Mold - Thor Motor Coach tuscany 2013 Owner's Manual

Chapter 5 - Health and Well-being
WHAT ARE MOLDS?
WHAT FACTORS
CONTRIBUTE TO
MOLD GROWTH?
HOW CAN MOLD
GROWTH BE
INHIBITED?
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• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent or window open when bathing and for
a period of time after you have finished.
• Do not hang wet clothes in the vehicle to dry.
• In hot weather, start the air conditioner 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 a fan 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 air to get inside the vehicle, so the furnace will not
recycle humid interior air.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize prolonged use of the incandescent
lights, which produce heat and contribute to condensation in the roof above the
ceiling lights.
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 ricks is important
for any type of owner to protect their investment.
For mold growth to occur, temperatures, indoors and outdoors, must be between 40
degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and also have a source of moisture, such as
humidity, standing water, damp materials, etc. Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs
with warm and humid conditions.
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 RV or regular cleaning is an important preventative 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 products.