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Living With Your Motor Home
05-10
the form of bread and cheese and on bathroom
tile. In order to grow, mold requires a food
source. These food sources might be supplied
by items found in the RV such as fabric, carpet,
wallpaper, or building materials (i.e., wood, and
insulation). Also, most mold growth requires a
temperate climate. The best growth occurs at
temperatures between 40ºF and 100ºF. Most
importantly, mold growth requires moisture, and
moisture is the only growth factor that can be
controlled. By minimizing interior sources of
moisture, an RV owner can reduce or prevent
mold growth. However, if optimal growth
conditions persist, mold can develop within 24
to 48 hours.
Moisture in the RV can stem from a variety
of sources such as spills, leaks, overflows,
condensation, damp or standing water and
human activity such as showering or cooking.
Good maintenance practices are essential in the
effort to prevent or reduce mold growth.
What the RV Owner Can Do
The RV owner can take positive steps to reduce
the occurrence of mold growth in the RV and
thereby minimize any possible adverse effects
that may be caused by mold.
These steps may include, but are not limited to,
the following:
• Before bringing items into the RV check
for signs of mold. Potted plants (root and
soil), furnishings, or stored clothing and
bedding materials may also contain mold
spores.
• Regular vacuuming and cleaning will
help reduce levels of settled mold spores.
Additionally, detergent solutions and most
tile cleaners are effective in controlling
mold growth on surfaces.
• Keep the humidity in the RV below 40%.
Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms by
opening windows, using exhaust fans, or
running the air conditioning to remove
excess moisture in the air and to facilitate
evaporation of water from wet surfaces.
In general, windows or doors throughout
the RV should be opened periodically to
ventilate the RV.
• Promptly clean up spills, condensation, and
other sources of moisture. Thoroughly dry
any wet surfaces or material. Do not let
water pool or stand in or under your RV.
• Inspect for leaks on a regular basis. Look
for discolorations or wet spots. Repair any
leaks promptly. Inspect condensation pans
(refrigeration and air conditioners) for
mold growth. Take notice of musty odors
and any visible signs of mold growth.
Other actions the RV owner can take to prevent
moisture issues include the following:
• Do NOT use unvented Propane, kerosene,
or other unvented combustion heaters;
• Do NOT cover or close off the floor
registers; (if equipped)
• Check your cooling equipment filter on a
monthly basis;
• Use the air conditioner or a dehumidifier
during humid months, particularly during
the summer in hot, humid climates;
• Use exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms
to remove excess moisture;
• Clean the bathroom with mold-killing
products.
For more information about mold, and what you
can do to reduce moisture and remediate mold
growth in your RV, please refer to the following
websites and literature;
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings 2001.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and
Your Home, 2002.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
The particle board, hardwood plywood, or
paneling used in your motor home are made
with urea-formaldehyde resin. The companies