What is the Blue Liquid in Porta Potties? All About the Porta Potty Blue Liquid

When you step into a porta potty, one of the first things you might notice is the distinct blue liquid at the bottom of the tank. But what is the blue liquid in porta potties, exactly, and why is it there?

That bright blue liquid plays an important role in keeping porta potties clean, hygienic, and odor-free. Believe it or not, porta potties don’t need to smell and be gross – when they’re looked after properly, they can actually be quite pleasant!

The issue is, most people who rent porta potties don’t understand proper maintenance. When portable restrooms are neglected, or there are too few of them, they quickly become unsanitary. This can leave a lasting impression on your guests, and definitely not in a good way.

When you rent porta potties from Viking Rentals, you don’t have to worry about embarrassing smells or unsanitary conditions at your event – our team takes a proactive, hands-on approach to porta potty maintenance and hygiene.

We have a wide range of portable restrooms to choose from, covering all budgets and needs. With 50 years of experience, our team has the expertise to take care of every aspect of your porta potty rental. We deliver, maintain, and remove the restrooms – nothing for you to worry about! Contact us for:

But first, what is the blue liquid in porta potties, and why is porta potty water blue in the first place? Let’s find out.

What is the Blue Liquid in Porta Potties?

So, what is that porta potty blue liquid all about? It’s a specially formulated substance that plays a vital role in keeping portable restrooms functional, sanitary, and odor-free. But why is it blue, and what does it do?

The Role of Blue Stuff in Porta Potty Units

What is the blue liquid in porta potties for? The blue stuff in a porta potty helps to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. It contains a mixture of chemicals, primarily disinfectants and deodorizers, that help break down waste, kill bacteria, and prevent foul odors from lingering.

By reducing bacteria and slowing the breakdown of organic matter, this porta potty blue liquid minimizes the buildup of harmful germs. Without it, porta potties would quickly become unsanitary and unbearable for users – the last thing you want at a big event.

The blue liquid also contains chemicals that prevent the waste from decomposing too quickly, which helps control the spread of odors and makes maintenance easier for cleaning crews.

Are porta potties sanitary without the blue liquid? No – it’s an important part of the sanitation process, and if it’s not added (or if it’s no longer blue), the porta potty becomes unsanitary and unsuitable for use.

Why is Porta Potty Water Blue?

Why is porta potty water blue? The first reason is that it makes the waste less visible. This results in a more pleasant experience for porta potty users, as blue is a color we often associate with cleanliness and hygiene (think about how many household cleaning products are blue).

It also signals when the cleaning solution is no longer effective. As the liquid mixes with waste, the blue color fades, eventually turning green or even brown. This color change is a sign for maintenance crews that it’s time to service the unit, ensuring the porta potty remains clean and functional.

Is the Blue Liquid in Porta Potties Dangerous?

Wait, is the blue liquid in porta potties dangerous, or is it safe for both guests and the environment? Here’s what you need to know about the safety of porta potty blue liquid.

Chemical Safety Concerns

The blue liquid for porta potty cleaning typically contains disinfectants, deodorizers, and sometimes biocides, which help reduce bacteria and control odors. These chemicals are generally safe when used in controlled amounts, as they are diluted and contained within the unit.

Back in the day, harsher chemicals were used, but most modern companies have switched to non-toxic, environmentally friendly blue liquid for porta potty maintenance. While still keeping the porta potty hygienic, these compounds are also safe for your guests and the environment.

Environmental Impact

Historically, one of the biggest concerns with the blue liquid for porta potty cleaning was its environmental impact. When formaldehyde was commonly used in older types of porta potties, it posed risks to soil and groundwater if not disposed of properly.

So, is the blue liquid in porta potties dangerous for the environment? Today, most porta potty companies have shifted to biodegradable and environmentally friendly solutions that break down more easily and don’t pose a threat to ecosystems when properly managed.

Modern blue liquids are often formulated to be eco-friendly, using non-toxic chemicals that can be safely processed in wastewater treatment facilities. This switch has helped make portable restrooms a safer option for outdoor events and construction sites.

User Interaction and Safety

The blue stuff in a porta potty poses little to no direct risk. The solution is confined to the holding tank, and there’s minimal chance of exposure. But accidents can happen, and if someone comes into contact with the liquid, it’s important to wash the skin thoroughly to avoid irritation.

While the chemicals in modern blue liquids are less harsh, they can still cause mild discomfort if they get into the eyes or on sensitive skin. In terms of inhalation, the deodorizing agents in the blue liquid are formulated to mask odors, and are considered safe for short-term exposure.

Sourcing Porta Potty Blue Liquid for Your Units and Navigating Empties/Refills

If you’re renting porta potties, you’ll also need to source the blue cleaning solution. Here are some tips to help you shop for the blue stuff in a porta potty, and also some advice on how to clean a porta potty and portable toilet emptying.

How to Source High-Quality Blue Liquid

As we already mentioned, porta potty blue liquid used to contain some extremely harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. This has since been banned in most states, but it’s possible that there are still some harmful blue liquids out there.

You need to be very careful when shopping for porta potty blue liquid, to make sure you’re using eco-friendly, biodegradable solutions free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. These modern formulations are powerful cleaners, but don’t harm the environment or our health.

You’ll also want to consider how concentrated the liquid is. Some products come highly concentrated and require dilution, which are easier to store and can reduce the cost to clean a porta potty.

Emptying Your Portable Toilets

Regularly emptying porta potties is key when it comes to how to keep porta potty from smelling. The frequency of this depends on the porta potty size and level of usage, but it’s typically recommended to empty the units before the blue liquid turns green or brown, which indicates it’s no longer effective.

Emptying requires specialized equipment, usually a vacuum pump, to safely remove the waste from the tank without spillage or contamination. Professional porta potty service providers are trained to handle this process and ensure the unit is completely cleared of waste before being cleaned and refilled.

Disposal of Waste

Proper disposal of waste is an important environmental and legal consideration. After the waste is pumped out of the porta potty, it needs to be transported to a certified wastewater treatment facility.

Dumping waste in unauthorized locations can result in environmental damage and hefty fines, so it’s critical to follow local regulations regarding waste disposal. If you’re managing your own porta potty services, partner with licensed waste disposal services or ensure that your team is fully trained on how and where to legally and safely dispose of the waste.

Do you need a permit for a porta potty in general? It depends – large events and commercial construction projects typically require a permit, while smaller events on private property may not. If you’re unsure, it’s best to reach out to your local county or city government.

Proper Procedures for Refilling

Once the waste has been emptied, the porta potty needs to be refilled with fresh blue liquid. Typically, the manufacturer will provide instructions on how much liquid is needed based on the size of the holding tank.

Diluting concentrated blue liquid to the correct strength is important to ensure it can effectively manage odors and break down waste until the next service. During refilling, ensure that the holding tank is completely empty and clean before adding the new solution.

Other Cleaning/Maintenance Tasks

How does a porta potty work in terms of maintenance? As well as emptying and refilling the blue liquid, you’ll need to scrub down the interior surfaces of the unit with disinfectants to eliminate germs and odors, and any toilet paper or other supplies should be restocked regularly.

Avoid the Hassle By Renting Your Porta Potties From Us!

As you can see, maintaining a sanitary porta potty is almost a full-time job! There’s so much planning and knowledge required, and when you have a thousand other things to think about to keep your event running smoothly, porta potties are likely the last thing you want on your mind.

Outsourcing your porta potty rental is the best way to avoid embarrassing odors or issues, as well as potential safety hazards or fines from incorrect waste disposal. Wondering where to rent a porta potty from? With 50 years of experience, there’s no one more qualified than us to handle all your portable restroom needs!

As well as having a variety of options to choose from (including porta potty vs bathroom trailer solutions), the cost to rent porta potty from us is unbeatable, especially when you consider that we offer delivery, ongoing cleaning and maintenance, and removal. We even bring our own blue liquid!

From understanding ADA porta potty dimensions to helping you navigate how many porta potties per person you’ll need, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about:

And if you’re looking for some more information about porta potty rentals, check out our blog posts on how to build a restroom trailer, how to transport a porta potty, how to make a porta potty look nice, and do porta potties flush.

Bringing Out Porta Potty Blue Liquid Guide to a Close

So, what is the blue liquid in porta potties? Basically, it’s a non-toxic cleaning solution that helps to prevent odors and sanitizes the waste. It needs to be replaced from time to time as part of regular porta potty cleaning and maintenance.

If you want to give your guests the best possible portable restroom experience, rent your porta potties from the experts at Viking Rentals. Not only will we keep your lines short with the right amount of porta potties, we’ll also make sure they’re properly maintained and hygienic.

Call us today to take the first step toward securing reliable, clean portable facilities for your event or job site.