How to Eliminate Outhouse Odors

There’s nothing like the fresh air and peace of being out in the great outdoors, whether it’s during a camping trip or enjoying your backyard haven. But when it comes to using an outhouse, the experience can often be less than fresh.

Odor management in an outhouse is a common concern that can make the difference between a pleasant rustic experience and an unpleasant one. In this blog post, we will discuss a variety of ways to keep your outhouse smelling as fresh as the flowers in the field.

The Science of Odor

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand why outhouses smell bad. The key culprit is anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in an environment without oxygen. These bacteria break down waste, releasing foul-smelling gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide in the process. Handling the root cause of outhouse odors is about making thee environment less hospitable for anaerobic bacteria while promoting good bacteria that do not produce odor. We’ll get back to that in a minute. 

Natural Odor Neutralizers

Here are some common methods people use to mask outhouse odors. They don’t really affect the anaerobic bacteria but can help reduce odors a bit.

Lime

After each use, toss a handful of garden lime into the hole. Lime not only neutralizes odor but also speeds up decomposition.

Ash

If lime is not available, wood ash is a good substitute. It also helps in controlling the smell.

Sawdust

A layer of sawdust can also absorb both moisture and odors. Keep a bucket of sawdust handy, and throw a scoop down the hole after each use.

Good Bacteria to the Rescue

There are bacterial and enzyme products available specifically for breaking down waste without producing odors. These products are usually eco-friendly and can be added periodically to the waste pit to keep odors at bay.

The problem with most bacteria and enzyme additives is that they simply don’t have nearly enough bacteria in them to make an actual difference. It’s like if a doctor prescribed the right medicine to cure your illness but only gave you about 2% (yes, two percent) of the amount you actually need to get better. 

Accelerator by Dr. Pooper®

Accelerator by Dr. Pooper® was developed to ensure septic systems — and other waste disposal systems, such as outhouses — have plenty of bacteria to break down the waste and eliminate odors.

You can think of the revolutionary formula as a multiplier instead of an additive. Instead of adding a little bacteria to the system, Accelerator by Dr. Pooper® multiplies the bacteria in the system by up to 40 times.

It accelerates the reproduction rate of the aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria — which both eat the organic solids. PLUS, it keeps the anaerobic bacteria from creating hydrogen sulfide (H2S, a major cause of the odors) by creating a molecule they prefer over of sulfates (that’s the science part). THAT is how it stops the odors from being created.

It doesn’t MASK the odors. It stops them from being produced. 

You can discover more about Accelerator by Dr. Pooper® here.

Ventilation is Vital

The design of the outhouse is also important so consider these if you’re building a new outhouse or if you’re willing to make some improvements to your existing outhouse.

Install a Vent Pipe

Installing a vent pipe that extends above the roofline can help channel odors out and away. Good ventilation ensures that fresh air circulates, making it difficult for odorous anaerobic bacteria to thrive.

Keep it Airy

Try not to seal the outhouse too tightly. Small gaps under the door or near the roofline can help fresh air circulate and disperse odors.

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning

Make sure to clean the seat, door handles, and any other surfaces regularly. Use natural cleaners like vinegar to avoid chemical smells mixing with other odors.

Emptying

The frequency with which you’ll need to empty your outhouse depends on its use. More frequent emptying means less time for odors to accumulate.

Conclusion

Odor management in an outhouse involves a combination of science, odor masking (maybe), good design, and regular maintenance. With these tips, your outhouse doesn’t have to be the skunk of your, *ahem*, experience.