Black Mold In Your Camper? Get Rid Of It!

Black mold is a common problem for camper owners, especially those who live in humid or damp areas. It can cause serious health issues, such as respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritation. It can also damage the structure of the camper and cause unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is essential to know how to get rid of black mold in a camper.

The first step in getting rid of black mold is to identify where it is in your camper and how widespread it is. The bathroom and kitchen are common sites for black mold, so check around vents, faucets, cabinets, windows, and plumbing.

Once you have identified the mold, put on safety equipment, such as a respirator, goggles, full-length sleeves and pants, and rubber gloves, to prevent direct contact with the mold. Seal off the problem area and turn off your air conditioner/heater to prevent airflow. Leave an exterior exhaust fan running to flush out the spore-filled air.

To clean the mold, spray a mold cleaner onto the affected area and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a sponge soaked in the same cleaner. Dry the area and inspect it closely. Repeat the process if necessary.

After cleaning the mold, address any underlying issues that caused it to grow, such as repairing leaks or improving ventilation. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your camper can help prevent mold growth.

Identify the source of the black mold

To identify the source of black mold in your camper, you should first locate areas that are exposed to a lot of moisture. The bathroom and kitchen are common sites for black mold, so check around vents, faucets, cabinets, windows, and plumbing.

Next, you should look for any leaks in your camper, as these can be a significant source of moisture. Check your pipes, roof, plumbing, sinks, toilets, and ceiling to ensure there are no cracks or leaks.

Additionally, condensation can contribute to mold growth, so inspect your windows, doors, and vents for any signs of moisture buildup.

Finally, consider the overall humidity levels in your camper. High humidity can create the perfect environment for mold to thrive, especially in areas with poor ventilation such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Wear protective gear when cleaning

When cleaning black mould from your camper, it is important to wear protective gear to prevent health issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritation. Here are some key considerations for protective gear:

• Respirator: Wear a respirator or a face mask to avoid inhaling mould spores. This is crucial when dealing with black mould, as inhaling a large number of spores can be dangerous.
• Eye Protection: Put on goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from mould spores, dust, and cleaning chemicals.
• Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin and prevent direct contact with mould.
• Gloves: Rubber gloves are essential to protect your hands and prevent direct contact with mould and cleaning chemicals.
• Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet and provide better coverage.

Additionally, it is recommended to seal off the affected area and turn off the air conditioner/heater to prevent the spread of spores during cleaning. You can also use an exterior exhaust fan to flush out the spore-filled air from the camper. Remember to always read and follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturers of the cleaning products you are using.

Seal off the problem area

Once you've identified the presence of black mold in your camper, it's crucial to take immediate action to prevent its spread. Sealing off the problem area is a vital step in containing the mold and minimising the health risks associated with exposure to mold spores. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively seal off the affected area:

• Turn off the air conditioner/heater: It's important to prevent any airflow throughout the vehicle. By turning off the air conditioner or heater, you reduce the circulation of mold spores to other parts of the camper.
• Run an exterior exhaust fan: While keeping the interior air still, it's essential to ventilate the contaminated air out of the camper. Leave an exterior exhaust fan running to flush out the spore-filled air.
• Seal off windows, doors, and vents: Use a tarp and painter's tape to cover windows, doors, and any other vents or openings in the camper. This physical barrier will help contain the mold spores within the affected area.
• Consider misting the mold: If the mold site appears particularly dry, you may want to lightly mist it with water. This may seem counterintuitive, but moistening the mold can help weigh down the spores, preventing them from becoming airborne during the cleaning process.
• Wear protective gear: Before proceeding with the cleaning process, ensure you have the appropriate safety equipment. Wear a respirator, goggles, full-length sleeves and pants, and rubber gloves. This gear will protect you from inhaling or coming into direct contact with the mold spores.

By following these steps, you can effectively seal off the problem area and create a safer environment for cleaning and treating the black mold in your camper. Remember, black mold can pose serious health risks, so it's crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and prevent the further spread of mold.

Choose a mold cleaner

There are a variety of solutions for killing mold, some of which can be made at home using household ingredients, while others are commercial products. Here are some options to consider:

• Rubbing alcohol and water: Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. The acidity in the rubbing alcohol kills mold spores.
• Bleach and water: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold spores. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and apply to the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. However, be careful when using bleach as it can damage certain surfaces such as the canvas of a tent camper.
• Undiluted white vinegar: Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent for killing mildew and mold. Spray undiluted vinegar directly onto the affected area and let it sit for about an hour before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. You can also dilute vinegar with water if desired.
• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill mold on non-porous surfaces. Spray it onto the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
• Baking soda and water: Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can kill mold. Mix one-quarter tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and apply to the affected area. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it clean.
• Distilled ethanol: Distilled ethanol is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold. Spray it onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
• Tea tree oil and water: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and is effective against mold. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water and apply to the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. Tea tree oil is more expensive than vinegar and rubbing alcohol, so it may be best for treating smaller areas.
• Grapefruit seed extract and water: Grapefruit seed extract is a natural disinfectant that can kill mold. Mix 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract with two cups of water and apply to the affected area. Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it up.
• Commercial mold remediation products: There are several commercial mold remediation products available that typically contain bleach or other disinfectants. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.

When choosing a mold cleaner, it is important to select a method that is safe for the surfaces of your RV and effective at killing mold. Additionally, always wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask when working with mold, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent inhaling mold spores.

Clean and scrub the mold

To clean and scrub mould in your camper, you'll first need to identify where the mould is and how widespread it is. Black mould often grows inside walls before becoming visible, so you may smell it before you see it. Common areas for mould include the bathroom and kitchen, so check around vents, faucets, cabinets, windows, and plumbing.

Before you start cleaning, put on safety equipment: a respirator, goggles, full-length sleeves and pants, and rubber gloves. This will prevent you from inhaling or touching the mould directly. Seal off the problem area (or the whole RV) to prevent spores from spreading. Turn off the air conditioner/heater and leave an exterior exhaust fan running. Seal off windows, doors, and other vents with a tarp and painter's tape.

If the mould site is dry, mist it with water to prevent spores from floating into the air while you clean. Then, select an appropriate mould cleaner. Recommended options include:

• Grapefruit seed extract
• RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
• Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners
• A mixture of vinegar and water
• A mixture of tea tree oil and water
• A mixture of rubbing alcohol and water
• A mixture of bleach and water

Spray your chosen cleaner onto the mould and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a sponge soaked in the same cleaner. Scrub thoroughly but gently to avoid damaging the surface beneath the mould. Dry the area and inspect it closely. Repeat the process if necessary.

Once you're satisfied, clean the adjacent areas, as mould can take root anywhere. Leave the exhaust vent running and keep the room clean and dry for the next few days.

Frequently asked questions