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SandyFeet · 12-23-2014, 02:35 PM

We have just begun to full-time in our 30-ft Class A. We are now stationary for a month visiting family for the holidays on the Central Coast of California. The colder weather and closed environment is creating condensation mildew on the sills of the single-pane windows and inside the vent covers.

I have wiped them down with Lysol wipes but would like to know the best way to kill the mold. I would think the interior surfaces of the coach wouldn't fare well if exposed to the usual bathroom variety mildew sprays.

A dehumidifier would help too, I bet, but our space is limited and we hope to be in sunnier, warmer climes soon.

Thanks for any advice.

Melmoses · 12-23-2014, 07:26 PM

I go to Costco and buy a box of Damp Rid. It has 4 hanging water collectors that pull water out of the air. I hang them from upper cabinets pull knobs. They pull an amazing amt of water from the air. When full just toss in the garbage. It has kept ours dry with no mold for 5 years now. Doesn't take up any extra space either.

Gordon Dewald · 12-23-2014, 07:49 PM

Definitely the humidity is too high and should be removed. Dry is the best way to prevent mold from growing. The humidity will also be in the walls as most RV do not have vapor barrier and thin walls that are not well insulated..

It can be a health hazard so the purchase of a small dehumidifier would be the way to go, especially since you are likely to return to visit family for the next festive season.

If you are heading to warmer climes you could leave the dehumidifier with family in anticipation of your return

Ray,IN · 12-23-2014, 07:53 PM

Slightly open a roof vent to allow moisture/humidity to escape. Yes, you lose some heat while losing humidity. It's amazing how much moisture exudes from the human body. Add in cooking, bathing, washing dishes, a tightly sealed box, darkened places, and you have a great recipe for mold and mildew to grow.

Luckiest Dreamer · 12-23-2014, 08:30 PM

If you have a Fantastic fan keep it on 24/7 and crack open a small window. "Air circulation" is a must. You can also purchase small dehumidifiers. We got ours at Tru Value and it is small enuf that it will sit in the sink so if it is getting loads of condensation it will drain into the tank. We first had problems with mold directly from the factory when MH was new due to a skylite leak. After fixing the leak 3 years ago there has been no reoccurance. Fabreeze works well in getting rid of the mold smell.

dons2346 · 12-23-2014, 10:14 PM

For the condensation, you need ventilation. Open a window up front and one in the rear and if you have a fan, run it.

For the mildew, mix rubbing alcohol and water in a 50% mix. Put it on a towel and apply to the mold/mildew areas.

mchero · 12-26-2014, 08:41 AM

Also, Get one of those shower squeegee's. Clear the water off the walls & glass after every shower. Helps keep humidity down & keeps the walls somewhat clean.

Sounds to me like you just need to keep the rig vented.

Keep us posted.

SandyFeet · 12-26-2014, 09:28 PM

Thanks, everybody, for providing some great ideas and insight. The dehumidifier in the sink is a good idea and something to keep in mind!

Of course, once the rain stopped and we could open the rig up a bit, all the windowsill mildew issues ended. But I appreciated all the suggestions of things to keep on top of when we are closed up tight.

During my IRV2 search, I also happened upon a message in the full-timers section that mentioned pulling the mattress away from the wall during the day to avoid mildew issues there. That really hit home because I remember getting into bed one night and feeling like the sheets were damp. Just one more thing to be aware of.

Happy travels, everyone!

wanderso · 12-28-2014, 09:34 PM

If you don't have one already, consider getting vent covers for the roof vents. This allows you to keep them open in most situations (raining, etc) and allow some of the humidity to escape.

We live in the Pacific Northwest and find this to be very helpful when camping at the coast.

USA-RVNomads · 01-13-2015, 06:38 AM

Run your AC unit at least once a day...that will dry out the inside quickly.

Jake74 · 01-13-2015, 09:48 AM

I use the Dri-Z from camping world. They collect water in a bowl under the dri-z pellets. It works great and I no longer have problems with mold smell in my camper. They cost $9 each.

Arch Hoagland · 01-13-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderso

If you don't have one already, consider getting vent covers for the roof vents. This allows you to keep them open in most situations (raining, etc) and allow some of the humidity to escape.

We live in the Pacific Northwest and find this to be very helpful when camping at the coast.

I put three vent covers on and leave them open most of the time. If we don't have a vent fan running at night with a window cracked at the other end of the coach we get a lot of moisture on the inside of our windshield.

mchero · 01-13-2015, 11:25 AM

Somebody had the brilliant idea to stick bubble-wrap across the front of the windshield!
The idea was that the bubble wrap would insulate from the cold. What it really did was collect water & it all drained down, into the dash & shorted out some wires! Almost burned down the coach!

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