Odor Control in Your RV – Part 2 – Additives

Last week I discussed in part 1 of this series on odor control in your RV how venting can alleviate some issues.

This week I am tackling additives.

One fine product I’ve tested and recommended for years is RM Tank Care manufactured by Tri-Synergy, Inc.

RM Tank Care was a the forefront of the development of the, now very popular, enzyme-based, bacteria-infused holding tank additives.

Please note I said “additives”, and not chemicals. Their special blend has been proven to actually digest the odor causing molecules at their source inside the wast tanks, thereby eliminating them rather than masking them. We’ve all smelled so-called additives that were almost as obnoxious as the tank odor itself.

RM Tank Care breaks down other organic compounds like oils, greases and detergents as well so feel free to use it in both holding tanks. I even recommend periodically pouring a 1/4-cup of RM Tank Care down each “P” trap to address odors that can originate there.

Some holding tank products consist of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde (and its derivatives), quaternary-based and phenol-based compounds. The issue of chemical products has prompted many state parks, campgrounds, dump stations and local municipalities to ban the evacuation of RV holding tanks if such chemicals are used.

There are certainly other makers of enzyme-based holding tank additives out there now, but RM Tank Care was one of the first; and it was the first additive I had success with so I see no reason to change horses mid-stream.

Well that’s it this week. In part 3 of the series, I’ll discuss waste component systems and how they can play a role in odor control.

Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor