
If you own a camper, you've likely encountered the dreaded mould and mildew problem. Mould thrives in moist environments, and if left unchecked, can quickly take over your tiny home, causing serious and costly problems. In this article, we will discuss the steps to get rid of mould in your camper and prevent it from returning. We will also explore different methods and solutions for killing mould effectively and safely.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Step 1 | Dry out the camper |
Step 2 | Spot treat any mold or stains |
Step 3 | Repair any mold-causing problems |
Identifying mold | Sniff test, toxic mold test kit, visual inspection |
Solutions | Rubbing alcohol and water, bleach and water, undiluted white vinegar, 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and water, distilled ethanol, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, commercial mold remediation products |
Common areas for mold growth | Windows, walls, doors, cabinets, floors, damp areas, RV roof |
Causes of mold in campers | Moisture, leaks, humidity, condensation, water damage, roof leaks |
Preventing future mold growth | Use moisture absorbers, regular cleaning, keep the air flowing, try a dehumidifier, fix any sources of leaks, waterproof your RV or camper |
What You'll Learn
Dry out the camper
Drying out your camper is a crucial step in removing mould, as moisture is what allows mould to grow and spread. Here are some tips to dry out your camper effectively:
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will help to absorb excess moisture from the air and speed up the drying process. Place the dehumidifier near the affected areas, such as close to the floor, to maximise its impact. While a dehumidifier can be very effective, keep in mind that it requires a good amount of energy to run, so plan its usage accordingly.
Utilise Fans and Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to drying out your camper. Open all windows, doors, and roof vents to create a cross-breeze and promote airflow. In addition, using a portable fan can be beneficial, especially if positioned near the wet areas. If the damage is extensive and there is water in the underbelly of the camper, consider using a blower, which is more powerful than a fan and can reach less accessible areas.
Avoid Hanging Wet Items Indoors
Hanging wet clothes, towels, or bedding inside the camper will only add moisture to the air, creating a favourable environment for mould growth. Instead, hang these items outdoors to dry whenever possible. If outdoor drying is not feasible, use the laundry room dryers or opt for electric dryers in a laundromat.
Address the Cause of the Moisture
To prevent mould from returning, it is crucial to identify and address the source of the moisture. Check for any water leaks, such as from sinks, pipes, or the roof, and make the necessary repairs. Regularly inspect your camper for signs of water damage and fix them promptly.
Disinfect and Clean the Affected Areas
Before attempting to dry out the camper, ensure that you thoroughly clean and disinfect the wet areas. Use a bleach solution to disinfect the surfaces and prevent mould growth. Remove any debris and use absorbent materials, such as thick towels, to soak up excess water.
By following these steps and maintaining good ventilation, you can effectively dry out your camper and create an unfavourable environment for mould growth.
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Spot-treat mould and stains
Once the affected area is dry, it’s time to spot-treat any mould or stains. There are several ways to do this, depending on the severity of the problem.
Firstly, it is important to avoid using bleach or any other chemicals that contain bleach. While bleach is effective at killing mould, it also strips the canvas of sealant. This means that your camper will no longer be waterproof, which is a far bigger problem than mould.
Instead, use the mildest cleaner that is still effective against mould. For instance, you can use a homemade solution of half water and half rubbing alcohol. The acidity in the rubbing alcohol kills mould spores.
Another option is to use vinegar. This is a well-known cleaning agent that is able to kill mould and mildew spores. Use it neat on the mould, or dilute it with water.
Tea tree oil is another effective treatment for mould. Mix two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water. However, tea tree oil is more expensive than vinegar or rubbing alcohol, so it is best for treating smaller areas.
If you want to treat a large area of mould, or you would prefer to use a commercial product, there are products on the market designed for use on campers, such as Iosso's Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. Just be careful to choose something that will not damage the water protectant coating on your camper. Always follow the manufacturer's directions.
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Repair mould-causing problems
Once you've removed mould from your camper, you'll want to take precautions to prevent any future problems. This includes determining and dealing with the source of your mould, which may include repairing the canvas of your camper, or giving your camper a preventative treatment to help restore the sealant on the canvas material.
If you find any leaks, repair them before you put the camper away for the season. Keep in mind that not all repairs are easy DIY projects. You might need to hire a professional. For recommendations, it's best to go to your local RV or camper dealer.
If your camper has a leak in its canvas, you'll want to repair it with a product specifically designed for popup camper canvas such as Idaho Canvas' Val-a-Tear Mender Kit. It's important to use something that's specifically designed for campers so as not to further damage the camper. If repairing the leak is not an option, you'll have to look at replacing the canvas. For the best advice, call your camper's manufacturer. Even if your camper is no longer made by that manufacturer, they will be able to tell you how to fix the canvas on your camper.
If your camper is no longer waterproof, take care to repair the damage early before it can get worse. Use a product specifically designed for camper canvas use, such as ProFlex RV Flexible Sealant. Do not make the mistake of trying to waterproof your camper with a product not specifically made for campers.
The best way to prevent mould problems in your camper is to put it away dry and store it in a dry place. If it's raining when you put the camper away, unfold it and dry it out in the sun as soon as possible. Check pipes seasonally for leaks and make repairs as quickly as possible. Actively preventing mould and mildew in your camper is the best way to avoid costly repairs or even canvas replacement.
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Use a DIY mould cleaner
Firstly, open up your camper and let it sit in direct sunlight. This will help to dry out the canvas and prevent the further spread of mould.
Next, scrub the canvas with a stiff-bristled brush or broom to remove as much mould as possible.
To make a DIY mould cleaner, you can use vinegar, which is a well-known cleaning agent that kills mould and mildew spores. Mix a solution of half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle, or use the vinegar undiluted for tougher mould stains. Spray the solution directly onto the mould and leave it to work for at least 30 minutes. You can also add essential oils such as eucalyptus, citrus, lavender or tea tree oil to your vinegar solution to make it scented—just add 10 to 30 drops of your chosen oil to the spray bottle and mix thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can make a paste with vinegar and baking soda. Put one tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl and add one tablespoon of vinegar. A small reaction will occur; simply stir the mixture until it is combined. You can then add 5-6 drops of tea tree oil and mix again. Apply the paste directly to the mould and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing it away with an old toothbrush.
After treating the mould with your chosen DIY cleaner, use a damp cloth to wipe the area clean, then wipe up any excess moisture with a towel. Leave your camper open in direct sunlight if possible.
Always test your chosen mould treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and remember to wear protective clothing, including a face mask, gloves and eye protection, when cleaning mould.
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Prevent future mould growth
To prevent mould from growing in your camper in the future, you should take some simple steps to control moisture levels. Here are some tips to help you keep your camper mould-free:
Use moisture absorbers
Moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packets or activated charcoal, can be placed in your camper to help absorb excess moisture in the air. These can be purchased at most camping or hardware stores and are an easy and inexpensive way to prevent mould growth.
Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning of your camper or RV can help prevent mould growth. Make sure to wipe down any surfaces that may be prone to moisture, such as windows, walls, and floors. Pay special attention to areas that may be difficult to reach, such as corners and crevices.
Keep the air flowing
Proper ventilation is key to preventing mould growth in your camper or RV. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in, and use exhaust fans or vents when cooking or showering to help remove excess moisture from the air.
Try a dehumidifier
An RV dehumidifier can be a great investment to help control moisture levels in your camper or RV, especially in areas with high humidity levels.
Fix any sources of leaks
If you notice any leaks in your camper or RV, it is important to fix them as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to excess moisture in the air, promoting mould growth.
Waterproof your camper
Make sure your camper is properly waterproofed to prevent water from entering and causing moisture buildup. Apply a waterproof sealant to any areas that may be prone to leaks, such as windows, doors, and seams.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use your nose to detect mould as it has a distinct earthy, musty smell. You can also do a visual inspection and look for any discolouration or stains on the walls, ceilings and floors.
Mould can cause serious health issues such as respiratory problems, allergies and skin irritation. It can also damage the structure of your camper and cause unpleasant odours.
There are several household products that can be used to kill mould, including:
- Rubbing alcohol and water
- Bleach and water
- Undiluted white vinegar
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda and water
- Distilled ethanol
- Tea tree oil and water
- Grapefruit seed extract and water
The key to preventing mould is to control moisture levels. You can do this by using moisture absorbers, regularly cleaning your camper, improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier.
If there is mould behind the walls of your camper, you may need to cut out the affected areas to treat the mould and repair the damage. This may involve tearing out cabinets, closets and other fixtures to access the mouldy areas.