How to prepare a campervan cassette toilet

• Ensure the blade is closed if the cassette is fitted to the toilet. You can do this by moving the blade handle (the opening and closing mechanism) on the front of the toilet bowl.
• Remove your cassette from the external access door by pulling the orange (sometimes blue) handle up before pulling the cassette outwards. The blade may still be open if it doesn’t come out easily.
• Once removed, open the blade by twisting the blue (sometimes orange) dial on top of the cassette. Add the appropriate dose of toilet chemical treatment and the recommended amount of water. Quantities vary between products, so it’s worth checking.
• Refit the cassette by pushing it back into place, ensuring that the blue (again, it could be orange) pull-up handle is back in the slot.

How to fill a campervan toilet flush tank:

• Unlike caravans, many campervans have a direct water feed to the flush. If there isn’t a small, separate key-operated door above the toilet cassette door, the flush will likely be fed directly, so topping up is unnecessary.

How to empty a campervan cassette toilet:

• Ensure the blade is closed if the cassette is fitted to the toilet. You can do this by moving the blade handle (the opening and closing mechanism) on the front of the toilet bowl.
• Remove your cassette from the external access door by pulling the blue handle up and pulling the cassette outwards. It probably means the toilet blade is still open if it doesn’t come out.
• Many cassettes have wheels and a telescopic handle. This makes it easier to transport.
• Locate the emptying facilities on site. These may be called the Elsan Point, Black Waste Disposal Point, or Toilet Emptying Point.
• Twist the grey nozzle outwards and unscrew the domed orange cap from the end. Put the cap in a safe place, as you don’t want it falling into the drain!
• Empty the cassette in the designated drain, holding the orange button down as you do so.
• Rinse the cassette with water and shake it gently before emptying. Repeat until clean.
• Add the appropriate dose of toilet chemical treatment and the recommended amount of water. Quantities vary between products, so it’s worth checking.
• Refit the cassette.

Does your loo need a freshen-up?

Prima Leisure sells the Thetford Fresh Up set, which includes a new cassette and toilet seat. It could be a worthwhile investment if you’ve recently bought a second-hand campervan and want to make it yours.

Can I use household cleaning products in the cassette, or do I need specific campervan toilet chemicals?

You will need to use chemicals specifically designed for the toilet cassette. You can buy a range of chemicals from PRIMA here.

What are the best practices for ensuring the cassette is thoroughly cleaned after emptying?

The toilet and cassette should be regularly cleaned and maintained. To clean a Thetford toilet we advise using water and Thetford Bathroom Cleaner. Never use bleach, vinegar or other powerful household cleaners that contain these substances. These may cause damage to the seals and other toilet components.

For the cassette, Thetford have developed a number of different toilet fluids to keep your campervan toilet running smoothly. You can find these online at PRIMA Leisure.

There is a comprehensive set of instructions on cleaning the cassette and the toilet bowl in the owner’s manual which you can find here. On top of regular cleaning, we recommend a through cleaning of the cassette once a season. You can also find instructions on how to do this in the owner’s manual.

How should I store the cassette toilet when not in use for an extended period?

Thetford recommend giving all their products a through cleaning before storing your campervan for an extended period. You can find a great guide on their website to preparing your caravan, campervan or motorhome for winter storage, including how to clean the toilet and toilet cassette here.

What are the environmentally friendly options for toilet chemical treatments?

There are some environmentally friendly options for toilet chemical treatments. You can find a selection online with our other toilet chemical products at PRIMA Leisure

Jump to:

• Beginners Guide to Campervanning – Homepage 
• How to use your Ford campervan
• How to load your campervan
• Arriving on site: Campervan Electrics – 230v Hook-Up or Leisure Battery?
• Arriving on site: Campervan gas system
• Arriving on site: Campervan water system
• Arriving on Site: How to use the Truma Combi Diesel heating system
• Arriving on site: Campervan compressor fridge
• Arriving on site: Campervan oven and hob
• Arriving on site: Campervan toilet cassette
• Arriving on site: How to adjust your campervan’s TV aerial
• Arriving on site: Campervan wind out awning
• How to set up the pop up travelling seats in your campervan
• Glossary