Controlling Moisture In Your RV
A common complaint amongst RVers is the amount of condensation and moisture build-up they’ve experienced. Oftentimes in warm, humid environments you can sleep all night and wake up to a bed that is damp with condensation that built up through the night. Some of the most common sources of humidity and moisture in the air are steam from cooking, steam from your shower or bath, water vapor as a byproduct of burning propane, and even breathing.
Preventing and reducing air moisture is an important step in ensuring your RV does not suffer from mold or mildew growth. Preventing air moisture starts with looking at the variables that influence it. Are you camping in a humid environment like the Florida Everglades or South Texas? Consider keeping your air conditioner running and ensuring all windows are closed. If you are letting off a significant amount of steam in the shower try turning the temperature of your shower down and running a ceiling fan to circulate the air. Sacrificing a little comfort can save you a lot of heartache when it comes to maintaining your RV’s interior.
When cooking be sure to always run the exhaust fan. This can help reduce condensation by moving the steam outside of your RV and can also help to eliminate any smells from cooking from your RV. In addition to circulating air using a fan, it is important to keep your cabinets and closet doors slightly open to allow for air exchange and prevent condensation in corners and on back walls.
As you RV and determine the best way to battle condensation you’ll likely find a dehumidifier to be your best friend. These handy devices can be propped in a corner and run air through their systems to extract water. Smaller dehumidifiers can extract up to 1 cup at a time, while larger ones can remove several cups. If you have a significant amount of moisture you’re battling you will likely want to purchase a larger dehumidifier so you do not have to empty its holding tank as frequently. Of course, you can’t always remove 100% of the moisture in the air. By keeping a few dry towels around you can dry up any visible moisture that is on your cabinets and walls.
Mold and mildew can not only cause irreparable damage to your RV, but is also terrible for those who suffer from asthma and other breathing disorders. By being proactive in preventing the build up of mold and mildew you can protect your RV and ensure it lasts for years to come and rest confident knowing your family’s health is protected.
How do you prevent the build up of condensation in your RV? Share with us on Facebook.
