{"id":3305,"date":"2018-01-02T09:46:58","date_gmt":"2018-01-02T08:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.nl\/blog\/?post_type=listing&#038;p=3305\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T13:02:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:02:10","slug":"how-can-you-keep-the-water-tank-in-your-motorhome-or-caravan-clean","status":"publish","type":"listing","link":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/listing\/how-can-you-keep-the-water-tank-in-your-motorhome-or-caravan-clean\/","title":{"rendered":"The best way to keep your motorhome or caravan\u2019s water tank clean."},"content":{"rendered":"<div lang=\"en\">\n<p data-start=\"362\" data-end=\"770\"><strong>A clean water tank is essential for anyone travelling with a motorhome or caravan. Standing water can quickly lead to bacteria, algae and unpleasant smells. Fortunately, with a few simple steps you can keep the tank and pipes fresh and hygienic. In this article, we explain why cleaning is important, how to do it step by step, and how to keep your water clean throughout your holiday.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#summary\">Summary<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#why-clean\">Why clean the water tank?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#supplies\">What do you need?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#steps\">Cleaning the fresh water tank: step by step<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#step1\">1. Drain everything<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#step2\">2. Fill the tank with a cleaning solution<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#step3\">3. Let the solution work<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#step4\">4. Rinse thoroughly<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#step5\">5. Don\u2019t forget the boiler<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#grey-tank\">Cleaning the grey water tank<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#on-the-road\">Clean water on the road<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#drinking\">Can you drink the water in the tank?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"summary\">Summary<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Clean the tank at least twice a year.<\/li>\n<li>Use tank cleaner, citric acid or a mild chlorine solution (with caution).<\/li>\n<li>Always rinse thoroughly afterwards.<\/li>\n<li>Refresh the water regularly while travelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"why-clean\">Why clean the water tank?<\/h2>\n<p>Water in a motorhome or caravan often stands still for long periods. This can lead to the formation of biofilm: a thin, slippery layer in which bacteria multiply quickly. This can cause musty odours, strange tastes or blockages. Even if you don\u2019t drink the water, you can still come into contact with these bacteria \u2014 for example while showering, rinsing fruit and vegetables or through the mist of running water. It does not automatically mean you will get sick, but the risk is there, especially for people with a reduced immune system. Regular cleaning ensures that the entire water system remains hygienic and reliable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Clean the tank thoroughly at least twice a year: before the camping season and after winter storage. In warm weather or with heavy use, more frequent cleaning is recommended.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"supplies\">What do you need?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A place where you can safely drain water<\/li>\n<li>A suitable tank cleaner or citric acid<\/li>\n<li>A clean filling hose<\/li>\n<li>A funnel or a bucket<\/li>\n<li>A hose brush for the tank opening (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-62864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Watertank-vullen.jpg\" alt=\"Filling the motorhome water tank\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Watertank-vullen.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Watertank-vullen-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Watertank-vullen-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"steps\">Cleaning the fresh water tank: step by step<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"step1\">1. Drain everything<\/h3>\n<p>Drain the fresh water tank, pipes and boiler. Open all taps so that the water can run out completely.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"step2\">2. Fill the tank with a cleaning solution<\/h3>\n<p>Choose one of the following options:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Special tank cleaner:<\/strong> safe for pipes, rubber parts and the boiler. Follow the dosage on the packaging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Citric acid:<\/strong> effective against limescale and light contamination (100\u2013200 grams per 10 litres of water).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chlorine solution:<\/strong> works well against bacteria, but is not suitable for aluminium boilers. Use a maximum of 2\u20133 ml unscented bleach per litre of water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Fill the tank completely and open the taps briefly so the solution also flows through the pipes.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"step3\">3. Let the solution work<\/h3>\n<p>Let the cleaner work for 6 to 12 hours. Overnight is perfect.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"step4\">4. Rinse thoroughly<\/h3>\n<p>Drain the tank and refill with clean water. Open all taps until the water runs clear and odourless. Repeat if necessary.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"step5\">5. Don\u2019t forget the boiler<\/h3>\n<p>Open the hot-water taps until no warm water comes out anymore. This ensures the boiler water has also been replaced.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"grey-tank\">Cleaning the grey water tank<\/h2>\n<p>A grey water tank can produce unpleasant smells. Therefore, it\u2019s important to clean it properly. Empty the tank regularly at a designated grey water disposal point. After cleaning the fresh water tank, allow the used cleaning water to run through to the grey water tank. Fill the tank with warm soapy water, drive a short distance to let the water slosh around, then empty it. Rinse afterwards with clean water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-62868\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Vuil-water-laten-weglopen.jpg\" alt=\"Grey water draining from a motorhome\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Vuil-water-laten-weglopen.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Vuil-water-laten-weglopen-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Vuil-water-laten-weglopen-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"on-the-road\">Clean water on the road<\/h2>\n<h3>Refresh regularly<\/h3>\n<p>Refresh the water every three to four days, especially in warm conditions.<\/p>\n<h3>Use a clean filling hose<\/h3>\n<p>A shared or dirty hose on a campsite can easily cause contamination. Always use your own clean hose.<\/p>\n<h3>Keep the tank closed<\/h3>\n<p>Prevent sunlight from entering the tank or hoses \u2014 this helps prevent algae growth.<\/p>\n<h3>Use filters<\/h3>\n<p>A carbon filter improves taste and smell. If you use a microfilter, replace it in time.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"drinking\">Can you drink the water in the tank?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, provided the tank is well maintained and you are sure the water is clean. If in doubt, use tank water only for washing or showering and bring bottled water for drinking.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 10px 0 30px 0;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.campingcard.nl\/extra-informatie\/voordelig-kamperen\/?aff=14979\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/NL-gif-cca-mpu.gif\" alt=\"Affordable camping with CampingCard\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>How often should I clean the water tank?<\/strong><br \/>\nClean the tank at least twice a year: at the start of the camping season and after winter storage. In warm weather or with heavy use, more frequent cleaning is recommended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Which products can I use?<\/strong><br \/>\nA special tank cleaner works best and is safe for pipes and the boiler. Citric acid is a good alternative for limescale and light contamination. Only use chlorine in low doses and never in aluminium boilers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is the water in the tank safe to drink?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes, if the tank is properly maintained and the water is clean. If unsure, use it only for washing or showering.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I prevent bad smells in the tank?<\/strong><br \/>\nRefresh the water regularly, use a clean hose, keep the tank closed and clean it in time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should I do if the water smells musty or looks cloudy?<\/strong><br \/>\nDrain the tank and clean it thoroughly with tank cleaner or citric acid. Rinse the pipes until the water is clear and odourless. If the smell persists, repeat the cleaning.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I clean the pipes?<\/strong><br \/>\nLet the cleaning solution run through all taps. After the soaking time, rinse thoroughly until the smell disappears.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How long does water stay good in the tank?<\/strong><br \/>\nIn warm conditions, water usually stays good for only a few days. Refresh it every three to four days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A clean water tank is essential for anyone travelling with a motorhome or caravan. Standing water can quickly lead to bacteria, algae and unpleasant smells. Fortunately, with a few simple steps you can keep the tank and pipes fresh and hygienic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":3013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"listing_type":[1402,9802,1406],"class_list":["post-3305","listing","type-listing","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","listing_type-camping-facts","listing_type-campingcard-en-2","listing_type-preperations"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/3305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3305"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/3305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62903,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/3305\/revisions\/62903"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing_type?post=3305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}