Ammar Mullins
If you've ever entered a camper and been hit by a musty, sour smell, you're not alone. Campers are prone to developing these unpleasant odours due to their thin walls and constant exposure to the elements, which allow moisture and humidity to creep inside over time. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent and eliminate these smells and keep your camper smelling fresh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source of the smell | Water leak, past water damage, closed-up camper, bacteria, mould, mildew, formaldehyde, food source, etc. |
| Solutions | Machine wash removable upholstery, use Dettol Laundry Cleanser, steam iron, ventilate, use dehumidifiers, use vinegar and baking soda, use moisture eliminators, use dryer sheets, use wax melters, use air purifiers, use scented candles, use essential oil diffusers, use air fresheners, use charcoal bags, use scented soaps, use dryer sheets, use sachets, use peppermint oil, use scented cleaner, use crumpled newspaper, use alcohol and peppermint oil, use odour neutralisers, use odour neutralising cleaners, use scented fabric softener, use scented dryer sheets |
What You'll Learn
Locate the source of the smell
To get rid of a sour smell in your camper, the first step is always to locate what's causing it. Otherwise, the smell will probably keep coming back. And keep in mind that different causes may require different fixes.
Musty smells can develop for all sorts of reasons. It could be a new water leak you haven’t yet discovered, or some past water damage that wasn’t fully addressed. It could also be due to condensation build-up under the bed, or a lack of ventilation.
If you have a relatively new camper, it may be that there is a window that is not fully sealed.
If there is an odour, there is likely to be bacteria or mould causing it. For there to be mould or bacterial growth, there must be water and a food source.
If the smell is sour, rather than musty, it could be off-gassing of formaldehyde.
To pinpoint the exact source of the smell, start by treating the ambient air in the room. This will make locating the odour easier.
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Fix the source of the smell
Once you've identified the source of the sour smell, it's time to fix the problem so that the odour won't keep coming back. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to address the source of the smell in your camper:
Identify the source
Before you can fix the source of the smell, you need to identify what is causing it. Musty or sour smells can develop for a variety of reasons, such as a water leak, past water damage, or simply due to the camper being closed up for several months. It could also be caused by bacteria or mould growth, which requires water and a food source. Other causes could include off-gassing of formaldehyde or other chemicals.
Fix water leaks and address water damage
If the sour smell is due to a water leak or past water damage, it is important to fix the leak and address any damage caused by water. This may involve repairing seals around windows or doors, fixing cracks or holes in the camper's exterior, or addressing issues with the camper's plumbing.
Improve ventilation and reduce moisture
To prevent the build-up of moisture and improve ventilation, consider drilling small holes in areas that lack proper ventilation, such as under beds or in storage compartments. You can also install ventilation covers that allow for air circulation even during rain. Additionally, keep windows and vents open when cooking or showering, and run a dehumidifier or use moisture eliminators to reduce humidity levels inside the camper.
Treat absorbent surfaces
If the sour smell is coming from absorbent surfaces such as rough or untreated wood, metal, plywood, walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, or furniture, you will need to treat these surfaces to eliminate the odour. Use a product specifically designed to eliminate odours, such as an odour neutralizer that targets the molecule causing the odour. Avoid products that simply mask or deodorize the smell, as the odour will likely return.
Replace or clean fabrics and upholstery
If the source of the sour smell is determined to be fabrics or upholstery, such as seat cushions, carpets, curtains, or mattresses, you have several options. For removable items, machine wash them using a gentle cycle and a laundry cleanser instead of fabric softener. Line dry in the sun and steam iron to kill any mould or mildew spores. For non-removable fabrics, create a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts warm water, and apply it to the fabric. Then, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the surface and let it dry for 24 hours before vacuuming.
By following these steps and addressing the source of the sour smell in your camper, you can effectively eliminate the odour and prevent it from returning.
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Use a moisture eliminator
To get rid of a sour smell in your camper, you can use a moisture eliminator. This is a great option if you're dealing with a build-up of moisture and humidity, which can happen over time as your camper braves the elements alongside you.
One option for a moisture eliminator is to use a product containing activated charcoal, which attracts and traps moisture. These products are designed to be left in the camper, continuously pulling moisture from the air. When they're full, simply dispose of them and replace them with new ones. You can find these moisture eliminators at dollar stores or online, and they typically need to be replaced every 4-8 weeks, depending on factors such as the time of year and the outside humidity levels.
Another option for a moisture eliminator is to use a small dehumidifier, which will help to eliminate moisture in the air and create a drier interior. Dehumidifiers are especially useful during the winter months when moisture can build up due to a lack of ventilation.
By using a moisture eliminator, you can not only get rid of the sour smell in your camper but also prevent the growth of mildew and mould, keeping your camper smelling fresh and looking great.
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Clean all hard surfaces
To get rid of a sour smell in your camper, you'll need to clean all the hard surfaces. This process will require some elbow grease, but it's a necessary step to ensure your camper is in top condition. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Identify the surfaces and appropriate cleaning methods: Refer to your camper's manual to identify the types of hard surfaces in your camper and the recommended cleaning methods. This is important because different surfaces may require different cleaning products and techniques.
- Gather your cleaning supplies: You will need common household cleaning products, such as a mild soap or detergent, and some cleaning tools like sponges, scrub brushes, or toothbrushes. It's also important to wear cleaning gloves to protect your hands.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a solution of 1 cup of bleach with 4 cups of water in a bucket. You can adjust the ratio as needed, but always ensure there is more water than bleach. Never use bleach on fabric or carpeted surfaces, as it can cause damage.
- Clean the hard surfaces: Dip a rag into the cleaning solution, wringing out any excess liquid to avoid dripping. Start cleaning the hard surfaces thoroughly, paying attention to floors, vinyl surfaces, counters, and tables. Get into any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where odour-causing bacteria may be lurking.
- Rinse and dry: Once you've cleaned all the hard surfaces, thoroughly rinse them with clean water. It's important to remove any residual bleach solution. Finally, completely dry all the surfaces. You can use a clean cloth or towel for this step.
- Repeat as needed: If the sour smell persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Additionally, consider cleaning any soft or fabric surfaces using an appropriate cleaning solution, such as a borax solution for machine-washable fabrics or a vinegar and baking soda mixture for non-removable fabrics.
- Prevent future odours: To prevent sour smells in the future, ensure your camper is well-ventilated during use and completely dry before storing. Keep windows and vents open during cooking or showering to prevent condensation and reduce moisture buildup.
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Clean non-removable fabrics
To clean non-removable fabrics in your camper, you will need to gather the following supplies: white vinegar, warm water, a spray bottle, bicarbonate of soda, and a vacuum cleaner.
First, mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the non-removable upholstery, dampening the fabric. Next, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on any horizontal surfaces and rub it into vertical surfaces. The vinegar and bicarbonate of soda will react with each other. Leave the mixture to dry for 24 hours, then vacuum the fabric surfaces to remove the dried mixture. Finally, ventilate the camper well by opening windows or turning on fans to help remove any lingering odours.
This cleaning method can help eliminate musty or sour smells in your camper by targeting the source of the odour. It is important to note that simply masking or deodorising odours may not be effective in the long run, as the smell may return.
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Frequently asked questions
Identify the source of the smell. It could be due to moisture, mould, or mildew. Once the source is identified, fix the problem and use an odour neutraliser to get rid of the lingering smell.
Use moisture eliminators, dehumidifiers, scented dryer sheets, or wax melters.
Use charcoal bags, cat litter, or baking soda.
If the smell gets better when the air is on, it may be coming from the air vents. If the smell is musty, it could be due to water damage or leaks.
Clean all hard surfaces with a mould and mildew remover. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and spray it on non-removable fabrics. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, leave for 24 hours, and then vacuum.
