About Molds; What Are Molds; What Factors Contribute To Mold Growth - Airstream 2023 INTERSTATE 24X Owner's Manual

NOTE
Your touring coach is not designed, nor intended,
for permanent housing. Use of this product for
long term or permanent occupancy may lead
to premature deterioration of structure, interior
finishes, fabrics, carpeting, and drapes. Damage or
deterioration due to long-term occupancy may not
be considered normal, and may under the terms of
the warranty constitute misuse, abuse, or neglect,
and may therefore reduce the warranty protection.
To avoid condensation problems, try to follow these tips
to help alleviate excess moisture:
• Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside when
bathing, washing dishes, hair drying, laundering, and
using appliances� Always use an exhaust fan when
cooking�
• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent or
window open when bathing and for a period of time
after you have finished.
• If you are experiencing condensation, you may want
to reconsider hanging wet clothes in the touring
coach to dry�
• In hot weather, start the AC early as it removes
excess humidity from the air while lowering the
temperature�
• Keep the temperature as reasonably cool during cold
weather as possible� The warmer the vehicle, the
more cold exterior temperatures and warm interior
temperatures will collide on wall surfaces, thus
creating condensation�
• Use the ceiling vent to keep air circulating inside the
vehicle so condensation and mildew cannot form in
dead air spaces� Allow air to circulate inside closets
and cabinets (leave doors partially open). Please
keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of stored
goods prevents circulation and allows the exterior
temperature to cause condensation�
• The natural tendency would be to close the vehicle
tightly during cold weather� This will actually
compound the problem� Simply put, you need to
remove some of the warm air and allow some cool
outside air to get inside the vehicle so the furnace will
not recycle the humid interior air�
• Minimize the use of incandescent lights, which
produce heat and contribute to condensation�
2023 Interstate 24X
General Information

About Molds

What are molds

Molds are microscopic organisms that naturally
occur in virtually every environment, indoors and
out� Outdoors, mold growth is important in the
decomposition of plants� Indoors, mold growth is
unfavorable� Left unchecked, molds break down
natural materials, such as wood products and fabrics�
Knowing the potential risks is important for any type of
homeowner to protect their investment�

What factors contribute to mold growth

For mold growth to occur, temperatures, indoor or
outdoors, must be between 40°F and 100°F and also,
there must be a source of moisture, such as humidity,
standing water, damp materials, etc� Indoors, the most
rapid growth occurs with warm and humid conditions�
How can mold growth be inhibited
By controlling relative humidity, the growth of mold
and mildew can be inhibited� In warm climates, use
of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity�
Vents are located in the bathing and cooking areas
and constant use is advised during food preparation
and bathing, even during colder weather� Additionally,
opening a window during these activities will assist in
ventilation� In extremely humid conditions, the use of
a dehumidifier can be helpful. If using a dehumidifier,
please read and follow all manufacturer instructions
and recommendations to the use and cleaning of the
dehumidifier.
Frequent use of your touring coach or cleaning
regularly is an important preventive measure� Further,
any spills should be wiped up quickly and dried as soon
as possible� Avoid leaving damp items lying about�
On safe surfaces, use mold or mildew killing cleaning
products� Check sealants regularly, and reseal when
necessary to avoid water leaks� Proper preventive
maintenance to the touring coach and its accessories,
as described both in this manual and in accompanying
literature, will provide the best protection to the touring
coach�
3-9