sanitation
The Fallacy of the Dog Food Test for Waste Breakdown
There are some manufacturers in the RV industry that use dog food as a waste substitute to show the breakdown capabilities of their black tank treatment products. We recently visited the Walex Innovation Lab to speak with their PhD Chemist, Bryan Spraul, to learn more about the viability of using dog food as a waste substitute.
Hey Bryan, I’ve been perusing the internet recently researching how some companies are validating the performance of their RV black tank treatment products and I’ve seen several videos of products being tested on… dog food. What’s the deal with that? Does it actually show how well a product works? Would you consider it an accurate test?
Great question—and actually, no, it doesn’t. Dog food is, well, food. It’s full of proteins, starches, and fats. And your body is designed to digest that using over a dozen different enzymes.
So, if those enzymes break down food, shouldn’t that be good for your RV’s black tank as well?
Not quite. What ends up in your RV's black tank isn’t food—it’s human waste. Mostly fiber, which your body can’t digest, and a whole lot of gut bacteria. Those food-digesting enzymes are basically useless in that environment.
Aaaaahhh, I see! So, breaking down dog food in a demo looks cool… but doesn’t mean much in real-world black tank use?
Exactly. It’s incredibly misleading. If a holding tank treatment works on dog food, that just tells you it’s digesting what your body already broke down. Not what’s actually in your holding tank.
At Walex, we engineer treatments based on real black tank chemistry. We test on what’s actually in the tank—fiber, bacteria, cellulose and actual human waste—so our products perform where it counts.
Got it. So, Walex is all about the science—not the showmanship.
Exactly. When it comes to RV sanitation, trust the science.
Thank you so much for your time and the awesome clarification.
Walex RV Liquid Essentials for Summer
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.
How often should I empty my RV’s black holding tank?
When Should You Empty Your RV Black Tank?
Quick Answer: You should empty your RV black holding tank when it’s about two-thirds full. Dumping too frequently can actually cause more problems because liquids drain out while solids remain behind, leading to buildup, odors, and sensor issues.
Why You Shouldn’t Dump Your RV Tank Too Often
Many RV owners assume frequent dumping keeps tanks cleaner, but the opposite is often true. When you empty too soon or keep your tank constantly connected to a sewer hookup, liquid drains away while solid waste stays inside. Over time, this can create residue stuck to tank walls and sensors, which may cause clogs and inaccurate readings.
What Is the Ideal Tank Level Before Dumping?
The best time to dump your black tank is when it reaches roughly 2/3 full. At this level, there’s enough liquid inside to create strong flow when dumping, which helps carry solids out of the tank instead of leaving them behind.
For two RV users, this usually takes about a week, though tank size and usage habits can affect timing. Always monitor your tank sensors and adjust as needed.
Should You Dump the Grey Tank or Black Tank First?
Always dump the black tank first, followed by the grey tank. Grey water from sinks and showers helps rinse leftover residue from your sewer hose, making cleanup easier and more sanitary.
Signs Your Black Tank Needs Cleaning
- Persistent odors
- Slow drainage
- Sensor readings that seem inaccurate
- Visible buildup inside the tank
- Increased dumping frequency
How Do You Deep Clean an RV Black Tank?
If you notice buildup or odor issues, a deep cleaning treatment can restore tank performance. Enzyme-based packets such as Commando work by breaking down solids and digesting odor-causing waste inside the tank.
Simple Deep-Clean Method
- Drop one packet into the tank.
- Add water to ensure coverage.
- Let it sit for about 12 hours.
- Dump and rinse.
This process helps dissolve residue, clean tank walls, and improve sensor accuracy.
Best Practices for Healthy RV Holding Tanks
- Dump when tank is about 2/3 full
- Use enough water with each flush
- Perform periodic deep cleanings
- Avoid constant sewer hookups
- Use enzyme-based treatments regularly
Pro Tip: Proper dumping timing is one of the easiest ways to prevent clogs, odors, and costly repairs in your RV waste system.
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.