It's mid-Summer, the temperature is rising to 30 degrees, your motorhome site is fully booked and everything seems perfect. Oh no, suddenly an unpleasant smell spreads across the site. Just when guests should be fully enjoy their stay, odour nuisance creates an uncomfortable atmosphere. Where you, as the proud owner, expect satisfied guests, your guests walk past the sanitary facilities with frowns on their faces. Perhaps even heading to the reception to complain.
Odour nuisance is much more than just a minor annoyance. It directly affects the guest experience, leads to negative reviews and gives the impression that your site is unhygienic. Complaints about ‘bad smells’ or ‘unpleasant odours’ can significantly affect the overall experience, making guests less likely to return or recommend your site to others.
Fortunately, you can easily prevent this. With practical solutions, you can ensure that odour nuisance does not ruin your peak season. Discover how smart planning and simple measures can keep your site fresh, even during the hottest days of the year.
During hot days, odour nuisance occurs more quickly due to a combination of factors. Firstly, more guests automatically means more waste and heavier toilet use. Waste bins fill up faster, disposal stations become overloaded and sanitary facilities are used more intensively. This increased use is already a challenge in itself, but the heat makes things even more worse.
High temperatures accelerate bacterial growth and therefore odour development. Food waste in bins starts to rot faster, chemical toilets release stronger odours and damp areas such as shower cubicles develop a musty smell much faster. What is hardly noticeable at cool temperatures becomes an unmistakable odour at 30 degrees.
During the busy high season, you have less time for thorough preventive maintenance. While you are busy welcoming guests, answering questions and solving immediate issues, cleaning and checking the sanitary facilities and waste disposal areas often take a back seat. Yet it’s exactly during this time that extra attention is needed.
A fresh site starts with effective waste management. By making smart choices about the type of waste bins, their location and when you empty them, you can keep your site clean and odour-free.
Tightly sealed lids are your first line of defence against odours (and pests). Waste odours develop quickly in warm weather, and only tight-fitting lids can effectively contain them. Open bins or bins with defective lids are a recipe for odour problems, especially at high temperatures.
Plastic waste bins with rubber seals are better than metal ones. Metal heats up faster in the sun, which accelerates odour formation. Plastic maintains a more stable temperature and is easier to clean. Therefore, invest in high-quality bins with sturdy hinges – cheap lids break quickly and leave you with an open bin full of odour problems.
Direct sunlight significantly increases the temperature inside waste bins, speeding up bacterial growth and odour development. A waste bin placed in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius – ideal conditions for decomposition.
Therefore, always place waste bins in natural shade, for example under trees or against buildings. If natural shade is not available, create artificial shade using tarpaulins, umbrellas or a simple shelter. A small investment in shade can save a lot of cleaning work.
Timing is essential when it comes to emptying waste bins. It is better to do this early in the morning rather than later in the day, when the sun is strongest and odour development peaks. Plan waste collection rounds before 10 a.m., when temperatures are still relatively low.
During peak days, consider scheduling additional emptying times. It is better to empty bins twice a day than once with overflowing bins.
Incorrect bin use significantly increases odour nuisance. Loose bags next to bins, unsorted waste and food scraps in the wrong containers cause additional nuisance. Therefore, provide clear, visual instructions at every waste station.
Make “freshness” part of your hospitality. This creates a sense of shared responsibility. Add a short, friendly message to your welcome information or site notice board: ‘Help us keep the site fresh for everyone! Place use the bins properly and keep your pitch clean. Show what does and does not belong in each bin. Clear instructions lead to better compliance.
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Clean sanitary facilities are your campsite's calling card. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation and clear instructions ensure these areas don't become a source of frustration - but rather a reason for positive reviews.
Chemical toilets are especially sensitive to misuse, particularly in warm weather. A small, clear sign at each disposal station prevents a lot of trouble. State explicitly what is and is not allowed.
Incorrect use of disposal stations leads to blockages and extreme odours. Make it clear that only toilet contents and toilet paper are permitted. A simple rule as 'Toilet waste only, no other rubbish can prevent major issues.
Regular cleaning is essential, but using the right products also makes a difference. Cleaning vinegar effectively neutralises odours and is environmentally friendly. Citrus-based cleaning products also provide a a fresh scent and offer antibacterial properties.
Don't forget the drains. Mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of vinegar and pour this into sinks and shower drains late at night. Rinse with hot water the next morning. This cleans and neutralises odours.
It is better to schedule short cleaning rounds per day rather than one long session. A quick 15-minute round around midday, focusing on odour-sensitive sites such as waste disposal stations and sinks, is often more effective than one big cleaning session at the end of the day.
Strong air fresheners only mask problems temporarily and may even irritate guests. Instead, opt for odourless, biodegradable alternatives that neutralize odours. Activated carbon filters, natural odour-absorbing granules and proper ventilation are more effective and guest-friendly.
Speaking of ventilation: take full advantage of air circulation. Make sure windows and ventilation grilles are not only present, but also clean and functional. During peak periods, consider placing a small fan to improve airflow in the sanitary building. A space that feels dry and fresh is immediately perceived as cleaner by guests.
Scent has a strong impact on the atmosphere of your site and plays a key role in how guests perceive your location. While guests may barely notice fresh or neutral smells, they immediately register unpleasant smells. Fresh and clean sites reflect care and quality, which reassures guests and builds trust.
This positive experience directly influences reviews and word-of-mouth advertising. Words such as ‘clean’, ‘well-maintained’ and ‘hygienic’ attract new guests. In contrast, negative experiences with bad smells tend to linger—and can seriously damage your site’s reputation.
Odour nuisance can arise quickly on warm days, but can be easily prevented with focused attention and a few simple measures. Invest in smart waste management and regular, effective cleaning. These small daily routines lead to satisfied guests, positive reviews and an excellent reputation.