Long trips on the open road and the freedom to see the many sights along the way are what draw many to RV life. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, you should be aware that white mold in your camper, mildew in your pop-up and fungus growing in your RV are problems that can crop up from time to time but should not be left untreated.
These issues stem from dampness coupled with a lack of air flow. You may think that roof leaks or sink floods are the main culprits of RV molding. However, most of the time, they form during those months when your RV is in storage. Humid storage facilities or being parked under a warm tarp are incubators for mold and mildew.
It can be tricky to clean mold and mildew properly once they’ve formed. This is why following a few tips and tricks to prevent these contaminants from forming in the first place is your best line of defense.
Importance of Keeping Mold and Mildew Out of Your RV
Mold and mildew can lead to serious health concerns. They exacerbate or even create certain respiratory complaints. Also, once mold or mildew have formed in your rig, they seriously undermine the value of your RV
It’s important to use as many methods or products as possible in the fight against mold and mildew. Not only will this protect your RV, but it will also save you money in the long run and ensure your RV is a pleasant place to be.
Seven Tips for Preventing Mold and Mildew from Growing in Your RV
To spare yourself a lot of frustration and headaches, here are a few mold-and-mildew busting tips that will ensure your RV remains clean and clear of these issues.
- Prevent mold and mildew during storage: When you cover your vehicle during the off-season, find a cover that will protect it from the elements while still allowing it to breathe and vent water vapor. While specialized RV tarps can be a bit expensive, they’re your best mold-and-mildew prevention method.
- Inspect your RV regularly: Before heading out on the open road, give your RV the once over. Check your pipes, roof and ceiling to ensure there are no cracks or leaks allowing moisture inside. If there are, fix these as soon as possible. It’s important that you inspect your RV at least twice a year.
- Run a dehumidifier: If your rig has electricity, dehumidifiers cut back the moisture inside your RV, helping to keep it free from mold. Desiccant dehumidifiers can also be purchased which utilize specialized crystals to keep moisture at bay and require no electricity.
- Encourage proper ventilation: Mold and mildew sometimes occur because of condensation which never has a chance to dry out. Opening windows and vents will get the air flowing inside your RV. Also, an unventilated bathroom is the perfect habitat for mold and mildew. After taking a shower, open the door and windows and run a fan or vent — anything to ensure the room dries out completely.
- Run a fan: Fans keep air moving throughout your RV so moisture doesn’t have a chance to settle. Fans with space heaters for cooler weather conditions can keep moisture from forming overnight when the temperatures outside take a dip.
- Wipe wet surfaces down: If you see condensation on any of your RV’s surfaces, wipe it up right away.
- Run your range fan if cooking: Cooking generates a lot of heat and moisture, so keep the range fan running or the windows open when using your stove top.
Prevention will always be your best mold-and-mildew fighting technique. However, if you do discover either of these issues forming within your RV, ensure your rig is thoroughly cleaned and get an air purifier. This will keep you and your loved ones from breathing in mold spores.
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