Maintaining a portable toilet isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for hygiene and odor control. One of the most common concerns with portable toilets is the unpleasant smell that often develops without proper maintenance. The good news? Modern toilet chemicals and a regular cleaning routine can keep your unit fresh and sanitary.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a portable toilet in four simple steps. Whether you’re camping, hosting an outdoor event, or using a portable toilet for construction, these tips will help ensure a clean, odor-free experience.
How Do Portable Toilets Work?
Portable toilets are self-contained units designed for temporary use in locations without access to traditional plumbing. Unlike standard toilets, portable toilets feature a waste holding tank located beneath the seat and a chemical fluid system that breaks down waste and controls odor.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the portable toilet mechanism:
- Toilet Seat and Flushing System: Often includes a manual or electric flush that uses a small water reservoir.
- Waste Holding Tank: Collects human waste and stores it until it’s emptied.
- Chemical Deodorizer: Added to the holding tank to reduce odors and help break down waste.
- Ventilation: Some units have built-in vents to minimize the buildup of foul air.
- Drainage Access: Allows for quick and hygienic disposal of waste when cleaning the unit.
These toilets are especially useful in areas where installing a traditional bathroom is not possible, such as at campsites, festivals, or construction sites.
Equipment You’ll Need to Clean a Portable Toilet
Before you begin, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- 🚽 Toilet Deodorizer Liquid
- 💨 Odor-Removing Spray
- 🧼 Anti-bacterial Spray (preferably with fragrance)
- 💧 Toilet Chemical Replacement Fluid
- 🧹 Scrubbing Brush or Toilet Scrubber
- 🧽 Rubber Gloves or PPE Equipment
- 🧻 Paper Towels & Hand Sanitizer
- 🌬️ Vacuum Waste Suction Machine (optional for advanced units)
- 🧯 High-Pressure Washer (for deep cleaning)
Step 1: Empty the Waste Tank
The first and most crucial step in cleaning a portable toilet is emptying the waste tank. Most units have a side valve or drainage outlet:
- Turn off the flush system (if applicable).
- Open the waste tank valve.
- Use a pump-out hose or vacuum system to safely remove the waste into an approved disposal container or site.
- Rinse the tank with clean water to remove leftover residue.
📝 Tip: Always wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like gloves and a mask during this step.
Step 2: Deep Clean the Toilet
Once the tank is emptied, it’s time to clean the toilet surfaces:
- Mix bleach or white vinegar with water and pour it into the bowl.
- Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes to break down stains and neutralize odors.
- Scrub the interior with a toilet brush or sponge.
- Clean the outer surfaces, seat, and lid with hot water and mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
🧼 Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or small brushes like toothbrushes, as they may damage the plastic surface.
Step 3: Sanitize the Interior
To fully disinfect the toilet:
- Spray the interior with anti-bacterial spray or white vinegar.
- Wipe down with a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth.
- Add a few drops of odor-control liquid to the empty waste tank before refilling.
- Consider using blue chemical deodorizer, which is more effective for longer-lasting odor protection.
🦠 This step helps kill harmful bacteria and keeps the toilet smelling fresh.
Step 4: Use Chemical Cleaners
When it comes to maintaining hygiene and eliminating odors in a portable toilet, using the right chemical cleaners is crucial. These cleaners not only sanitize the toilet but also help control foul smells. Many portable toilets use disc-shaped deodorizer holders that release pleasant fragrances to keep the environment fresh.
Additionally, urinal deodorizers with totem units are effective in masking unpleasant odors and preventing the spread of germs. Make sure your cleaning supplies include essential consumables such as toilet deodorizer tablets, disinfectant spray, and waste-digesting chemicals—especially ones designed for RV or camping toilets.
High-quality portable toilets often come with built-in accessories like hand sanitizers, soap dispensers, and waste bins, ensuring a complete and hygienic bathroom experience in compact outdoor or mobile setups.
Our Top 3 Recommended Portable Toilets
1. Stansport Portable Toilet
- Comfortable Design: Features a larger, ergonomic toilet seat for enhanced comfort during use.
- Durable Build: Withstands a higher weight capacity (up to 250 lbs), making it suitable for most adults.
- Efficient Waste Management: Includes a bucket-style system that can handle a good amount of waste with ease.
- Budget-Friendly: Ideal for campers and travelers looking for an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-store toilet.
- Bonus Feature: It offers ample storage space for waste bags and a compatible toilet paper holder.
2. Playberg Portable Travel Toilet
- Eco-Friendly and Comfortable: Comes with a standard-sized toilet seat and is built with environmental consciousness in mind.
- Removable Waste Bucket: Easy-to-clean and spacious waste bucket makes waste disposal hygienic and convenient.
- Dual-Lid System: Features a two-part seat with a secure lid for added cleanliness.
- Convenient Accessories: Includes a built-in toilet paper holder, a rare and practical feature in budget models.
- Spacious Waste Container: Offers more capacity compared to many other compact models.
3. Camco Portable Travel Toilet
- Premium Features: Known for its solid build and range of smart features like manual or electric flushing systems.
- Variable Capacity: Available in 2.6 to 5.3-gallon capacities to suit different usage needs.
- Manual Flush System: Employs a reliable manual pump flush that mimics the feel of a real toilet.
- Separate Water & Waste Tanks: Includes distinct freshwater and waste tanks, both with generous capacity.
- Durability & Convenience: Features a long-lasting, built-in toilet paper holder and a three-way flush system for superior cleaning.
- Ideal for RVs and Camping: Perfect for those who want both convenience and cleanliness in their mobile setup.
Conclusion
Portable toilets are a space-saving and eco-friendly solution for campers, travelers, and emergency use. They require little to no plumbing and use minimal water, making them perfect for off-grid scenarios. However, without regular cleaning and maintenance, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and bad odors.
Maintaining cleanliness is easy with a simple routine—use chemical cleaners, disinfectants, and always empty the waste tank as recommended. A clean portable toilet not only protects your health but also enhances your overall comfort. Don’t forget to use gloves, paper towels, and sanitizers during the cleaning process to ensure hygiene and safety.
We hope this guide helps you confidently maintain your portable toilet and keep it fresh and ready for use at all times.
We are really lucky to have a hard-working, multi-skilled plumber on our team. Collin D. Gallegos, a professional plumber who has worked with us since 2012, is an expert in vent, septic, and drainage systems. He is a Certified Master Plumber and has worked on various commercial plumbing projects. He usually helps our readers resolve plumbing and pipe-related issues with a proper DIY troubleshooting and repair guide.