Boating Mag suggests using fabric softener to prevent holding tank odor

[StephenOvalle]

I saw this interesting tip from Boating Magazine. Has anyone tried this or any feedback?

Add a cup of fabric softener mixed with 2 cups hot water to your holding tank. This inhibits solids from sticking to the tank and the lines thus minimizing opportunity for odors to permeate.

 

[rondds]

Makes sense. Is this once a season or after every pumpout?

 

[osd9]

Wouldn't that kill the 'good' bacteria?

 

[rondds]

Fabric softener isn't antibacterial.

 

[KarenS]

But it is a wax based substance, isn't it? I don't think I'd do it considering the build up that can, and has, happened in my clothes washer. I stopped using it altogether...
I can see it for the tank, but not the lines? Or, am I missing the bigger picture here?

 

[StephenOvalle]

Rondds - good question. I don't think they mentioned the frequency but I'll look again. I didn't think about it at first but it would certainly be good to know.

 

[Tonka Boater]

But it is a wax based substance, isn't it? I don't think I'd do it considering the build up that can, and has, happened in my clothes washer. I stopped using it altogether...
I can see it for the tank, but not the lines? Or, am I missing the bigger picture here?

I agree with this. The author obviously never used liquid fabric softener in a front loading washer....the buildup is horrible and a great way to ruin your machine. It sounds good in theory but the waxy buildup would damage your tank.

 

[HUMPH]

Just use products that are made for this use. Why risk anything when it comes to the freaking worst item on our boats?

 

[Quint4]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine a few years back after the "how to cook food on your engine" article. I am not making this up. They showed various placements of foil wrapped food on a boat engine.

 

[CV-23]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine a few years back after the "how to cook food on your engine" article. I am not making this up. They showed various placements of foil wrapped food on a boat engine.

That is just too funny and shocking!....Mike.

 

[CliffA]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine a few years back after the "how to cook food on your engine" article. I am not making this up. They showed various placements of foil wrapped food on a boat engine.

so, to anyone that is suffering from an overheating engine all is not lost...after a good run down the water way you can drop anchor and place a couple T-bone steaks on the exhaust manifolds and get a good sear....a few minutes later dinner is served....

must have been a slow day at the magazine and had to use crap stories like that as a filler....

 

[rondds]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine

Yeah, and their swim suit issue is lame too.

 

[keokie]

I remember that article, Quint. I was horrified.....



They did not even mention all the great pasta dishes you could make in a heat exchanger.

 

[fasttoys7619]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine a few years back after the "how to cook food on your engine" article. I am not making this up. They showed various placements of foil wrapped food on a boat engine.

LOL Off topic of boats , but on my snowmobiles I do have a very cool pan that is strapped to the exhaust pipe with big hose clamps , Its made for cooking , is it Hillbilly ? maybe , is it ingenius , maybe , do I like it ? I love it !! , ill throw a can of chili in it with cut up hot dogs , by lunch time I have a great hot meal trail side with my can of Keystone or Milwaukees best haha
Another great thing is when I used to work out in the field I would throw my lunch on my truck engine to heat it up if i was on a job site with no power or way to cook it , call me what you want ,I survive

 

[Sous]

I cancelled my subscription to boating magazine a few years back after the "how to cook food on your engine" article. I am not making this up. They showed various placements of foil wrapped food on a boat engine.

Wasn't that article written by guest-columnist Jeff Foxworthy? If you cook yer dinner on yer exhaust manifolds you might be a redneck.