Important Information; What The Rv Owner Can Do - Fleetwood 2014 Terra Storm Owner's Manual

Living With Your Motor Home

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally in the
environment and serves necessary functions
including aiding in the decomposition of plant
and other organic material. Mold spreads by
means of microscopic spores borne on the wind
and is found everywhere life can be supported.
Mold has existed for millions of years, and
human beings have coexisted despite their expo-
sure to mold and mold spores.
If the proper conditions are present, mold can
and will grow in your recreational vehicle. Most
RV owners are familiar with mold growth in 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, wallpa-
per, or building materials (i.e., wood, and insu-
lation). Also, most mold growth requires aperate
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, con-
densation, 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
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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 open-
ing windows, using exhaust fans, or run-
ning the air conditioning to remove excess
moisture in the air and to facilitate evapo-
ration of water from wet surfaces. In gen-
eral, windows or doors through out 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 regis-
ters (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;