How Much Does it Cost to Clean a Porta Potty?

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how much does it cost to clean a porta potty

How Much Does it Cost to Clean a Porta Potty?

how much does it cost to clean a porta potty

Let’s face it – nobody wants to clean a porta potty. Even just using one of these can be tough enough, let alone actively pumping out the festered waste of others, spending time inside the unit wiping down surfaces…no thanks.

That’s the appeal of hiring someone else to clean the portable toilet for you. Not only can you avoid the job and save yourself the mental turmoil but you can focus your attention where it’s better spent.

How much does it cost to clean a porta potty, though? It all depends on factors like the frequency of cleaning, number of units, location, accessibility, type of units, and more. We’ll cover all this and more to help you get a better sense of the porta potty cleaning service cost.

That being said, partnering with Viking Rental allows you to bypass the stress of even finding someone to clean your portable toilets. We handle everything from drop-off to maintenance to pick-up, so you can enjoy peace of mind. Get in touch today!

The Importance of Keeping Porta Potties Clean

Nobody wants to worry about cleaning a portable toilet, but it has to be done on a regular basis. Whether at a music festival, a sports event, or a construction site, users appreciate facilities that are well-maintained. A tidy porta potty reflects the event organizer’s or contractor’s attention to detail and respect for attendees or workers. 

Speaking of enjoyment, let’s talk about the smell side of things. One of the most common complaints about porta potties is the unpleasant odor. Regular waste removal and the use of deodorizing agents can dramatically reduce bad smells as we discuss in our guide on how to keep porta potty from smelling.

But there are also health implications at play. Porta potties that aren’t regularly cleaned can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfection of porta potties ensure that waste is properly managed and surfaces are free from pathogens.

In fact, health and safety regulations often mandate the regular cleaning and maintenance of portable sanitation units. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal issues.

Removing waste and cleaning surfaces can also be a proactive investment in the longevity of your units. It will prevent the buildup of corrosive substances that can damage them, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving costs in the long term.

Factors Influencing the Porta Potty Cleaning Service Cost

Just as with porta potty rental prices, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the porta potty cleaning service cost. Let’s look at some of the factors influencing what you can expect to pay:

Frequency of Cleaning

The more you need your units cleaned, the more you’ll pay – simple as that. Events with high foot traffic, such as festivals or large construction sites, require more frequent cleaning. This raises the overall service cost due to the need for more labor, supplies, and waste disposal.

The type of cleaning needed plays a role here as well. Standard maintenance, which includes basic cleaning and restocking, typically costs less than intensive cleaning services that involve deep sanitization and deodorizing.

Number of Units

Similarly, the more units you need to be cleaned, the higher your servicing costs will be. So, think about how many porta potties you have on site. 

It’s worth noting however that while servicing multiple units at once can increase the overall cost, many service providers offer bulk discounts, reducing the per-unit cost.

Location and Accessibility

Services in remote or hard-to-reach areas often incur additional travel fees. Urban locations may have lower transportation costs but could face higher labor costs given the cost of living.

Beyond the geographical location, where your units are on the premises can play a part too. Units that are difficult to access, such as those placed on construction sites with limited entry points or event venues with complex layouts, may require more time and effort to clean, thus increasing the cost.

Type of Unit

You’ll need to account for the specific types of porta potties you’re requesting cleaning for as well. Basic units generally have lower cleaning costs compared to more sophisticated models, such as a bathroom trailer.

Waste Disposal Fees

As we talked about in our guide on how to empty a portable toilet, disposing of human waste can be a challenge. It’s a biohazard that needs to be handled with extreme care.

Disposal costs vary by region, depending on local waste management fees and regulations. Areas with strict disposal requirements may incur higher costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Clean a Porta Potty?

So, how much does it cost to clean a porta potty? As you can see, there are tons of factors influencing the porta potty cleaning price. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75-$150 per unit.

This is the average for a basic cleaning of a standard porta potty. You’ll typically get restocking, basic sanitization, and emptying of the waste tank.

For more deluxe units, the price can end up being as much as $100-$150 per service. Similarly, emergency services for on-demand cleaning can be much more, adding another $25 to $50 per unit.

Should You Clean the Unit Yourself to Save Money?

If you’re looking to avoid the porta potty cleaning cost you might be tempted to learn how to clean a porta potty yourself. We do have a guide on this topic, but we actually suggest against it.

Professional cleaners have the experience and tools necessary to thoroughly sanitize porta potties – including industrial-grade cleaning agents that effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and unpleasant odors. DIY cleaning may not achieve the same level of hygiene, potentially leaving harmful pathogens behind.

There’s also the concerns of handling human waste yourself, and the disgust that comes with it. But if nothing else, the time and effort needed to effectively clean these units is simply not worth it. The porta potty cleaning price is an investment that allows you to focus your attention where it’s better spent.

Nevertheless, if you’re committed to cleaning your facilities yourself or at least want to see what goes into the process, here’s an overview:

  1. Wear Protective Gear: Gloves, a face mask, and goggles will protect you from harmful bacteria and chemicals.
  2. Empty the Waste Tank: If possible, transport the waste to an approved disposal site. Use a portable waste tank for safe transportation. Never dispose of waste in unauthorized areas. We have a guide on how to transport porta potty to help.
  3. Clean Interior Surfaces: Spray all interior surfaces with disinfectant and scrub thoroughly. Pay special attention to high-touch areas such as the seat, door handles, and urinal.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Use clean water to rinse off the disinfectant from all surfaces. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry before adding any new supplies.
  5. Deodorize: Apply deodorizing agents to the waste tank and interior to help control odors. These agents can be in the form of tablets, liquid, or gel packs.
  6. Restock Supplies: Refill the toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and any other necessary supplies. Ensure everything is stocked and easily accessible.

While you may save a few dollars, the conditions you’re subjecting yourself to can be miserable. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of even thinking about how to clean portable toilets by choosing a reliable rental provider, like Viking Rentals.

Put the Stress of Cleaning Portable Toilets in the Past With Viking Rental!

Viking Rental has more than 50 years of experience serving Texas businesses and residents with high-quality equipment backed by even better service along the way. We take great pride in our reputation as the #1 choice in the Lone Star State, and you can count on us to exceed your expectations for portable sanitation rentals.

From your initial inquiry to the scheduled delivery of units, regular cleaning throughout the duration of your rental, and pick-up when it’s all said and done, you can expect a world-class experience from start to finish.

That’s right – we’ll service the units for you throughout your rental period. You don’t have to lift a finger. We’ll handle everything so you can focus on running your event or overseeing your job site.

Plus, we have all the different styles you could need, be it a porta potty vs bathroom trailer or some other style entirely. Here are our most popular rentals:

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t stress about cleaning porta potties. Leave it to the experts at Viking Rental and enjoy peace of mind!

Final Thoughts on the Porta Potty Cleaning Service Price

So, how much does it cost to clean a porta potty? We hope this guide has left you with a clear understanding of the porta potty cleaning cost and why it’s a small price to pay to maintain impeccable facilities for your guests or employees. 

Find additional resources in our blog like how to make a porta potty look nice, ADA porta potty dimensions, hand washing station rental cost, porta potty size, and how much to buy a porta potty.

But now that you know where to rent a porta potty to avoid the stress and disgust of cleaning a portable toilet, why not take the first step to set up your rental with the #1 choice in Texas? Get in touch with Viking Rental today and experience the difference five decades of experience can make!