FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
99
Storage of the Motor Home
During those periods when the motor home is not in use, care must be taken to ensure moisture sources are
addressed. Ideal storage of the motor home would be in an enclosed climate controlled environment. When
this is not possible, the following steps should be taken to ensure moisture is controlled:
• Turn off all water sources.
• Turn off all combustion appliances.
• Drain all holding tanks.
• Drain the water heater.
• Open all closets, cabinet doors and drawers.
• Close all windows and entrance doors.
• Open a vent enough to allow for some limited ventilation air flow, but not so far as to allow
snow or rain to enter.
• When storing the motor home high humidity climates (ambient relative humidity is greater
than 60% year round), add a dehumidifier drained to the exterior to control humidity inside the
recreational vehicle during storage.
Areas that are exposed to water spills or leaks should be dried as soon as possible and definitely within 24-48
hours. Drying areas quickly minimizes the chance for moisture damage and possible mold growth, which can
begin to form colonies in 48 hours. A variety of methods can be used to help the drying process:
• Remove excess water with an extraction vacuum.
• Use a dehumidifier to air drying.
• Use portable fans to move air across the surface.
• Because moisture is key to mold issues, treat all signs of condensation and spills
seriously and deal with promptly. Failure to deal with a moisture issue promptly may cause
more severe issues where none initially existed, or may make a small problem much worse.
• Learn to recognize signs of mold - don’t paint over or cover up suspicious
discoloration until you are sure it is not mold. The affected surface must first be cleaned and
dried; residual staining may be painted.
• Be sure to understand and eliminate the source of moisture accumulation as a part of the
clean-up.
• Small amounts of mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Small areas of mold should
be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner. Gloves
should be worn during cleaning. The cleaned area should then be thoroughly dried. Dispose of
any sponges or rags used to clean mold.
