Odor Absorber
Why Does My RV Still Smell? Common Odor Sources and Solutions
Why Does My RV Still Smell? Common Odor Sources and Solutions
Quick Answer: If odors linger in your RV even after using a black tank deodorizer, the source may be your grey tank, interior air, or hardened black tank buildup. Targeted treatments for each odor source provide complete odor control.
Odor Source #1: Grey Holding Tank
Many RV owners focus only on the black tank, but the grey tank can also produce strong odors. Grey tanks collect water from sinks and showers, which contains:
- Grease and cooking residue
- Soap scum
- Food particles
- Organic sludge
Over time, this buildup can generate unpleasant smells.
Solution: Grey Tank Enzyme Treatment
Elemonate is designed specifically for grey holding tanks. The quick-dissolving tablet contains enzymes that break down grease and sludge while releasing a fresh lemon scent.
To use:
- Drop one tablet into the sink drain.
- Run water for several seconds to dissolve.
- Allow enzymes to work inside the tank.
Odor Source #2: Interior Air (Mildew, Trash, Laundry)
RVs are compact spaces, which means odors from garbage, damp towels, or pets can quickly become noticeable.
Solution: Air Odor Neutralizer
Odor Absorber is a charcoal-infused gel that traps and neutralizes airborne odor molecules. Once opened, it works continuously for up to 60 days.
Common placement areas include:
- Under the sink
- Inside trash bins
- Near laundry storage
- In storage compartments
Odor Source #3: Black Tank Buildup (“Pyramid Plug”)
If black tank odors persist even when using deodorizer, hardened waste buildup may be the problem. This often happens when insufficient water is used, allowing solids to accumulate and cake onto tank walls and sensors.
This buildup can:
- Trap residual odor
- Cause false sensor readings
- Restrict proper tank flow
Solution: Deep Black Tank Cleaning
Commando is a concentrated enzyme cleaner designed to break down hardened solids and restore tank performance.
To use:
- Empty and rinse the tank.
- Add one packet and fill the tank with water.
- Let sit for 12–24 hours (longer if needed).
- Dump and rinse again.
The enzyme formula works without scrubbing to clean tank walls and sensors.
Complete RV Odor Control Strategy
- Treat black tank regularly
- Maintain grey tank with enzyme tablets
- Use adequate water after dumping
- Neutralize interior air odors
- Deep clean periodically
Bottom Line
If your RV still smells, the issue may not be your black tank deodorizer—it may be another overlooked odor source. Targeting each source individually ensures a fresher, more comfortable travel experience.
Need Help? Call 800-338-3155 or visit your local RV dealer for product guidance.
4 Essential Products to Keep Your RV Odor-Free and Clean
4 Essential Products to Keep Your RV Odor-Free and Clean
Quick Answer: To keep your RV free from odors, grease, and buildup, you need four essentials: a multi-purpose exterior cleaner, a black tank deodorizer, a grey tank treatment, and an air odor absorber.
Why RV Odor Control Requires More Than One Product
RVs have multiple odor sources: the black holding tank, grey holding tank, cooking areas, pets, and exterior grime. Using targeted products for each area prevents lingering smells and keeps your RV clean inside and out.
1. Multi-Purpose Cleaner for Deep Cleaning
A space-saving, multi-function cleaner is essential for RV living. A 3-in-1 cleaner and degreaser can handle:
- Rubber roof cleaning
- Awning cleaning
- Black streak removal
Products like Green Hornet are available in ready-to-use spray or super-concentrate formulas, allowing you to dilute based on cleaning intensity. This versatility saves storage space while covering multiple cleaning needs.
2. Black Holding Tank Deodorizer
The black tank is the most obvious odor source in any RV. A high-quality deodorizer that also digests waste is essential.
Bio-Pak combines odor control with natural enzyme digestion. The formula breaks down waste and toilet paper, helping prevent clogs and buildup while keeping odors under control. It is septic-safe and environmentally friendly.
3. Grey Holding Tank Treatment
Grey tanks collect water from sinks and showers. Over time, grease, soap residue, and organic sludge can build up and create unpleasant smells.
Elemonate is designed specifically for grey tanks. Simply drop one tablet into the sink and run water briefly to dissolve it. The enzymes work to break down grease and grime while leaving behind a light lemon fragrance.
4. Air Odor Absorber
Even after cleaning tanks and surfaces, airborne odors from cooking, pets, or travel can linger. An air neutralizer helps eliminate remaining smells at the molecular level.
Odor Absorber is a charcoal-infused gel that begins neutralizing odors as soon as it’s opened. It can freshen up to 300 square feet for up to 60 days. Available in subtle scents like lavender and orange twist, it’s ideal for travelers sensitive to strong fragrances.
Complete RV Odor Control Checklist
- Clean exterior surfaces regularly
- Treat black tank after each dump
- Maintain grey tank to prevent sludge buildup
- Use an air neutralizer for lingering smells
Bottom Line
Effective RV odor control requires a complete system—not just one product. With the right cleaner, tank treatments, and air neutralizer, you can travel comfortably without unwanted smells.
Happy Adventuring!
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.