How to avoid caravan mould
The lowdown on mould and and how to prevent or get rid of it in your RVIf you live in Queensland and have kept your head above water long enough, you’ll know that the ‘Sunshine State’ had the heaviest rainfall in May since 1989 – 148.5 per cent of a normal May – and mould is everywhere: on your bed, your sofa, on your tables, your walls, wardrobe and on your shoes.
And if you have a camper or caravan, it's probably settled in there too!
Mould is caused by fungi, like mushrooms or yeast, and it predominantly grows in places that are wet without air flow. Apart from being unsightly, all types of mould can cause health issues if not controlled.
Mould can worsen a range of breathing disorders, including asthma. It produces tiny particles called spores that we can easily breathe in and can be a trigger for many people with asthma.
If you're sensitive to mould, you may develop a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, trouble breathing or skin irritation.
It can grow anywhere but is particularly common in older, damp and poorly ventilated homes or RVs after periods of heavy rain. It’s very common in bathroom and damp areas, like around showers, sinks and leaky pipes and gets worse after flooding.
Getting a handle on mould
Perhaps the most difficult parts of mould to control are the spores and there are three main tactics that can be used here: increased ventilation, reducing humidity and controlling moisture.
This means turning on fans, opening windows, limiting damp causing appliances, controlling water leaks and properly drying out your environment.
In your caravan or camper, condensation and the combination of heat and moisture can lead to bedding, curtains and canvas staying damp longer than expected.
We take our RVs in and out of wet and humid areas, live and eat in them and then lock them away once we get home, ready for their next holiday where any mould they harbour remains and cannot be controlled.
SEQ Campers in Queensland has posted some excellent advice on how to prevent and deal with mould on its website...
How to prevent mould
As a starting point, you should clean up wet areas and water damage within 24-48 hours of it occurring, while at the same time remove any sources of moisture, including fixing leaky pipes or drains.
Control ventilation in wet areas like ensuites by opening windows and/or using extractor fans.
Storing your RV
Start by opening the tailgate on your camper or door on your caravan once it's parked up, although keep the 'van's fly-door closed to prevented any unwanted feral guests.
Use a block of wood to prop open the tent on a camper if you do not have room to fully open it up.
Then check your fridge, ensuring that after cleaning, it's also propped open to dry out properly.
If your camper is normally stored in the open, limit its exposure to water or rain either through a breathable caravan cover, or store it in a garage or under a caravan port.
Use the air-con dry setting
If your caravan or camper has one, use the dry setting on its air conditioner to control moisture. This looks like a water droplet on its setting panel.
If your air-con doesn't have a dry setting, set it to low with the continuous fan setting in the ‘off’ position (this is essentially what the dry setting on an air-conditioner is). Another option is to run a diesel heater. Test it out, let it run and don't forget to top up your fuel.
How to clean mould
However if mould has already infiltrated your RV, here are Asthma Australia’s tips on how to clean it out...
If possible, ask someone who doesn’t have asthma to do the dirty work.
Everyone involved in removing mould should wear waterproof footwear, rubber gloves, a shower cap, safety goggles and a disposable N95/P2 face mask.
Don't use surgical or fabric masks as they do not protect against spores and bacteria.
Clean hard surfaces (such as glassware, plastics and tiles) with soapy water and household detergent or white vinegar, mixed 80% vinegar to 20% water.
More porous materials such as ceiling tiles, plasterboard and carpet may be able to be cleaned in the same way, however some may need replacing.
Use a microfibre cloth and be sure to scrub thoroughly to clean mould from these surfaces. Don't use a dry brush as this could release spores into the air.
Wash fabric items (such as stuffed toys, clothes and linen) in a hot washing machine cycle.
Be cautious about using bleach, as it may not prevent mould re-growth and can form dangerous fumes when mixed with other cleaning products.
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