RV Holding Tank Treatment Comparison Chart
| Our Pick | Image | Product | Key Feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | ![]() | Walex Porta-Pak RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins (10-pack) | Best Overall – pre-measured drop-ins, formaldehyde free | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best Deal | ![]() | Happy Campers RV Black Tank Treatment (64 treatments) | Best Deal – many treatments per container | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best for Big Tanks | ![]() | Thetford Aqua-Kem Original Holding Tank Treatment (32 oz) | Best Big Tanks – 8 oz treats a 40-gallon tank | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best Liquid Treatment | ![]() | Unique RV Digest-It Ultra Liquid | Best Eco-Friendly – enzyme/bacteria based (REPLACES Thetford Eco-Smart) | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best Drop-Ins | ![]() | Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs (30-pk) | Best Digester – breaks down waste and tissue (REPLACES Thetford 24452) | Check Price on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
RV Holding Tank Treatment Reviews
Best Overall: Walex Porta-Pak Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins
Walex Porta-Pak RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins (10-pack)
Best Overall – pre-measured drop-ins, formaldehyde free
Check Price on AmazonWhenever you are away from home and living in your RV, you want the toilet in your RV to stay clean, hygienic and fresh. To help you achieve this you need the best RV toilet chemicals available, and in our experience, that must be the Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer.
It comes in a 10-pack of drop-ins and is one of the highest rated products of its type at getting rid of unpleasant odors emanating from your RV toilet. You only need to use one tablet every 7 days, and all you do is simply add it to the bowl as you flush the toilet. It will dissolve quickly and get to work right away.
When in the holding tank, Walex Porta-Pak tablets will break down solid waste and toilet paper to eliminate smells. One thing to note is that although the tablets have a distinctive blue color, they will not dye or stain the toilet bowl. They are also formaldehyde free which should reassure you that there are no highly toxic substances in your RV or trailer.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Dissolves quickly
- Breaks down solid waste and paper
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- A limited effect in very hot temperatures
- A bit pricey
Best Deal: Happy Campers RV Black Tank Treatment
Happy Campers RV Black Tank Treatment (64 treatments)
Best Deal – many treatments per container
Check Price on AmazonIf you love getting value for your money, especially when you are buying something as basic as a cleaning product, then you need to read on because we are about to reveal the best budget RV toilet chemicals. Happy Campers RV Black Tank Treatment comes with 64 treatments in one container.
Happy Campers can be used in RV black and gray tanks, marine holding tanks and porta potties. One scoop can treat up to a 40-gallon tank at a time.
It is an ultra-concentrated, mineral-based powder that dissolves in the tank. It helps control odors and stops waste from sticking to tank walls and sensors. Happy Campers says it is not a fast waste digester. It is made for odor control and keeping your tanks clean.
Pros
- Scoops so you can adjust the amount to tank size
- 64 treatments
- Gentle on septic systems
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not a fast waste digester
Best Big Tanks: Thetford Aqua-Kem Original
Thetford Aqua-Kem Original Holding Tank Treatment (32 oz)
Best Big Tanks – 8 oz treats a 40-gallon tank
Check Price on AmazonFor those of you with larger RVs, it is likely that the tanks used for the toilet are bigger than most. This is where you need a treatment that is suitable for big tanks. Having researched several, we think that the best RV toilet treatment for big tanks is Thetford Aqua-Kem Original.
It is a liquid that comes in a 32 oz bottle. 8 oz will treat 40 gallons of waste, so one bottle gives you 4 doses for a 40-gallon tank.
In the holding tank it breaks down solid waste and toilet tissue so the waste liquefies, and its detergent helps clean the tank walls and drain lines. It works in all weather and it is 100% biodegradable.
Pros
- Liquefies solid waste and tissue
- Works in all weather
- Cleans tank walls and lines
- 100% biodegradable
Best Liquid Treatment: Unique RV Digest-It Ultra Liquid
Unique RV Digest-It Ultra Liquid
Best Eco-Friendly – enzyme/bacteria based (REPLACES Thetford Eco-Smart)
Check Price on AmazonIf you would rather pour a liquid than drop in a packet or scoop a powder, our pick is Unique RV Digest-It Ultra Liquid.
It is a liquid toilet treatment for your RV holding tank, and one bottle gives you 32 uses.
Pros
- Liquid, easy to pour
- 32 uses per bottle
Best Drop-Ins: Camco TST MAX Toilet Treatment Drop-INs
Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs (30-pk)
Best Digester – breaks down waste and tissue (REPLACES Thetford 24452)
Check Price on AmazonIf you want a treatment that is pre-measured, the one we liked best is Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs. They come in a 30-pack, and to use one you simply drop it into your RV toilet.
Because each one is a pre-measured drop-in, there is no need to mess about with scoops and the like. They are made in the USA.
Pros
- Pre-measured drop-ins
- 30-pack
- Made in the USA
RV Toilet Paper Tablets Buyers Guide
Benefits of using RV Toilet Paper Tablets
There are several benefits of using RV toilet paper tablets, and these apply whether they come in tablet or powder form.
The primary reason is that they can break down and liquefy both solid waste and toilet paper. This makes it easier for the black or holding tank to be emptied. The tablets also prevent lumps of solid waste and paper becoming clumped together which can cause difficulties in emptying the tank, and even lead to blockage.
By reducing the solid waste and paper, the tablets also help to reduce the chances of paper causing a blockage in any of the water or drainage lines. Some also have detergent in their formula which cleans these lines and reduces the chances of blockages even more.
Foul odors are an undesirable aspect of many toilets and are a particular problem when it comes to RV toilets, where the waste remains in the holding tank. Thankfully, most RV toilet paper tabs can help eliminate these horrible odors to keep your RV smelling fresh and clean.
Things to Consider Before Buying Toilet Paper Tablets
Cost
There can be big differences in the cost of toilet paper tablets and this can be magnified based on how many tablets you get with each purchase. A low price isn’t much good if you must make multiple purchases because the number of tablets supplied each time is low.
Odor Elimination
Not every tablet or powder eliminates odors. Some are designed purely for their cleaning benefits, so always check if you want a tablet that will help keep your RV smelling nice.
Tablet or Powder
Although we are discussing toilet paper tablets, many of the products come in powder form. A powder is no less effective, but if you are concerned about having to measure out an amount then tablets might be best for you.
Eco-Friendly
Although none of the products we have reviewed contain any dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde, some may have ingredients which are not regarded as eco-friendly. If the environment is something you care deeply about, then there are several RV toilet paper tablets and powders which are biodegradable and thus not harmful to the environment.