Stop the Stink! Top Grey Tank Treatments Every RVer Needs Right Now
Posted by Camco on Feb 13th 2025
When it comes to RV maintenance, most of us know how important it is to take care of the black tank—the toilet tank, aka the one you definitely don’t want to neglect. But, how often does the grey water tank get the same attention? This unsung hero of your RV’s plumbing system handles all the wastewater from your sinks and shower. And it deserves way more attention than it usually gets.
It’s easy to understand why. For many RVers, the grey tank seems low maintenance—it’s only soapy water, right? Not quite. That water is packed with food particles, grease, soap scum, and other residues that can build up over time. If ignored, it doesn’t take long for unpleasant odors to develop. And those odors? They don’t stay hidden. They’ll creep into the RV, turning your home on wheels into a far less enjoyable space.
The good news? Keeping a grey tank clean and odor-free doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right products, like Camco’s innovative grey tank treatments, and some simple maintenance habits, preventing those smells can actually be easy. Giving a little attention to the grey tank can make a huge difference, leaving more time to enjoy the adventure without worrying about unwanted surprises.
Let's dive into why grey tank care tends to get overlooked, why giving it the attention it deserves is so important, and how Camco’s top-notch solutions can keep your RV smelling fresh and ready for every journey!
Why Grey Tanks Get Overlooked (And Why That’s a Big Mistake)
It’s easy to see why RVers sometimes skip grey tank maintenance. The contents of your grey tank—wastewater from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower—often appear cleaner than what’s in the black tank. After all, it’s just water with a small mix of soap, food particles, and grime. But looks can be deceiving!
Here’s why ignoring grey tank maintenance is a mistake:
- Unseen Buildup: Soap scum, grease, food debris, and hair stick to the walls of your grey tank. Over time, this gunk becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to foul odors.
- Stagnant Water: When water sits in your tank too long, it begins to break down, releasing smelly gasses into your RV.
- Vent Issues: Without proper treatment, vent clogs can occur, allowing smells to escape through your sink or shower drains.
- False Sense of Cleanliness: Many people assume grey water isn’t “dirty” enough to require treatment, forgetting that bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments—exactly like your grey tank.
The truth is, taking care of your grey tank is every bit as important as maintaining your black tank. Neglect it, and you’re inviting odors and buildup that no RVer wants to deal with. Fortunately, Camco makes it easy with an array of effective products designed to clean and maintain your RV’s grey tank.
Camco’s Grey Tank Solutions
With years of experience helping RVers just like you, Camco has perfected solutions that make tank maintenance simple and stress-free. Whether it’s tackling odors, clearing out buildup, or avoiding frustrating plumbing problems, Camco has you covered.
Here are five camping essentials designed to keep your tank clean and your camper fresh.
1. Camco TST Pro Liquid
If you’re after a game-changing way to handle both black and grey water tanks, TST Pro liquid is the way to go. This powerful, new bio-enzymatic formula tackles odors, breaks down waste, and even provides superior waste digestion. Plus, it’s totally safe for septic tanks, so you can keep your RV running smoothly without worry.
With 16 strong, dual-action RV holding tank treatments per 32 oz. bottle, it works quickly to eliminate odors and is incredibly simple to use—making RV maintenance easier than ever.
- Benefits:
- Groundbreaking formula.
- Eliminates odors to keep your grey water tank fresh.
- Breaks down grease, oil, and food debris for a cleaner tank.
- Safe for septic systems.
- Works reliably in high temperatures for consistent odor control.
- Refreshing American pine scent.
- Trusted quality, made in the USA.
2. Camco TST Pro Drop-INs
For RVers who prefer convenience, Camco offers TST Pro Drop-INs. These pre-measured, multi-chambered pods are packed with powerful enzymes and bacteria designed to quickly liquefy waste and break down tissue. Enhanced with cellulase enzyme for top-notch paper digestion and calcium nitrate to neutralize foul odors, they tackle tough jobs with ease.
The real game-changer? There’s no need for measuring or messy handling—just drop one in, and you’re good to go. Keeping your RV fresh and functional has never been so effortless!
- Benefits:
- Revolutionary formula.
- Ultimate convenience with pre-measured, mess-free Drop-INs.
- Eliminates odors to keep your grey water tank fresh.
- Breaks down grease, oil, and food debris for a cleaner tank.
- Safe for septic systems.
- Works reliably in high temperatures for consistent odor control.
- Refreshing American pine scent.
- Trusted quality, made in the USA.
3. Camco TST Max (Liquid and Drop-IN)
Dealing with grey tank odors can be downright frustrating, but Camco’s TST Max gets the job done. Specially formulated to tackle offensive smells, it does more than mask odors—it eliminates them at their source, leaving your grey tank fresh and clean.
With its advanced odor-neutralizing technology, TST Max ensures your grey tank stays free of nasty smells no matter what you throw at it. Plus, it comes in refreshing scent options, adding a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance to your system. Whether you prefer the liquid or Drop-IN version, this product makes controlling odors simple and hassle-free.
Not only is TST Max highly effective, it’s also gentle on your RV’s plumbing and the environment. Made with a septic-safe formula, it’s an eco-conscious choice for those who care about protecting nature without compromising on quality.
Benefits:
- Neutralizes foul odors in grey water tanks.
- Refreshing and long-lasting scent options.
- Trusted quality, made in the USA.
- Safe for septic systems and the environment.
- Available in liquid and Drop-IN formulations.
4. Camco TST Grey Water Odor Control
Camco’s TST Grey Water Odor Control is exclusively an RV gray tank treatment. It targets tough smells in sink and shower drains. And it doesn’t just mask the odors– it gets rid of them, leaving behind a fresh, lemony scent that instantly refreshes your system.
But it’s not just about odors. This powerful formula also works to break down grease and residue, keeping your grey tank squeaky clean and running smoothly. The best part? It’s as gentle as it is effective. With a non-staining, septic-safe formula, you can trust it to handle the tough stuff without being harsh on your system.
Benefits:
- Specifically for grey tank maintenance.
- Eliminates odors for up to 7 days.
- Cleans tank walls and drains while refreshing your system.
- Safe for septic systems and the environment.
- Non-staining formula.
- 32 oz and 64 oz options.
- Fresh lemon scent.
- Trusted quality, made in the USA.
5. Camco Rhino Blaster Pro
If you’re ready to make grey tank cleaning even less of a chore, meet the Camco Rhino Blaster Pro—a powerhouse that works brilliantly alongside RV grey water tank treatments. You see, while RV toilet chemicals handle breaking down waste and controlling odors, the Rhino Blaster Pro takes it one step further, blasting away tough residue, grime, and those stubborn smells that cling to your tank walls. It’s like giving your tank a deep clean every time!
With a direct water blast, it clears away buildup you didn’t even know was there. The RV gate valve lets you control the water flow, so you can reach those tricky spots with ease, while the built-in vacuum breaker has your back by preventing backflow and protecting your freshwater supply.
Whether it’s your grey tank, black tank, sewer hose, or RV portable waste holding tank, pair the Rhino Blaster Pro with your favorite tank treatments to make cleaning faster, easier, and way more effective.
Benefits:
- Direct water blast eliminates residue.
- Tackles odors at the source.
- Gate valve keeps water contained for mess-free rinsing.
- Built-in vacuum breaker prevents fresh water contamination.
- Perfect for grey/black tanks, RV sewer hoses, and RV tote tanks.
- Clear elbow lets you see when the job’s done.
Practical Tips for Odor-Free Camping
While Camco products make tank care easy, a few simple habits can help maximize their effectiveness and keep your RV fresh all year round.
- Regular Cleaning Is Key: Make it a habit to empty and rinse your grey tank regularly. Don't let water sit there for too long—stagnant water is your tank’s worst enemy. A good rinse keeps things fresh and functional.
- Scrape Those Plates: Before washing dishes in the sink, take a moment to scrape off any leftover food bits. It may seem minor, but those little particles can cause clogs and odors in your tank over time. A quick scrape now saves a lot of trouble later.
- Say No to Grease: Grease and oils are not your grey tank’s friends. Avoid pouring them down the drain. Instead, wipe greasy dishes with a paper towel before washing.
- Check the Air Vent: Don’t forget to inspect your grey tank’s air vent. A blocked vent can lead to unpleasant smells and even backflow issues. Making sure it's clear will keep air circulating as it should.
Sticking to these small practices will cut down on the frequency of deep cleaning and make each treatment more effective.
Smell-Free Adventures Await!
Keeping your grey tank clean doesn’t have to be a horrible experience. Camco’s got you covered with reliable treatments and simple tips to make the job easy. So don’t wait—gear up now and take charge of your grey water tank. Here’s to stress-free journeys and unforgettable trips ahead.
Happy travels!