Those black or greenish stains that appear around window seals, in corners, behind furniture or on textiles are mould: a fungus that grows wherever there's damp and poor ventilation. Besides looking unpleasant and smelling bad, mould can affect your health (allergies, breathing problems). The good news: it can be removed and, above all, prevented. Here's how.
Why it appears
Mould needs moisture to grow, and a motorhome has plenty of it: condensation from breathing, cooking or showering, combined with a small, poorly ventilated space, creates the perfect environment. That's why it shows up in cold areas (window seals) and poorly ventilated ones (corners, behind furniture, mattresses against a wall).
How to remove it
- Ventilate and protect yourself: open everything up and use gloves and a mask; the spores aren't good to breathe in.
- Clean the area: dedicated anti-mould products exist; home remedies such as white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda also help with mild staining. Apply, leave it to work and scrub.
- Dry thoroughly afterwards: if any dampness is left, the mould comes back.
- Heavily affected textiles (curtains, mattresses): sometimes it's better to replace them if the mould has penetrated deep.
How to stop it coming back (the most important part)
Removing mould without tackling the cause is pointless: it will return. The key is to reduce moisture and improve ventilation:
- Ventilate daily, above all when cooking, showering and in the morning (see condensation).
- Keep mattresses and furniture away from cold walls so air can circulate.
- Use a damp absorber or a small dehumidifier in winter or when storing the van.
- Rule out a leak: if mould keeps returning in one spot, there may be water getting in (see leaks).
In short
Mould appears wherever there's damp and poor ventilation; you can remove it with anti-mould products or home remedies, but it only truly goes away if you tackle the cause. The step you can take today: clean the stains with protection on, dry the area thoroughly and, above all, improve daily ventilation and keep mattresses and furniture away from the walls; and if it keeps coming back in the same spot, rule out a leak. Combine it with the maintenance checklist.