Mold In Campers: That Musty Smell Explained

If you've noticed a funky, earthy, or damp smell in your camper, you may be dealing with mould. Mould thrives in moist environments with inadequate ventilation, and it can be challenging to get rid of. Mould can lead to structural damage and health issues, so it's important to address the problem promptly. The musty odour could also be caused by spoiled vegetables, blockages in air ducts or wiring, or simply a lack of cleaning. To get rid of the smell, improve ventilation, clean all fabric and furniture, use dehumidifiers, and consider using activated charcoal or other desiccants to absorb moisture. If you can't identify the source of the smell, seek professional help to avoid potential health risks and further damage to your camper.

Musty smells are caused by mould, mildew, and stagnant air

Musty smells are typically caused by mould, mildew, and stagnant air. Mould is a structure formed by fungi, which usually grows in dark patches on food and surfaces. It thrives in damp, dimly lit areas with poor ventilation, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Mildew, a type of mould, is often found on plant materials and appears as a powdery or downy surface growth.

Mould and mildew produce spores that emit detectable smells, which can be described as "musty" or "earthy". These smells are an indication that the mould is alive and growing, and can have negative effects on one's health, causing stress, discomfort, and respiratory issues.

To get rid of musty smells, it is crucial to identify and address the source. This involves checking for leaks, damp patches, and mouldy items, especially in areas with high humidity, poor ventilation, and dust or food debris. Once the source is identified, thorough cleaning, increasing ventilation, and using air purifiers or dehumidifiers can help eliminate the musty odours.

In RVs or campers, musty smells can be caused by similar factors, including water leaks, poor ventilation, and high humidity. Keeping the RV clean, well-ventilated, and dry can help prevent musty smells. Additionally, using dehumidifiers and cleaning with vinegar or mould-killing products can help address existing mould or mildew issues.

Mould and mildew can cause permanent damage to your RV

• They can cause unsightly stains and discolouration, which may result in your RV being turned away from campgrounds and RV parks.
• Mould and mildew can indicate underlying water damage, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious and costly problems. Water is an RVer's worst enemy as it can quickly lead to mould, mildew, and dry rot, which can take over your RV.
• Mould and mildew can have negative health effects on you and your loved ones. They can cause skin rashes or itching and can exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma or mould allergies.

To prevent mould and mildew from causing permanent damage to your RV, it's essential to address the issue promptly and take steps to inhibit their growth:

• Regularly inspect your RV for signs of mould, mildew, or structural problems like rust, discolouration, and bubbling. Pay close attention to areas like the bathroom, underneath sinks, and near windows, as these tend to accumulate moisture.
• Store your RV in a well-ventilated area or use a specialised RV cover tarp to protect it from condensation and moisture buildup.
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your RV, especially before putting it into storage. Desiccant dehumidifiers are excellent for this purpose, as they don't require electricity.
• Encourage proper ventilation by opening cupboards, closets, windows, and vents when your RV is in storage. Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated after showers to prevent mould growth.
• Wipe down wet surfaces and ensure that slides and awnings are completely dry before bringing them in.
• Use a range fan when cooking to reduce moisture buildup.
• Measure humidity levels in your RV with a hygrometer and maintain levels between 30% and 50%.

If mould or mildew is already present in your RV, take immediate action to treat and remove it:

• Dry out the interior of your RV as soon as possible.
• Wash hard surfaces with commercial cleaners or natural solutions like vinegar, tea tree oil, or bleach (for non-porous surfaces).
• Get an air purifier, dehumidifier, or air conditioner to improve air quality and prevent further mould spore inhalation.
• Identify and address the source of moisture that led to the mould growth, such as leaky pipes or tears in the canvas.
• Seal seams and joints with a flexible sealant to waterproof your RV and prevent future mould issues.

Remember, mould and mildew can cause permanent damage to your RV, so it's crucial to address the issue promptly and take preventive measures to inhibit their growth.

Prevent mould by reducing humidity and increasing ventilation

Mould in a camper will smell musty, and can be hard to get rid of. To prevent mould from growing in the first place, it's important to reduce humidity and increase ventilation.

Mould thrives in moist conditions, so it's crucial to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%. Ideally, humidity should be kept between 30% and 50%. Regularly monitor humidity levels with a humidity meter, which can be purchased for a low cost at most hardware stores. If you're in a humid climate, using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms can help keep things dry.

Another way to reduce moisture is to fix any leaks immediately. This is especially important for leaking or condensing water pipes, which are common sites of mould growth. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are also directing water away from the building foundation.

Increasing ventilation can also help reduce moisture and prevent mould growth. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air, and use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas. If possible, run the air conditioning to remove moisture from the air. If you don't have air conditioning, you can increase circulation with fans and keep the environment dry with desiccants like silica gel.

By controlling moisture through these methods, you can effectively prevent mould growth and maintain a healthy indoor environment in your camper.

Remove mould with vinegar, chlorine, or a mould-specific product

Mould in a camper will likely have a strong musty smell that's hard to ignore. To remove it, you can use vinegar, chlorine, or a mould-specific product. Here's how:

Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful weapon against mould growth. It can kill more than 80% of mould species, including hazardous black mould, and it's more effective than bleach, which only kills surface mould and can make matters worse. Undiluted white vinegar should be sprayed onto the mould and left for at least an hour. After this, a baking soda solution (one teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water) can be sprayed onto the mould and scrubbed with a scouring pad to remove any remaining mould and stains. The area should then be rinsed with clean warm water, and a final spray of vinegar will help to eradicate any lingering mould.

Chlorine

Chlorine bleach is a biocide, a substance that can destroy living organisms, and can be used to kill mould. However, it is not recommended as a routine practice during mould cleanup. If you choose to use chlorine bleach, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning solutions containing ammonia, as this can produce toxic fumes.

Mould-specific products

If mould cannot be removed using vinegar or chlorine bleach, a commercial mould-specific product may be required. When using these products, always follow the directions on the packaging, and protect your skin, eyes, and clothes from chemicals. Ensure there is plenty of fresh air in the area by opening windows and turning on exhaust fans.

Deep clean your RV to prevent and remove bad smells

Identify the source of the odour

It's important to treat the root of the smell, not just cover it up. Common causes of bad smells in RVs include worn-out water heaters, propane leaks, unclean holding tanks, mould or mildew, and pests.

General cleaning tips

• Start with a plan. Make a list of all the areas in your RV that need cleaning and then prioritise them.
• Work from the outside in and from the top down.
• Remove all trash and clutter from your spaces before you start cleaning.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish on your RV. Instead, opt for mild detergents or any cleaners that are specifically designed for RVs.
• Keep your RV well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew.
• Regularly check for leaks and fix moisture issues.
• Use non-toxic air fresheners and dehumidifiers to keep your RV smelling fresh and dry.
• Clean up messes and spills as soon as they happen.
• Avoid clutter and keep your decor to a minimum.

Removing specific smells

Rotten eggs

This is usually caused by a worn-out water heater anode rod, which is often made with sulfur and magnesium. To fix this, replace the anode rod and flush out the contaminated water in your pipes. Then, air out your RV to get rid of any lingering fumes.

Sewage

Clean and maintain your black tank by ensuring it has plenty of water in it. Use enzyme soaps to break down waste and perform effective odour removal. Try to dump your black tank before it gets full—aim for when it's about 2/3 of the way full. Use spray wands to clean the walls of the holding tank.

Garbage

If the smell is coming from your garbage can, take out the trash, clean out the bin, put in a fresh liner, and clean up the area around the bin. If the smell is coming from the drains, try the classic baking soda and vinegar combo: sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda into each drain, then follow it up with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Leave for 15 minutes, then pour 1 gallon of boiling water into the opening.

Mould or mildew

Reduce the humidity in your RV as quickly as possible using dehumidifiers. Focus on areas that accumulate moisture, such as the bathroom, underneath sinks, or near windows. Thoroughly clean and dry these areas, and spread desiccants to absorb any extra moisture.

Products to use

• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Boxes of baking soda
• Magic sponge (for any tough marks on ceilings or walls)
• Vacuum with attachments
• Rags and/or paper towels
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponges and scrub brushes
• Disinfectant wipes
• Window cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Extendable duster
• Specialty cleaners (e.g. leather conditioners, mildew remover)

Frequently asked questions