A clean water tank cleaning is essential for a reliable water supply when traveling in a motorhome. However, to ensure you always have a supply of clean drinking water on hand, it is important to clean the water tank and water lines regularly.
Why is it important to clean the water tank in a motorhome?
Over time, not only limescale but also a so-called biofilm is deposited on the inner surfaces of the water tank. It consists of microorganisms and is an optimal environment for bacteria.
Today we will tell you how to clean the water tank in a motorhome and what to look for. We will also offer a worthy alternative to chemical cleaning products sold in specialized stores.
Regular cleaning of the water tank in your motorhome is essential. However, it does not completely prevent the formation of such biofilm in the aquatic environment. Biofilm is caused by particles in drinking water, softeners in plastic parts and limescale.
How often should the water tank be cleaned?
As a general rule, it is recommended to clean the water tank in your motorhome at least once a year. It is even better to do this before and after each season. And if the water starts to smell unpleasant or its taste changes, additional cleaning is also necessary.
Is there an alternative to chemical cleaning products?
Specialist shops offer a wide range of professional cleaning products for camper van tanks. Their action is often based on substances such as chlorine dioxide, active oxygen or fruit acids. When using such products, the manufacturer’s instructions should be strictly followed to prevent further contamination of the drinking water.
reauctions: When cleaning the water tank, wear gloves to avoid direct contact of the cleaners with the skin. Also, do not mix different cleaners with each other. Chemical reactions can lead to the formation of gases that are harmful to health.
Also, when using some home remedies, you should not forget about caution. Vinegar essence dissolves limescale and has an antibacterial effect, but it can damage the seals. Denture cleaners also have an antibacterial effect, but often form residues that can damage the pump. So it makes sense to look for an alternative means for cleaning the water tank in a motorhome; as such, we recommend citric acid.
Cleaning the water tank with citric acid
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1. Empty the tank
First, drain all the water from the tank and boiler. To do this, open the inspection hole and all water taps.
Step 2. Manual cleaning
If you want to clean your water tank, you first need to manually remove the biofilm on the inside of the tank. This biofilm protects the bacteria from external influences, such as temperature and pH fluctuations, as well as from chemicals. If the biofilm is completely retained, cleaning agents are often ineffective
The best water tank cleaning by hand, first soften the limescale and other deposits with a damp sponge and then brush the tank. Remove all seals and shut-off elements and brush them as well. The water lines should also be cleaned as much as possible. Narrow pipe cleaning brushes (brushes), which are also used for cleaning aquariums, are best for this purpose. Then close the tank and boiler again. Step 3. Preparing citric acid
Dissolve the citric acid powder in warm water. For a 100-liter tank, 4 liters of water and 5-10 tablespoons of citric acid will be enough. Adjust this amount according to the capacity of your tank.
Step 4. Cleaning the tank and water lines
To clean the tank and water lines in a motorhome, pour dissolved citric acid through the inspection or filler hole into the tank. The citric acid must be completely dissolved.
Then fill the tank and boiler with fresh water and open the water taps for about half a minute to flush the entire system. Then close all the taps again and leave the solution inside the tank to act for at least 30 minutes. Then open the taps again and let the water drain until the tank is completely empty.
Step 5. Rinsing with fresh water
When you are finished, refill the tank with fresh water and let it drain completely. Leave the inspection and drain holes, as well as the taps, open for a while to allow the entire system to dry out.
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