as 60 days, so you can leave it in your RV between trips to avoid those stale storage smells. Odor Absorber is non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally safe. 

Assure Odor Eliminator Spray

Assure is another odor-destroying product that contains natural essential oils. We package the fresh-smelling liquid product in a spray bottle so you can quickly spritz seat cushions or rugs as needed. Assure eliminates odor molecules on contact, whether in the air or fabric. We designed it to fight the most challenging pet, trash, and bathroom odors, but it is also great for eliminating smoke, mold, and mildew. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for use around dogs and cats. Just a little bit of this product goes a long way in odor control.

You can find both of these products on the shelf at your local RV dealer, next to the Walex holding tank deodorizers. We hope both you and your furry friends enjoy your next RV trip! Happy Adventuring from the Walex crew. 

 


Four Reasons to Use Your RV this Christmas

Christmas celebrations will look different for many of us this year, but your RV might be the key to unlocking a different but equally enjoyable holiday season. Here are four reasons to use your RV this Christmas.

You can safely visit extended family. 

Maybe Uncle Eddie had the right idea after all when he parked his RV in Clark Griswold’s driveway for the holidays. What was normal during past Christmases—extended family near and far congregating to spend the holidays under one roof—is not considered safe during the ongoing pandemic. 

While you might not be able to stay in the guest bedroom down the hall from your aging parents or pregnant daughter, you can temporarily—ahem, Uncle Eddie—park your RV in a family member’s driveway and visit with them outdoors. Weather permitting, an early Christmas dinner on the back deck would be a great way to safely enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the season.

You can take your pets.

While pet ownership brings many joys, it does complicate travel. If you’re traveling in your RV, though, you don’t have to worry if your toy poodle will get along with your aunt’s American bulldog or if you should just fork up the money for a pet sitter. When you travel by RV, though, you can bring your pup along for the ride every time. Just stock up on some Walex Odor Absorbers to eradicate any “dog” smells you might start to notice over time. Our gel-infused odor absorber uses a layer of charcoal to absorb odors without any artificial fragrances.

You can spend the holidays in warmer weather.

Owning an RV gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. If a white Christmas doesn’t sound appealing this year, pack up the RV and head south for the holidays. Camping World has some great destination suggestions.

You can still enjoy your favorite Christmas traditions.

If you’re planning to spend your Christmas Eve in an RV campsite, you might be worried that you’ll miss all the traditions you typically enjoy at home. But you can adapt those traditions to RV life. 

Here are some excellent ways to display a Christmas tree inside your RV. You can also string lights around your RV's perimeter—icicle lights look beautiful on the awning—but just make sure the decorations don’t consume too much wattage. Choose LED lights, which use less power than regular lights. Or, rather than using lights that you have to string up every time you change location, you can set up a Christmas light projector to colorfully illuminate your RV's exterior.

You can even replicate Christmas dinner! If feasting on turkey and stuffing is a Christmas Day tradition, you can cook a few juicy turkey breasts on your charcoal grill and prepare the stuffing in your crockpot. When it’s time to clean up after the meal, Walex has you covered with our powerful all-purpose cleaner and easy-to-use odor eliminating spray.

No matter how you decide to use your RV this Christmas, we wish you safe, happy travels. And don’t forget, wherever the road takes you, take Walex.