Keeping It Fresh: How I Clean and Maintain a Porta Potty

Whenever I mention cleaning a porta potty, most people cringe. But as someone who’s rented and maintained several for outdoor events and small job sites, I’ve learned that keeping them clean isn’t as bad as it sounds. It just takes the right routine, the right supplies, and a little patience.

Before we jump into the cleaning steps, I’m adding a quick video at the top for anyone curious about what these units cost to buy.

Watch: How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Porta Potty

(Embedded YouTube video here)

If you’ve ever thought about owning one instead of renting, this video gives a quick breakdown of prices and what you’re really paying for.

Here’s a quick summary of average US prices:

These prices vary depending on your location, delivery distance, and how often the unit is cleaned.

My Basic Cleaning Routine

When it’s time to clean a porta potty, I always start with safety. I wear gloves, goggles, and a mask because it can get messy fast. Then, I make sure the waste tank is pumped out before doing anything else.

Once it’s empty, I rinse the inside of the tank with a disinfectant and fill it halfway with clean water mixed with deodorizing chemicals. The key is using the right chemical blend, usually a blue solution made of biodegradable biocides and fragrance to control odor and bacteria.

Next, I scrub down the walls, seat, and floor using a long-handled brush and a disinfecting cleaner. I focus especially around the corners and the door latch since those areas collect grime quickly. After rinsing everything, I dry the surfaces with a towel or let them air out before closing the door.

Keeping It Smelling Clean Longer

The blue liquid inside the tank isn’t just for color—it’s what keeps everything bearable. I use about two to three gallons of it after cleaning. That solution keeps bacteria down and neutralizes odors, even in summer heat.

If it’s an event porta potty, I like to hang a small air freshener or add a deodorizer disk inside the vent pipe. It makes a huge difference, especially when dozens of people use it in a single day.

Weekly Maintenance Tips I Learned the Hard Way

Keeping a porta potty clean isn’t a one-time job. Here’s what I’ve learned works best week to week:

• Pump and clean at least once per week. More often for high-traffic use.
  

• Refill hand sanitizer or soap dispensers to encourage people to stay clean.
  

• Wipe the interior walls during each service visit to prevent buildup.
  

• Check the vent pipe for blockages to help reduce odors.
  

• Keep the floor dry using a little absorbent powder or sawdust if needed.
  

By staying on a schedule, the porta potty doesn’t just stay sanitary, it also looks better and lasts longer.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes it’s worth letting the rental company handle the deep cleaning. They have vacuum pumps, disinfectant sprayers, and the proper waste disposal systems. Most standard contracts include weekly servicing, but you can always ask for more frequent visits during busy times.

I’ve found that paying for professional cleaning is worth it when managing multiple units or long-term sites. It saves time, avoids unpleasant surprises, and ensures the waste is properly handled according to local sanitation laws.