One of the many great benefits of owning a motorhome is having your own facilities on board, which makes keeping your toilet fresh and clean really important.

Choosing the best motorhome toilet chemical is not such an easy prospect, however, with a wide selection of options on the market. So what’s the difference between them, and which toilet chemicals should you choose for your motorhome?

Here, we’re talking you through the different types available, and what they do. It’s also worth remembering that not every ‘van comes with a toilet – in such a case, our best portable toilet for a campervan guide is sure to help you find the one for you.

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Waste-tank chemicals

The typical motorhome toilet includes a holding tank below the bowl – once this is full, you remove the cassette, before emptying it into a dedicated disposal point (never anywhere else).

It’s crucial to use some form of toilet chemical or additive in the tank to help break down waste and paper, and keep things smelling fresh.

When you choose and buy the chemicals, look for bottles that have the words ‘toilet fluid’ on them, and double check that they are suitable for use in motorhome waste tanks (the liquid is usually blue or green). Most ’van owners use bottled chemicals, but it’s also possible to buy tablets that will do the same thing.

Always check the bottle for the correct dosage, and add the chemical via the cassette outlet spout, rather than via the toilet bowl, to prevent damage to the latter.

The most environmentally friendly chemicals are formaldehyde free, so keep an eye out for this on packaging. Bear in mind, too, that some campsites – both in the UK and across Continental Europe – will only allow you to dispose of waste where formaldehyde is not used.

Toilet flush chemicals

Similar to domestic toilets, motorhome units have a flush facility – press the button on the toilet and clean water rinses through to help shift any waste into the holding tank. Some motorhome flush water comes via the onboard tank, but in other models, it comes from a dedicated flush tank. If yours has the latter, you can add flush chemicals.

These are usually pink and perfumed – you simply add the correct dose to your water flush tank. Note that you don’t need to add flush chemical if you would prefer not to: many motorhome owners simply use fresh water.

Combined products

Some manufacturers, such as OLPRO, with its Bottom & Top, and Fenwick, with Top & Tail, produce chemicals that can be used in both the cassette waste tank and the flush water tank. The benefit is that you only have to carry one bottle on tour.

Looking to the future

One of the new names on the market is Solbio. They claim this is the “only 100% natural toilet fluid for motorhomes, caravans and boats”. The all-natural ingredients include soaps, citric acid and essential oils, and the product is both child- and pet-friendly. A 40-dose bag costs £24.99 from Solbio, with free UK mainland delivery.

Take a look at our guide to motorhome toilet flush fixes too, where we answer some of the common queries ‘van owners can have.

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