Stinky RV odors and how to get rid of them

By Cheri Sicard
Our favorite RV inspector, Duane from the RV Inspection And Care YouTube channel, is back with a discussion of a topic that every RVer is likely to encounter at some point: stinky RV odors! These odors can really put a damper on your travel and camping fun.

So, how do you kick those stinky smells to the curb and keep your RV smelling fresh? Duane offers some good advice.

Conquer the sewer smell

Ah, the dreaded sewer smell. It’s common, awful, and can have a few different causes.

Sometimes, no matter how much you try, that sewer smell just won’t go away. If that’s the case, it might be time to call in the pros. Professional RV black tank and gray tank cleaning services exist. They use high-pressure equipment to blast away all the gunk inside your tanks, leaving them fresh and clean.

Once you’ve got those tanks sparkling, how do you keep them that way?

• If your RV has a built-in tank flush, use it! Some folks need to flush after every dump, while others can use it every two or three dumps. Figure out what works best for your setup.
• Don’t be shy with the water when you flush the toilet. Plenty of water helps prevent solids from sticking to the sides of the black tank.
• Consider using a tank treatment like Happy Camper. This stuff isn’t just a perfume cover-up; it actually breaks down solids and helps keep odors at bay in both your black and gray tanks. Check out Happy Camper tank treatment.

Banish the musty smell

That musty smell is another common RV odor woe, especially if you’re in a humid area. It usually means excess moisture has found its way somewhere and set up shop. Here’s how to deal with it.

• First things first: Open everything up! Open your doors, windows, and vents, crank up the vent fans, and get some air circulating. Sometimes, a good airing-out is all you need to get rid of that musty smell.
• If airing out isn’t enough, try some activated charcoal bags. These handy bags pull odor particles right out of the air.
• DampRid is another popular option for getting rid of moisture and musty smells.
• If you’re constantly battling humidity, a small dehumidifier might be your best bet. There are some great compact models perfect for RVs.

Reclaim your refrigerator

RV refrigerators are notorious for trapping smells. Because they are small, a bad smell can intensify quickly. Regular cleaning is key, but sometimes smells linger.

• Try wiping down the inside of your refrigerator with a mixture of baking soda and water. This can help absorb and neutralize odors.
• Once you’ve gotten rid of the smell, keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to help prevent new odors from forming. Yes, space is precious in an RV fridge, but it’s worth it!

Tackle pet smells

We love traveling with our furry friends, but they can bring some smells with them. Here’s what to do.

• Regular baths are a must, even if your pet isn’t a fan.
• A small air purifier can work wonders for pet odors (and other odors, too!). An air purifier can also help with other odors.

When all else fails: The ozone machine

If you’ve tried everything and still have a stubborn, unidentified odor in your RV, it might be time to bring out the big guns: an ozone machine. These machines are used by professional cleaners and are very effective at eliminating odors.

It’s CRUCIAL to know, however, that ozone machines can be dangerous if not used properly. Never be in the RV (or let your pets be in the RV) while the ozone machine is running. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. After the treatment, open everything up and air out the RV thoroughly.

Nobody wants a stinky RV. By tackling odors head-on with these strategies, you can keep your mobile home smelling fresh and clean for all your adventures.

Do you have other RV odor-fighting tips? Share them in the comments below!

RELATED

• How to manage smelly dog odors in an RV
• Easy under-the-sink vent replacement eliminates RV bathroom odors
• How to deal with gray water tank odor in your RV
• Does your RV stink? It might be RV gray water tank odor
• Tips for keeping an RV washing machine odor-free

RVDT2876