Keeping your RV tanks clean and odor-free can be a challenge, especially if you are looking to save money. Thankfully, the Geo cleaning method is quickly gaining traction and is one of the most effective ways to keep your tanks clean!
Check out exactly what is included in the Geo cleaning method and why you should give it a go below!
What is the Geo method for RV tanks?
The geo cleaning method is a popular and effective way to keep your RV’s tanks clean without the use of expensive chemicals. Most of the ingredients used in the Geo cleaning method are extremely affordable and can be found in your laundry cupboard.
For the Geo cleaning method, you will need to create a mixture using a combination of cleaning ingredients and hot water. This can then be added to your RV’s empty tank. The concoction will remove odors and grime whilst maintaining your RV tank sensors!
Contents
Geo Cleaning method formula
The Geo cleaning method involves combining a range of cleaning products in the correct amounts. If you are looking to make your own Geo cleaning concoction then the following formula offers the best results:
- 2 cups of water softener
- 1 cup of your chosen laundry or fabric detergent
- 1 gallon of lukewarm water
You can also optionally add bleach to your mixture to improve the odor. Although it is always recommended to be careful when using bleaching agents as some options can melt through plastic RV tanks.
RV Geo method recipe with borax
One of the best ingredients to use when creating a Geo cleaning mixture is Borax. This powdered detergent is perfect for cleaning RV tanks and will keep most RV tank sensors from getting clogged up!
RV Geo method ingredients
Before you can implement the Geo method, you will need to ensure you have the right ingredients at hand. The ingredients needed are:
- A powdered water softener, such as powdered Calgon Water Softener
- Laundry detergent of your choice (We use borax detergents!)
- You may also want to use chlorine, bleach, or a similar cleaner to remove odors
- Lots of water!
- A 1-gallon container to store the mixture
Step 1 – Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can start using the Geo method, you will need to gather all your ingredients together.
If you are struggling to find a powdered laundry detergent, you can switch it out for a liquid laundry detergent. However, this won’t be as effective so we would also recommend borax detergents over liquid types.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
When preparing your Geo mixture, you should always mix the dry ingredients first. Your chosen water softener and powdered liquid detergent can be placed into the same container and given a slight shake before you add water. You can find the exact measurements above!
Step 3 – Pour in the Water
Next, you will want to slowly pour in lukewarm water. Take your time pouring in liquids as the mixture can fizz up if you are too quick.
You can also add bleach or a similar liquid cleaning agent in this step to help reduce odors and keep your tanks smelling clean.
Step 4 – Mix the Concoction
Now that all of your ingredients are in the same container, it’s time to give it a gentle shake. This will ensure that all ingredients will combine correctly and that your RV’s septic and black tank are as clean as possible.
Step 5 – Pour the Mixture into Your Tanks
Once you have successfully combined the mixture, it’s time to add it to your RV’s tanks. You will want to pour in around 1/2 cup of the mixture into each black, septic, and gray tank (presuming they are 40-50 gallon tanks).
Step 6 – Dump Your Tanks
The Geo mixture will stay inside your tanks until they require dumping again. Once your tanks are full simply dump your tanks, and repeat the above steps. This will keep your tanks and any sensors from clogging up in the future.
As our guide is to make over a gallon of the mixture, you can use your Geo cleaning concoction for months – this is why it is extremely popular!
How much borax should you add to the black tank?
This will largely depend on the size of your black water tank. However, in most cases, we would recommend around 1/4 cup of borax maximum. Our Geo cleaning mixture uses an entire cup, but this is to create over a gallon of cleaning mixture that will last you for months!
Is Borax safe for RV tanks?
Borax detergent is completely safe to use in an RV holding tank and is highly recommended if you are looking to try the Geo cleaning method. Borax will help prevent nasty odors and will get rid of any liquid or solid waste in your RV’s septic tanks.
Pros and cons of Geo Cleaning Method
As with most DIY options, the Geo cleaning method comes with unique pros and cons. Take a look below to see what positives and drawbacks you can expect when cleaning your RV holding tanks with the Geo method.
- The process itself is fairly straightforward
- The geo cleaning method is perfect for DIYers
- All of the ingredients used are fairly cheap so you won’t need to spend a fortune
- It can be quite a time-consuming procedure as you need to do it every time you dump your tank
- The use of bleach or chlorine can create a fairly strong odor
Our Verdict
Overall, if you are looking for an effective cleaning method that is incredibly affordable then the Geo cleaning method is one of the best options out there. Always be careful when adding chlorine bleach to your RV’s tanks as they can be corrosive in higher doses!
Geo Method alternatives for RVs
If you decide that the Geo cleaning method isn’t the best option for you, then you may want to look at a few alternatives. We would recommend checking out the following cleaning methods:
- Using a pre-mixed cleaning formula
- The hosing method
- A liquid tank treatment
