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Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Paul Clayton
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How To Prevent Mold And Mildew By Dehumidifying
If you’re planning to store your RV away for the season, you’re likely concerned about how to dehumidify the RV space. The growth and development of mold and mildew are usually a huge challenge for many RVers.
Fortunately, it’s not challenging as it seems. Our team at CrowSurvival has come up with a comprehensive list of the tips and tricks you should employ to keep your RV free of mold and mildew in storage.
Read on!
Prep your RV
The first step to preventing mold and mildew on your RV is prepping it before storage. It’s a multi-pronged approach, but this will increase the chances of your RV not getting moldy.
I suggest you start by blowing the fresh water tank and plumbing lines. Keep everything bone dry. It’s not only a nice way to clean your pipes but also ensures no mold can grow in them while your RV is in storage.
Next, thoroughly inspect your RV for any leaks and cracks. Remember, all your RV humidity control measures will go to waste if your RV isn’t protected against the outdoor elements. The trick is to seal your RV and inspect how moisture can escape or get in.
So, check for cracks, leaks, or weak points that may allow unwanted moisture. Also, pay attention to the roof and the gaskets around the windows, doors, and vents. It’s a simple DIY, but I would advise you to have a professional do it for you.
The last RV prepping step is removing RV fabric as much as possible. Remember, the fabric absorbs water more than most materials, so when packing for storage, remove all the sheets, towels, and fabric curtains. You must also remove the mattresses.
Store your RV in An Indoor Facility
When deciding on the storage location for your RV, I would recommend an indoor storage facility. A huge advantage of storing your RV in an indoor facility is that it reduces the chances of inclement weather and other humid-causing elements from getting inside your space.
Consider setting up a temporary RV shelter if you can’t afford commercial indoor facilities. It’s the second-best storage option and the one I use.
The good thing with enclosed shelters is your RV is protected from the elements, yet, it allows air to circulate, which helps with humidity issues.
A huge concern with sheltered storage facilities is rodents can take shelter in/around your shelter.
Use an RV Cover
If indoor storage isn’t an option, consider an RV cover tarp. With your RV under a cover tarp, it’s not exposed to water leakages and gets considerable protection from dew settling on the exterior. These measures are handy in preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
Get a Dehumidifier
An RV dehumidifier is handy for sucking out all the additional moisture. It helps to keep the interior of your RV dry and free from all the issues associated with high-humidity areas.
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Real compressor-based or AC-powered dehumidifiers are great for eliminating excess moisture. However, your RV dehumidifier must have an attachment that bypasses the gray tank and allows continuous draining. For example, ours sits on the kitchen counter and drains into the skin.
We usually leave our gray tank valve open. Any garden-type hose is great for bypassing. You must also ensure the hose end is lower than the outflow from the tank. Don’t leave any sags that may hold water.
But you need to understand that dehumidifying an RV while empty & in storage is a whole different thing than dehumidifying while it is occupied.
The main risk is running a dehumidifier with nobody around. It’s a safety risk, and you might have a mess if it gets out of whack. At the extreme end, you might even get some serious damage. However, the risk is worth it if the dehumidifier is in great shape and you’re constantly monitoring it.
Run a Fan
Running a fan on your RV while in storage is great for mold prevention, especially before it gets put in storage. With the vents and windows open, run your RV fan to get as much condensation out.
Also, running the exhaust fans periodically makes sense to flush out the moist air. Overall, running your RV fan greatly changes the humidity level.
Damprid
I would also suggest you go to your local Home Depot Store and look for a product called Damprid. It’s usually near the paint section.
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It’s simply a bucket of calcium chloride, which absorbs moisture from the environment and keeps things from getting stinky.
Damprid buckets/tubs work fine for seasonal storage. You must put several of these strategically around your RV and let them soak up moisture from the air.
I also open all the cabinets, fridges, and anywhere else where circulation is iffy and place Damprid. I check it every few months to ensure it’s not saturated.
Open Vents
Without any moisture control inside your RV in storage, it makes sense to leave the vents open. This creates a constant flow of air through the trailer. A musty smell is also a reason you should have your vents open. A little bit of ventilation also keeps the interior surfaces dry.
However, if you already have a way to deal with moisture, there’s no need for ventilation. Some locations, such as the PNW region or near the ocean, have more moist air on the outside than inside.
Change Storage Location
Sadly, it’s hard to win the dehumidifying battle in locations where the weather is always damp, like the PNW or near oceans. The air coming in will just be as wet as the air going out-you can’t outdo Mother Nature.
Therefore, if you’re in such a location and worried about mold growth, moving to another storage unit farther inland where the humidity is lower would make more sense.
Treat Mildew
If you find mildew on your RV during storage, I would advise you to treat it immediately.
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Don’t wait for things to spiral out of control because the longer you do, the harder it’ll be to treat the mold. This means you should perform regular inspections, ideally twice a month, and if you spot early warning signs of mold, take action immediately.
This video was inserted for its explanation of the subject matter. Thanks to: Big Truck Big RV
Wrap Up
Well, this s everything you need to know about to mitigate against the growth and development of mild mildew on your RV in storage. By taking just these steps, you’ll dramatically reduce the likelihood of having a mold issue in the long run.
Mold and mildew are common household problems that can cause various health issues and damage to your property. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments and can grow quickly if left untreated. Mildew is a type of mold that appears as white or grayish patches and can cause discoloration, odors, and health problems if not dealt with promptly. Here are some of the best ways to treat mold and mildew:
- Identify the source of the problem: The first step in treating mold and mildew is to identify the source of the problem. Mold and mildew typically thrive in areas with high humidity, moisture, and poor ventilation. Look for any leaks, water damage, or other sources of moisture that could be causing the problem.
- Remove the mold and mildew: Once you have identified the source of the problem, it is time to remove the mold and mildew. There are several ways to do this, including using a commercial mold and mildew remover, vinegar, or bleach. If you decide to use bleach, be sure to dilute it with water and wear protective gloves and goggles.
- Dry the affected area: After you have removed the mold and mildew, it is important to dry the affected area thoroughly. Use a dehumidifier or fan to dry the area and improve ventilation.
- Prevent future growth: To prevent future growth, it is important to address the source of the problem. Fix any leaks or water damage, improve ventilation, and reduce humidity levels. You can also use mold-resistant paint or install mold-resistant drywall to help prevent future growth.
- Seek professional help: If you have a large amount of mold or mildew, or if the problem is affecting your health, it may be necessary to seek professional help. A professional mold remediation company can assess the problem and recommend the best course of action.
In conclusion, mold and mildew can be a serious problem for your health and property. It is important to identify the source of the problem, remove the mold and mildew, dry the affected area, prevent future growth, and seek professional help if necessary. By following these steps, you can effectively treat mold and mildew and prevent future problems.
