Keeping your RV’s water system clean is crucial for safe travels, but the debate over the best sanitizing method can leave you scratching your head. Some swear by specialty products, while others insist good ol’ bleach does the trick just fine. So, who’s right?

The National RV Training Academy settles the argument once and for all.

1. The Great Bleach Debate: Is It Safe?

According to Todd from the National RV Training Academy, yes—bleach is safe for sanitizing your RV’s water system, as long as you use the right amount.

He calls out critics who claim otherwise, saying, “Trash. Don’t even need two minutes to go over this, but trash.”

If bleach were truly the villain some make it out to be, RVs everywhere would be dissolving into puddles of regret. But here we are—still rolling down the highway.

2. The Science Behind Bleach Sanitizing

Bleach isn’t just some backwoods RV hack—it’s approved by the FDA, EPA, NSF, and ANSI for water sanitization.

Todd emphasizes that no other product has the same level of regulatory backing, saying, “If you want to go against the wording of the FDA, NSF, ANSI, and EPA… go for it.”

Sure, you could ignore all those acronym agencies… but then you’d also have to ignore common sense, and that’s a slippery slope.

3. The Right Way to Use Bleach in Your RV

The key is dilution. Todd recommends ¼ cup of bleach per 15 gallons (or 1 cup per 50 gallons) of water.

Any stronger, and you risk damaging rubber seals and making the water unsafe. “Bleach is caustic… but in the right amount, it’s perfectly fine.”

Using too much bleach is like pouring hot sauce directly into your eyeballs—technically, a little is fine, but overdo it, and you’ll regret everything.

4. Alternative Sanitizing Products

If bleach isn’t your thing, Todd acknowledges that other products (usually bleach or hydrogen peroxide derivatives) work too—but they’re often more expensive.

“Pay more for it, right? But if you want the smallest amount of product… bleach or hydrogen peroxide.”

Paying extra for fancy sanitizers is like buying bottled air. Sure, it exists, but… why?

5. The Bottom Line: Should You Use Bleach?

The verdict? Yes—bleach is safe, effective, and budget-friendly when used correctly.

Todd’s final words: “With the proper amounts, bleach is the most inexpensive way to sanitize your system.”

At this point, arguing against bleach is like arguing that the Earth is flat—you can, but you’ll look silly doing it.