To maintain a mobile home clean and healthy, mobile homeowners need know how to get rid of mold in a trailer. You may be surprised to learn that common home objects can be used to remove mold. What you should know about mold in mobile homes is summarized in the following paragraphs.
Is Mold Common In Mobile Homes?
Mold infestation is possible in any home, although it is more common in trailers. When storms cause flooding, this is a particularly serious problem.
For trailer homes, water damage is more likely to occur on the lower levels of the structure because of their lower elevation. This kind of water damage can make conditions just right for mold growth.
You need a licensed installer to perform the installation of a trailer. Incorrect installation, such as installing it on an uneven surface, could lead to the growth of mold under the floor, which would require a lot of cleaning.
What really is mold and identifying it
Even while prevention is always preferable, it’s possible to wake up one morning to find mold growing inside your RV. So, what is the best way to get rid of mold in an RV. Mold and mildew can be treated and cleaned in a variety of methods, both naturally and with commercially available treatments.
Before we discuss how to remove mold and mildew from an RV, let’s have a look at what mold looks like and where it can form. Are mold and mildew the same thing? Before utilizing any of the choices below, make sure it’s mold and not something else entirely.
Mold vs mildew
There is a difference between mildew and mold, and they are not the same. Moist conditions encourage the growth of mold and mildew, both of which are fungi. Mildew is whitest grey in color and can turn brown after a few days of growth on wet surfaces.
When compared to mold, mildew isn’t nearly as dangerous. Mildew may be cleaned more easily than hard-to-remove mold. Corners of the walls and floors of the bathroom are where you’re most likely to notice it growing. It looks like a fine powder and emits a noxious odor.
Mold is a harder fungus that begins as a stench and grows swiftly. Mold will have a musty odor, but it will be darker and more noticeable than mildew.
Most people ignore mold as it looks like just another dirt patch but it can become a problem much bigger than just a dirt patch. Although it can come in a variety of hues, the majority of the time it will be a darker shade.
What really causes molds
Mold can grow on organic material in RVs. When the weather is wet and humid, it begins to thrive. There are several spots in a motorhome where mold can thrive, including the ceiling corners, bathroom surfaces, walls, wallpapers, and along sink edges and corners.
Another place where it can thrive is in an RV refrigerator. Spills, leaks, or water vapor from cooking or hot showers are just a few of the many possible water-related causes. Multiple approaches to avoid this have already been discussed above. Mould and mildew growth is also increased in humid environments, such as camping grounds.
How to Detect Mold in a Trailer
It’s never fun to learn that your trailer is infested with mildew, but there’s no time to waste. To pretend that the problem has gone away, you can’t just clean the most visible mildew and hope that it will go away.
Spots of black, green, or blue mold can be seen. Mold can also give off a musty odor. In terms of toxicity and risk, black mold (Stacybotrys Chartarum) is the most potent.
You must now assume the role of an investigator and search your trailer for any signs of mold. You’re much than likely to find mold on other surfaces if you’ve detected it in one spot (even if less visible).
All of these areas should be checked for symptoms of mold spores:
- Shower
- Refrigerator
- Under the sink and the stove.
- Vents in the roof
- Walls
- Doors
- Windows
- Cabinets and other places of storage
- Underneath the bed’s top layer
- On the couch’s headrests
- Under and within the carpets
- In the midst of the chairs
- awnings made of vinyl
- Ceilings
- Hookups for water and sewage
Get a DIY Mold Testing Kit from Amazon to find out whether or not you’ve got mold spores in certain regions or how terrible they are. If you’re allergic to mold or if your trailer has been damaged by water, this could be a handy tool. It’s simple to use, and you’ll receive your lab results promptly.
If mold has into your insulation, I strongly advise replacing it, as mold won’t go away if you don’t completely eradicate it. If you detect mold growing on your carpet, your only option is to tear it up and start over. I advise against using carpets in your recreational vehicle.
How to Clean Mold Out Off a Trailer
Wearing gloves, long sleeve shirts, goggles, and a mask are all recommended when working with mold. Mold spores can be harmful to your health if you come into direct contact with them.
Toxic mold removal products that contain bleach are not only ineffective, but they can also damage or bleach various surfaces, which is why I avoid them whenever possible. Bleach-containing products can affect your health. In the presence of pets or young children, stay away from bleach-based products!
The good news is that there are a number of low-cost, non-toxic methods for removing mold from your RV. These safe and effective natural methods for getting rid of mold can be used by anyone.
Vinegar
Non-toxic vinegar can kill 82 percent of mold species, and it works like magic to get rid of the unsightly fungus in your home. It’s been known for a long time that vinegar is an efficient mold-killer.
Vinegar is probably already in your house. White distilled vinegar is the greatest option.
- A spray bottle with vinegar in it is all that’s needed (use it full strength, no need to mix it with water)
- Apply vinegar to the affected region and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Allow it to rest for approximately an hour.
- With water and a sponge, give the area a thorough cleaning.
Baking soda
Using baking soda to destroy mold is a safe and effective technique to get rid of the spores.
- Add about 14 of a teaspoon of baking soda to a water-filled spray bottle.
- Wait for the baking soda to dissolve in the water after shaking the bottle.
- Using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the moldy area.
- Scrub the mold with a brush.
- Wait a while before applying the baking soda and water solution to ensure that the surface is thoroughly dry before applying the next step.
Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the most widely used disinfectants in the home is hydrogen peroxide. It works like a charm and is extremely affordable, too. Hydrogen Peroxide may be used to clean just about everything, but this time we’ll use it to remove mold.
- Fill a spray container halfway with hydrogen peroxide with a 3 percent concentration.
- Apply a misting spray to the moldy area.
- For around 10-15 minutes, allow it to cool before moving on.
- Remove the mold by using a brush to scrub it away.
- Remove any debris by using a damp cloth.
You can also use tee tree oil and grapefruit seed extract to get rid of mold. But they’ll cost you extra and you may not already have them at home.
Use a toothbrush to remove mold from hard-to-reach areas and corners.
Preventing mold and keeping it away from RV
In addition to causing structural damage to your RV, mold and mildew can also be hazardous to your health. It can lead to sneezing, coughing, allergies, and even more serious health problems, such as asthma and heart disease. It can swiftly spread throughout your RV and take over several locations.
The greatest answer for you is to keep mold and mildew out of the house. Even while camping, special precautions must be taken to prevent mold from forming on a camper trailer’s exterior. There are a few things you can do to keep mold from forming in your camper.
1. Keep check on RV condensation
Condensation is the primary cause of mold and mildew in RVs. Because of this, it is imperative that you eliminate any and all potential sources of condensation. Condensation occurs as a result of moisture, and many of these sources are under our control.
A well-insulated RV can go a long way in reducing the risk of heat damage. Only the water vapors that become liquid and adhere to RV surfaces are known as condensation. Even a tiny amount of this type of water can cause significant damage and foster the growth of mold and mildew.
In order to prevent molds and mildews, many of the below-mentioned preventative measures are aimed at preventing condensation. You can tell if your windows have condensation by looking at them. While drawing with your finger, you can see the water vapor clinging to the surface.
When it rains, you’ve probably noticed this in your automobile. It’s exactly the same. If your RV is packed with pricey appliances and other stuff, this can have long-term consequences.
2. Use a dehumidifier
Although the air in an RV cannot be seen, it has the potential to produce condensation and subsequent mold growth if left unattended during the winter. Using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air is one method of removing this energy.
A humidifier can do this and can produce great results. Lot of people use humidifier in RV. You can give it a try but remember that it consumes a lot of energy. Keep an eye on the propane levels, then. You obviously don’t want your RV to be completely dark.
An effective humidifier is one that does both of these tasks. Many individuals keep a humidifier running while traveling in their motorhome or camper. Remember that it’s a big drain on your body’s resources. Keep an eye on the propane levels, then. You obviously don’t want your RV to be completely dark.
An effective humidifier is capable of achieving this. Many individuals keep a humidifier in their recreational vehicle. Make sure to keep that in mind before trying it out! Keep an eye on the propane levels, then… In an RV, you definitely don’t want it to go dark at night.
It’s your choice whether or not to use this method if you have the financial means to do so.
3. Make sure proper air circulation
As a result of a lack of sufficient air circulation, mold can form in RVs. To avoid mold formation, it is imperative that the air in the home be kept clean. While the RV is parked, it should be ventilated.
Due to stagnant air, humidity can become trapped. As a result, the optimal conditions will be created for the growth of mildew and mold. Once the molds have formed, it can be difficult to remove them even if you use a variety of various procedures.
The main challenge is locating molds of this type because they typically form beneath the surface and are difficult to detect. For this reason, it is imperative that the RV be inspected for the growth described above and cleared of it immediately.
4. Keep all RV surfaces dry
You might expect water to reach the surfaces of your RV’s kitchen, bathrooms, and toilet if you have them all installed inside. Mold and mildew can grow as a result of water that adheres to surfaces, flows, or is trapped in a nook.
Keeping the surfaces as dry as possible is therefore critical. Even seemingly insignificant details can make a big difference when it’s cold outside. Any other appliances, such as a washing and dryer in your RV, should have their doors left open after use so that they can air dry.
5. Cooking pots be covered
Cooking in an RV is a wonderful experience, but even the tiniest mistakes can lead to an increase in humidity. This may appear to be a minor issue, but it has the potential to lead to condensation in the long run.
Cooking for a large family can take a long time, which increases the risk of mold. To avoid condensation, keep pots covered at all times to prevent vapors from entering the air.
6. Precaution after hot shower
When it’s cold outside, having a hot shower is a real treat. However, if the vapors from a hot shower have nowhere to go, condensation can form. After you’ve finished showering, turn on the exhaust fan or leave the vents open to let the steam out of the RV.
7. Exhaust fan while cooking
The exhaust fan must be running constantly during cooking because high temperatures and water vapors from cooking pots produce fumes. Condensation can be avoided by using an exhaust fan to cool the air. The hot air will be expelled, which could create an ideal setting for the growth of mold.
Exhaust pipes flow in both directions. However, some scents can be brought in via reverse exhaust. When the sewage is on the same side, it might be extremely inconvenient.
Open vents and windows might help push out the stale odors. However, the weather outdoors has a lot to do with it. When the weather is bad, this may not be an option. As a result, you must select an appropriate method for removing excess air from the cooking environment.
Conclusion
Home cures for mold in a trailer have been included in this article, so you’ll know what you’re dealing with. With these tips, you’ll be able to deal with mold.
