Do RV composting toilets smell? If the composting toilet in your RV has been installed correctly and you keep up with maintenance, you won’t be dealing with a foul odor. One common myth about RV composting toilets is that they have a funky earthy smell to them, but that’s not always the case. Keep reading to learn more about RV composting toilets, and what to expect with the smell.
Do RV Composting Toilets Smell?
If an RV toilet has been installed the right way, it won’t smell because there will be proper ventilation. All of the odors from the waste will be directed outside so they are not lingering inside the RV. It’s also important that you use a dry material when using a composting toilet to eliminate the smell, like sawdust or peat moss for example.
Does ventilation reduce the smell?
Ventilation plays a large role in keeping the odors out of your RV. The composting toilet will be installed with a vent sack, which will make sure any smell from the waste can’t travel back into the RV. Instead, it will be directed outside. Many composting toilets always have a fan in the ventilation system to ensure the smell travels away from the RV.
How do you reduce the smell in a composting toilet in an RV?
One of the best ways to reduce a smell is by using a dry material to mix in with the waste. Some popular choices that work well are coconut fibers or sawdust. However, there are so many options and you don’t have to spend a lot of money, in some cases they are free on your property, like dried leaves, twigs, or even dryer lint.
However, you should avoid using a clay based product like kitty litter because the clay will continue to hold the moisture from the waste. This will prevent air from being able to circulate.
Does emptying it more often reduce the smell?
Emptying your composting toilet regularity is part of its maintenance, which is essential to reducing the smell. If your composting toilet is being used more than usual or something recently got diarreah or threw up, you may want to empty it sooner than anticipated to keep it from stinking.
Should you not pee in a composting toilet in an RV to reduce the smell?
It’s perfectly fine to pee in the composting toilet, after all, that is one of their main purposes. What makes a composting toilet unique is that the urine and the feces get sent to different chambers. Since they are separate, the two smells won’t combine with each other to create that awful sewer stench that people think of when they talk about composting toilets.
Are composting toilets gross in an RV?
Many people assume that an RV’s composting toilet is disgusting, but it’s quite the opposite. These toilets are designed to keep all the waste and smell away from the user. As long as you keep the seat and bowl clean, and keep up with maintenance, an RV’s composting toilet will be no different than a regular flushable toilet.
How do you know when to empty a composting toilet in an RV?
One of the most important ways to keep the smell of waste out of your RV is emptying your composting toilet regularly. The main goal is to get on track of emptying the waste chamber before you notice a smell. One easy way to tell when it’s time to empty the toilet is by turning the handle. If it’s feeling tight, it’s time for the composting toilet to be emptied.
How often do you have to empty a composting toilet in an RV to reduce the smell?
There is both a liquid and a solid chamber on your RV’s composting toilet, and they will be emptied separately. The liquid chamber will fill up quicker, and will likely need to be emptied every 3 or 4 days. However, you won’t have to empty the solid chamber as frequently. The solid side typically takes an average of 3 month (60 to 80 uses) until it needs to be emptied.
The 3 month rule of thumb is an estimate for a 2 person RV. If you have more people using it regularly, you will likely have to empty it sooner.
When does a composting toilet not smell?
While a composting toilet is designed to keep the smell out, it can start to smell if you don’t empty it on time. To make sure the RV composting toilet doesn’t start to stink, you should keep track of when you empty the chamber so you can stay on a schedule. If you have more people using the toilet, you should check the chamber ahead of schedule to prevent odor.
If you notice that your RV composting toilet has a smell but the chamber is not full, there may be an issue with the fan in your vent. Always check that the fan is working efficiently to make sure the composting toilet doesn’t have a smell.
How do you clean a composting toilet in an RV?
Cleaning a composting toilet isn’t much different than cleaning a regular flushing toilet. However, you’ll want to make sure you use cleaning products that are 100 % natural. This is because everything that you put into the toilet will get sent to the chamber to become compost. If you send chemicals in there, you could destroy all the composted waste in the chamber.
What is best to use in a composting toilet to reduce smell in an RV?
One of the best products to use for cleaning your RV’s composting toilet is baking soda. This all natural ingredient is amazing for keeping the toilet sanitary and eliminating odor. When using baking soda to clean the RV’s composting toilet, always mix it with hot water for the best results.
Another efficient and green-friendly solution to use on your composting toilet is vinegar water. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water for a gentle cleaning solution that also reduces any smell.
