Going on trips are all fun and games until mildew starts to develop in your RV. Now you start to question “how to get rid of mildew in my camper”, so we got you!
Mildew and other fungi growing in your RV can cause a lot of problems if left untreated. It is essential that you know where it stems, how you can deal with it, and how to prevent it.
What Causes Camper Mildew?
As long as you keep your RV dry, mildew growth will never be your problem. However, since campers are usually left unattended for long periods, issues may arise causing mildew to develop.
Dampness and lack of airflow are a deadly combination and a sure-fire way to mildew growth. Thus, not inspecting your camper regularly for leaks, closing it up too tightly, and not practicing preventive maintenance will create problems.
Failure to address the problem over time can cause major issues and create serious damage to your camper. Therefore, it is best to engage in proper preventive maintenance and immediately act on the potential causes of mildew.
4 Ways To Get Rid Of Mildew In A Camper
There are several methods to remove RV mildew. We will recommend four effective ways you can try so continue reading!
1. Using vinegar
Vinegar has effective disinfecting properties making it an excellent cleaner for various surfaces in your camper. Its smell may be sharp but it will fade in no time and work well on your ceiling, wall, floor, and so on.
To use this, just dilute white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. Distribute it evenly on the areas of mildew growth and allow it to sit for a few minutes and work its magic on the fungi.
If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can also wet a clean and dry piece of cloth and use it to wipe over the affected areas. It will work just as fine.
2. Using distilled ethanol
When dealing with severe cases of mildew contamination, ethanol is a better option. If you feel like the damage was out of control and you need a stronger cleaner, diluted ethanol will come to your rescue.
3. Keep it natural by using tea tree oil
One effective natural fungicide is tea tree oil. It can do the job of getting rid of mildew in your camper.
Tea tree oil is quite concentrated so you have to mix it with water in a spray bottle or any container before you use it. Apply it over the mildew growth, leave it for a good amount of time, and wipe it off.
For more information about natural cleaning, you can also try checking out this guide on how to get rid of mildew smell naturally.
4. The classic technique: using baking soda
Baking soda has always been an all-around cleaner. Oftentimes, it can even do more than manufactured chemical solutions.
You can mix it with pure white vinegar and use a spray bottle for application. Just let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before wiping the solution off.
A dry cloth, a sponge, or even an old piece of clothing will be fine in wiping the surfaces after you apply the baking soda solution. The best thing about using this natural remedy is that it does not only kill mildew, it also gets rid of its musty smell.
If your camper has vinyl floors, this article on how to remove mildew from vinyl will help you.
Useful tips to prevent mildew in a camper
1. Regular ventilation
Whether you are using it or not, a camper needs to be well-ventilated. Open its doors and windows and if it has a roof fan installed, open it to promote good airflow and stop bad odors and moisture from lingering.
2. Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier works by taking in nearby air and removing moisture from it. Placing it in areas with high moisture like kitchen and seating areas is really effective.
The fact that a dehumidifier uses minimal power is a plus as it will save you money while saving you from future moisture problems.
3. Conduct regular inspections
Either before using it or storing it, inspecting your camper is a must. Regularly check its pipes, ceiling, and roof for leaks and cracks.
If you spot some, immediately fix them to avoid fungal problems.
4. Wipe wet surfaces immediately
If you spot spills and condensation in your camper, wipe them off as soon as you see them. It will eliminate chances of mildew and other fungal growth.
Conclusion
There is no better way to enjoy long trips and beautiful scenery than to travel in a mildew-free camper. Prevention is always your best weapon so always be proactive with your actions.
Now that the question of “how to get rid of mildew in my camper” has been answered, the fun will not be spoiled. Let’s go on more trips and enjoy ourselves with other people.