The cost to clean a porta potty ranges from $75-100 for a standard single unit, and up to $200 for a large multi-stall trailer.
Cleaning fees depend on unit size, rental duration, and frequency of servicing required.
This article explores the factors affecting porta potty cleaning costs, standard price ranges, additional fees, the services included in a typical cleaning package, how event type impacts frequency/cost, and the cost comparison between DIY and professional cleaning options.
When budgeting for an event or construction project, it’s helpful to understand what variables affect porta potty cleaning costs.
I’ve discovered the primary factors are unit size, total number of units, rental duration, anticipated usage/traffic, and desired cleaning frequency.
Let’s start with unit size – a basic single-stall porta john takes less time, labor, supplies, and cleaning solution to sanitize than a deluxe 10-stall trailer unit.
The number of total units also plays a role. Cleaning ten porta potties in one job is more efficient and affordable on a per-unit basis than scrubbing down just one or two lone units.
Rental duration matters too – weekend events require far less cleaning than month-long music festivals or construction sites with ongoing porta potty needs.
And don’t underestimate the impact of foot traffic and usage – heavily utilized units require more frequent cleaning than lightly used ones.
Keeping these key factors in mind helps estimate both rental and cleaning costs.
When it comes to putting a price tag on porta potty cleaning, costs typically fall into these ranges:
This covers the complete cleaning process – evacuation and disposal of waste, scrubbing and disinfecting all interior surfaces, refilling the tank, restocking supplies, and cleaning the exterior.
Long-term rentals can benefit from weekly or monthly cleaning rate plans that reduce the per-service cost.
But steer clear of vendors who advertise a vague “cleaning fee” without an itemized quote – this could mask hidden surcharges and inadequate cleaning frequency.
As the renter, it’s reasonable to expect transparency upfront on what that standard cleaning service entails, as well as any additional fees that might arise.
Keep key factors like unit size, traffic, and rental duration in mind when evaluating fair market pricing.
The standard cleaning fee covers the basic service, but additional charges can pop up, including:
Fuel fees might also apply if the rental site is far from the cleaning company’s home base.
Always clarify ahead of time what is and isn’t included in the base quote.
Reputable companies will provide a detailed breakdown of standard services covered, plus any extra costs you may incur.
Significant surprise fees after the fact can create budget issues and even legal disputes, so due diligence upfront is a must.
Don’t assume that the rental rate plus one catch-all “cleaning fee” will cover sufficient porta potty servicing for any type of large event.
When you pay for porta potty cleaning, here’s what should be included:
For deluxe units like trailer restrooms, standard cleaning should also cover:
Regular cleaning extends the life of the units.
But don’t assume – verify that the quote covers adequate and thorough cleaning for the type of rental.
Disreputable vendors may fudge the details.
For any large or long-term porta potty rental, inspecting the units yourself periodically ensures they meet expected cleanliness standards.
The type of event or project dictates how often porta potties need cleaning:
Construction sites utilizing porta potties for months of daily use also need very frequent cleaning and maintenance.
More cleanings mean higher total costs, but insufficient cleaning jeopardizes health and hygiene.
The table below compares porta potty cleaning needs for various event types:
| Event Type | Cleaning Frequency |
| Backyard party | 1-2 times |
| Sporting event | Daily or twice daily |
| Concert festival | 2-3 times daily |
| Construction site | 2-5 times weekly |
Proper cleaning schedules keep rental units sanitary despite heavy traffic.
Clarify expected cleaning frequency when requesting a rental quote, not just the per-cleaning rate.
Cleaning porta potties yourself can save money if you already own equipment like pressure washers.
But factor in:
Hiring a professional service costs more upfront. However, the benefits may outweigh the higher fees:
The Bottom Line
DIY cleaning can provide short-term savings if you supply your labor and equipment.
But professional services yield better, faster results.
Evaluate whether the extra costs of hiring an experienced vendor are worth it for your particular event or rental term.
Factor in how many units need cleaning, desired cleaning frequency, and convenience versus cost.
You’ll need protective gear like gloves and a mask, a hose, a power washer, cleaning brushes, commercial disinfectant chemicals, and re-stock items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
For heavy usage events, daily or twice daily cleaning is recommended. Light usage may require only 1-2 cleanings total.
Yes, most companies offer bulk discounts on large orders of multiple units since cleaning many at once has efficiencies of scale.
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required or expected for porta potty cleaning services. Many companies prohibit staff from accepting tips.
You’ll need to properly dispose of waste at an approved municipal sewage facility. Untreated waste cannot legally be dumped outdoors or into storm drains.
