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Living With Your Motor Home
existed for millions of years, and human beings
have coexisted despite their exposure 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, wallpaper, or building
materials (i.e., wood, and Insulation). Also, most
mold growth requires a temperate climate. The
best growth occurs at temperatures between 40°F
and lOO°F. Most importantly, mold growth
requires moisture, and moisture is the only growth
factor that can be controlled. By minimizing inte-
rior 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, condensa-
tion, 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
they 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.
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• 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 evapora-
tion of water from wet surfaces. In general,
windows or doors throughout the RV
should be opened periodically to ventilate
theRV.
• 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 RY.
• 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 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/iaq/molds/moldremediation.html
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