The facilities our tourers come with can make a real difference to our touring experience, saving us from having to trek to the campsite’s toilet block in the middle of the night or make an off-grid adventure that bit easier. However, you may find yourself wondering ‘what chemicals do you put in a caravan toilet’?
You’ll most likely have seen there are chemicals in numerous colours, including blue, green and pink, and for beginners to caravanning, it can be confusing.
To help you find the best caravan toilet chemical, we’re explaining what the difference is between the various colours and explaining what goes where, so you can enjoy clean facilities when you’re pitched up.
Practical Caravan is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Waste tank chemicals
- Colour: blue or green
A holding tank generally sits beneath the bowl in the toilets of our vans, and, once it is full, it is going to need to be emptied. This can be done by removing the cassette and then emptying it – and make sure to only do so at a dedicated disposal point.
One thing you’re not going to want to overlook is a toilet fluid, which generally comes in a blue or green liquid. Take care to pick one that is suitable for a tourer’s waste tank. The majority of caravanners opt for bottled chemicals, although some use tablets. These can be relied upon to serve a dual purpose, helping to keep things smelling fresh and also breaking down waste and paper.
Before using it, ensure you check the dosage on the bottle and add it via the cassette outlet spout instead of pouring it into the toilet bowl – you could otherwise damage your toilet.
Something to consider when looking for one is that formaldehyde-free options are the most environmentally friendly. You may find some campsites only permit you to use this type of chemical too.
Toilet flush chemicals
- Colour: generally pink
A caravan toilet will have a flush, just like your toilet at home does, with water rinsing through the system to clear away waste into the holding tank. In some cases, this water will come from an onboard tank, but in other cases, it will be via a dedicated flush tank – if this applies to you, flush chemicals can be used.
Generally pink and perfumed, you’ll find these flush chemicals are fairly straightforward to use – just add the required dose to the flush tank. You don’t have to use this if you don’t want to, with some preferring to opt for fresh water instead.
Combined products
If you want to have both toilet flush and toilet fluid chemicals, a combined product could be a good choice, with options we’d recommend including OLPRO’s Bottom & Top and Fenwick’s Top & Tail Toilet Fluid. These handy products can go in both the cassette waste tank and the flush water tank. The big advantage of such a product is it saves you from having to find space for two bottles when you’re touring, useful if you’re keeping an eye on your caravan weights. One thing worth noting is they can be more expensive.
Once you know the different types of chemicals that go in a caravan toilet, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your tourer’s facilities in tip top condition.
Another important accessory for van owners will be their security items – if you find yourself asking ‘what is a caravan hitch lock?’ we explain why it’s a crucial item you’ll want for your tourer.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.