Have you ever been at a concert, sporting event, or festival and wondered about the blue stuff found in portable restrooms? If you have ever used a porta potty and dared to peek inside, you likely noticed the bright blue liquid inside the tank. But what is it? The blue liquid is a disinfectant and deodorizer added to portable restrooms to help minimize any unpleasant odors. Below, we will take a more in-depth look into this blue substance and how we all benefit from its use.
If you are interested in learning more about porta potty maintenance or are looking for a luxury portable restroom rental in Southern California, give Showbiz Rentals a call. Our restroom rental experts are ready to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For affordable and convenient portable restroom rentals, call (818) 431-2539 today.
The Benefits of Portable Restrooms
Portable toilets not only offer a fast and convenient temporary sanitation solution but also provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional toilets. Porta potties allow for the proper disposal of waste, protecting vegetation from toxic waste and wildlife from the spread of disease.
But perhaps the most significant benefit of portable restrooms is water conservation. The Portable Sanitation Association estimates portable restrooms save more than over 125 million gallons of water daily due to their ability to dispose of waste without the use of water. However, since waste is not being flushed away, porta potty providers must take a proactive approach to minimizing unpleasant odors.
Why Do Porta Potties Contain Blue Liquid?
The blue liquid inside portable restrooms has a very specific purpose. Since porta potties do not flush waste away, the waste must remain in the tank for a prolonged amount of time, which can lead to unpleasant smells. The blue liquid, an extremely strong disinfectant and deodorizer, is added to the tank to combat odors. The disinfectant most commonly used in portable restrooms is a form of chlorine, containing a concentration ranging from 0.05% to 0.50%. Chlorine is effective in killing bacteria and other microorganisms and in breaking down waste.
Why Is It Blue?
The deodorizer itself is not blue. The blue dye is added to the solution to mask the waste contained inside the tank. With regular cleaning and maintenance, the blue dye should be effective at concealing most of the tank’s contents. Adding a strong deodorizer to mask odors and a blue dye to mask the waste ensures users will have a more pleasant experience.
What Is in the Blue Liquid?
In addition to the blue dye, the disinfecting liquid contains the following:
- Biocides – A primary active ingredient in a portable restroom’s blue liquid, biocides prevent the growth of bacteria that release unpleasant odors. Biocides inhibit rapid growth, minimizing the foul smells that can be found in porta potties.
- Surfactants – These are substances that reduce surface tension, increasing the liquid’s wetting and spreading properties. Increasing these properties allows the chlorine to better penetrate the waste, improving the solution’s cleaning power.
- Fragrances – To further mask any unpleasant odors, strong yet pleasant fragrances are added to the deodorizer.
Is the Blue Liquid Safe?
In diluted form, the substances in today’s porta potty’s blue liquid are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This is a significant improvement over the harsh chemicals used in the past. Previously, hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, were used to deodorize porta potties. However, the use of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, was discontinued as states began banning the substance.
Luxury Restroom Rentals Offer an Even Better Experience
The blue liquid has drastically improved the experience of using a portable toilet. However, some rental companies aim to further improve the experience by offering luxury portable restrooms. Features offered in luxury restroom rentals vary. However, some popular features that can be offered in high-end restroom rental trailers include the following:
- Spacious accommodations
- Multiple Stalls
- Air Conditioning and Heating
- Increased ventilation
- Lighting
- Mirrors
- Sinks, Soap, and Paper Towels
Some luxury restroom rental companies take it a step further, offering running water and flushable toilets.
Luxury Restroom Rentals in Southern California
If you are interested in learning more about porta potty cleaning and maintenance and what types of chemicals are used to ensure proper sanitization, give Showbiz Restrooms a call. Our experts are more than happy to answer all your questions.
Planning an outdoor event and needing luxury restroom accommodations? Whether you are planning a wedding, sporting event, or need temporary restroom accommodations for a construction site or filming location, we’ve got you covered. We offer same-day delivery and pickup and competitive pricing. Contact us online or call (818) 431-2539 for a free quote.