Table of Contents
Advertisement
Dusting:
Vacuum with a brush attachment or use a
dusting tool on a regular basis.
Cleaning:
A dry foam cleaner may be used for soil
and dirt removal. Follow all directions on the
container, or use a cleaning solution of ¼ oz.
clear liquid soap to 8 oz. water.
NOTE
DO NOT use colored liquid soap as a
stain may appear when fabric dries.
cONDENSATION
Condensation occurs from water vapor
present in the air. More vapor is added by
breathing, bathing, cooking, etc. collects
wherever there is available air space. When the
temperature reaches the dew point, the water
vapor in the air condenses and changes to
liquid form.
Controlling Moisture Condensation:
Reduce or eliminate interior moisture
condensation during cold weather by using the
following steps:
Partially open the roof vents and
windows so that outside air can circulate
into the interior. Increase the ventilation
when large numbers of people are in the
motorhome. Even in raining or snowing
conditions the air outside will be far
drier than interior air.
Install a dehumidifier. Continuous use of
a dehumidifier is effective in removing
excess moisture from interior air.
Using a dehumidifier is not a cure-all,
however, it will reduce the amount of
outside air needed for ventilation.
Run the range vent fan when cooking
and the bath vent fan (or open the bath
vent) when bathing, to reduce water
vapor. Avoid excessive boiling or use of
steam producing hot water.
DO NOT heat the motorhome interior
with the range or oven. Heating with the
range or oven increases the risk of toxic
fumes and depletes oxygen. Open flames
also add moisture to the interior air and
increase condensation.
In very cold weather, leave cabinet and
closet doors partially open. Air flow will
warm and ventilate the interior storage
compartments and exterior walls to
reduce or eliminate condensation and
prevent the possibility of ice formations.
MOLD & MILDEW
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally
in the environment and can leave a musty
odor, discolor fabrics, stain surfaces and cause
considerable damage to the motorhome.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Mold requires a food source to grow such
as grease or soil. Synthetic fabrics, such as
acetate, polyester, acrylic and nylon, are
mildew resistant, but soil on the surface of
these fabrics are susceptible to mold.
Temperate climate and moisture also help
to cultivate mold growth. Moisture in the
motorhome can result from unattended spills,
leaks, overflows and condensation. Moisture
allowed to remain on a growth medium
can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
Minimizing moisture inside of the motorhome
can reduce or eliminate favorable mold growth
conditions. Good housekeeping and regular
maintenance are essential in the effort to
prevent or eliminate mold growth.
Consequences of Mold:
All mold is not necessarily harmful, but
certain strains of mold have been shown
to cause, in susceptible persons, allergic
reactions, including skin irritation, watery eyes,
runny noise, coughing, sneezing, congestion,
sore throat and headache. Individuals with
suppressed immune systems may risk
infections. Some experts contend that mold
causes serious symptoms and disease which
may even be life threatening. However, experts
disagree about the level of mold exposure that
may cause health problems, and about the exact
nature and extent of the health problems that
may be caused by mold. Moreover, the Center
for Disease Control states that a casual link
between the presence of toxic mold and serious
health conditions has not been proven.
Standards or threshold limit values for
concentration of mold or mold spores have
not been set. Currently, there are no EPA
regulations or standards for airborne mold
contaminants. There is simply no practical way
to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the
indoor environment. For example, studies have
shown that ozone cleaners are not effective
at killing airborne mold or surface mold
contamination.
Advertisement
Chapters
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
