# Travel >> Transportation >> RV

How to Clean an RV Freshwater Tank

One of the greatest appeals of traveling in a recreational vehicle or RV such as a fifth wheel or motor home is the availability of clean water for washing, bathing and drinking. The ability to pour a glass of water at will while camping in the wilderness is a convenience that cannot be overstated. However, just like the outside of the RV, the water tanks require regular cleaning and maintenance to remain sanitary and keep the water viable.

Drinking water source
Lemon juice
Hydrogen peroxide
Dump station

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the fresh water tank to 80 percent capacity.
- 2
  Turn off the water heater and wait for the water to cool completely.
- 3
  Mix one cup of lemon juice and four cups of hydrogen peroxide per 15 gallons of the freshwater tank capacity in a gallon of water. Pour into the fresh water tank and top off the tank with more water.
- 4
  Run each faucet in the RV, one at a time, for three to five minutes.
- 5
  Allow the freshwater tank to sit overnight unused.
- 6
  Drain the freshwater tank by running the faucets for 5 to 10 minutes, opening the water heater drain as well as unstopping the freshwater tank drain valve. Drain the freshwater system until empty.
- 7
  Stop all plugs and valves and refill the freshwater tank completely.
- 8
  Rinse the freshwater system once more by repeating the draining process.
- 9
  Plug all drains and close all valves to refill the freshwater tank.
- 10
  Dump the gray water tank at a local dump station.