Tackling mould and mildew in a motorhome

Many people will know the ongoing challenge of tackling mould and mildew in a motorhome or camper van.

It’s something you want to avoid: it’s not just smelly – no one wants to breathe in that musty odour – it’s also unsightly and could ruin some of the fixtures and fittings.

It can also cause potential health problems, particularly in babies and young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Mould lives off organic matter and thrives in warm, humid environments, while mildew – a type of mould or fungus – grows where there is a high level of moisture. It’s why they thrive in kitchens and bathrooms.

Thankfully, there are some simple measures you can take to minimise the risk and keep your motorhome mould and mildew free.

Ventilation

If you keep your windows and doors closed too long, mould and mildew have the ideal opportunity to grow.

It’s why an obvious preventative measure is ensuring your motorhome is ventilated regularly.

It makes sense to keep windows open for as long as possible when showering or cooking – even in winter or cooler months.

If you tend to store your motorhome in the winter, make sure you air it regularly so there is less chance of mould and mildew forming.

Mattresses can also create a surprising amount of moisture, so make sure there is sufficient airflow, and have a good look inside cupboards, wardrobes and under-seat areas, as well as anything that has been stored for a long time. Keeping clothing in cupboards for a long time can create ideal conditions for mould and mildew to thrive – adding a few dehumidifying or condensing sachets can help to reduce condensation. These will need to be replaced regularly, though.

Leaks and damage

Leaks and condensation can cause humid conditions – so check fixtures regularly.

This includes sinks, taps and pipes, making sure there is no evidence of corrosion or damage. Any tiny hole can create the perfect conditions for mould and mildew, so keep on top of the maintenance – it’ll save you additional work in the long run.

Check windows and hatches, too. If they need to be resealed, get the job done as soon as possible to prevent it becoming a bigger job later on.

Keep it clean

Regular cleaning will prevent the conditions needed for mould and mildew to grow – and if you are getting your motorhome out of storage, give it a really good deep clean before you use it for the first time. Make sure you clean up all spillages and disinfect regularly, too.

Equally important is cleaning out the fridge – no one wants to open a dirty fridge that has a musty smell because it wasn’t cleaned and dried properly. If you are not using the fridge for a while – even a few days – leave the door of your spotless appliance open.

Soft furnishings

We’ve already highlighted the fact that mattresses can be great vectors for mould and mildew – the same can be said for other soft furnishings in your motorhome. Check blinds, cushions, seating and curtains and if there is any sign of mould, remove them, clean them and dry them properly before putting them back in.

There are plenty of proprietary goods on the market you can buy to help prevent mould and mildew, but you can also use hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Be careful when handling strong cleaning products – you may need to wear protective clothing.

Follow our tips on tackling mould and mildew in a motorhome and you’ll be ready to hit the open road.