JTG logo

What Is the Blue Stuff in a Porta Potty?

Whether you’re attending an outdoor concert or a family wedding, most people have used a portable restroom at one point or another. You’ve probably stepped into a stall and noticed this odd blue stuff in the porta potty. What is it, and why is it there? Is it safe? What is the blue stuff in a porta-potty? Wonder no longer because John To Go has all of the industry secrets to spill about this stuff and how it works.  Here we’ll go over the basics of the blue stuff in porta potties, how it gets there, and what it’s made of so you can confidently use the porta-potty at your next big event.

Is the Blue Liquid in Porta Potties Dangerous?

When you look in a public toilet and the water is bright blue, you may be concerned about dangerous or harmful chemicals. While it may look like a smurf used the restroom before you, this neon liquid is actually a porta-potty cleaner.  It traps the harsh smells that can come from a porta-potty and helps keep the stall clean. The blue barrier also hides the unpleasant substances hidden beneath the surface.  Think of it like the toilet bowl cleaners you use at home. Many of them are bright blue gel that you squeeze into your toilet to scrub it down and help keep it clean. The stuff in porta-potties does the same thing. It keeps the stall clean while trapping in gross smells.  The blue chemicals gradually break down over time and need to be topped off or reapplied every 4 to 7 days. That’s 4 to 7 days of all-day freshness, no matter where you are. 

How Does the Blue Stuff in the Porta Potty Get In There?

From the outside, porta-potties look like standalone structures that companies place wherever they need them. If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering how that blue liquid gets into each stall.  To start, each porta-potty has a holding tank that contains the water and garbage. Sanitization workers typically remove the waste by connecting a vacuum to the output drain or the holding tank. They then use the vacuum to remove the old water and transport it to a waste disposal tanker truck, which also has a separate tank for fresh water.  Once this is done, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Sanitization workers refill the holding tank with clean water and new blue cleaning chemicals, keeping the stall clean and sanitary.  They will also spray and wipe down all surfaces inside and outside the stall with a strong disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs and other contaminants. 

Blue Stuff in Porta Potty

Now you know the blue stuff is a cleaning solution, but what is it made of? Exposure to certain cleaning chemicals can be harmful, especially in a closed environment.  However, the cleaning agents used in this blue liquid have been tested for years and are proven to be completely safe to use.  The four primary components that make up this bright blue liquid in porta-potties include:
  • Dyes: This is what gives the cleaning liquid that vibrant color. The goal of using darker dyes such as blue is to mask what’s in the porta-potty. Let’s be real, no one wants to use a public porta-potty at an event and see what’s floating around in there. These dyes conceal the contents so you have a more pleasant bathroom experience. 
  • Biocides: Over time, certain bacteria can start to grow inside a porta-potty bowl, and these bacteria create pungent odors that can wrinkle your nose. Biocides kill these bacteria and prevent them from growing, neutralizing foul smells so you don’t singe your nose hairs off when you step into the porta-potty.
  • Fragrances: While deodorizers trap and remove unpleasant smells, fragrances add a pleasant scent. They help mask unwanted odors by covering them with a more enjoyable scent. 
  • Surfactants: This bonding agent ensures the fragrances used are evenly distributed throughout the water and release an even amount of pleasant smells. This makes the fragrances more effective at masking gnarly smells. 
Porta-potty cleaning products have come a long way in recent years. Portable restrooms initially used harsher chemicals, such as formaldehyde, for sanitization and odor control.  Over time, research showed that long-term exposure to formaldehyde could be hazardous, so companies looked for better alternatives.  Modern porta-potty cleaners are completely safe to use, so you can take care of business without having to worry. 

Rent a Porta-Potty With John To Go!

What is the blue stuff in a porta-potty? In short, it’s a cleaning product that keeps the stall sanitary while also providing odor control.  Porta-potty companies have worked to improve the safety and effectiveness of this blue liquid without sacrificing sanitization. It’s completely safe, and it helps make your portable bathroom visit odor-free.  At John To Go, we value customer satisfaction above all else. We use state-of-the-art cleaning solutions to make your portable bathroom experience a positive one. Get in touch with us today to reserve high-quality porta-potties for your next event!  
Contact Us!
 

Portable Toilet For Rent

To support your search for a porta potty, John To Go delivers exceptional local porta potty rentals that emphasize cleanliness and reliability, extending well beyond basic amenities. Our comprehensive service package, from initial inquiry to final pickup, ensures a seamless experience, catering to various needs and budgets. With John To Go, you gain more than just a portable restroom—you secure a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

New York :
New Jersey :
Florida :