Mould on my caravan curtins

[Leanne3]

Help I went into my caravan after the winter and I have mould on my curtins what is the easiest way to remove this or
Do I need to get new curtins can anyone help me it says on the curtins dry clean only thanks LeanneLeanne

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Leanne,

I'm sorry to read of the mould, and i'm also sorry I can't offer cleaning advice, but the almost certain cause for the mould is too much condensation arising inside the caravan when stored.

This will always happen if there is too much moisture present inside the caravan.

Two things - first you need to check if that all the fixed ventilation slots are free from obstruction.

and secondly, you may also have a water ingress issue somewhere.

 

[Surfer]

Be aware that mould spores can be dangerous to your respiratory system and health. You need to remove those curtains ASAP and wearn a nose/mouth filter when doing so!

 

[chirene]

Hi Leane
I had the same problem last year. I took a chance and washed them in the machine on a hand wash cycle. Got most of the mould off, and no shrikage. Use a bio powder

 

[Mel]

Hi Leanne. I would also suggest that you give the wallboards and windows a wipe down with something that will kill mould spores. A dilute solution of bleach would do it. If you don't kill the mould spores the mould will just be back next winter. Try and give the van a good airing/drying out afterward.
mel

 

[otherclive]

Years ago we used to use polish on the woodwork (Sheen/Pledge) until we started to get surface mildew so ever since we just use a light cleaner such a a weak Flash solution. Also when the van is not in use all doors, lockers etc are left open and seat cushions and back rests all lifted to allow good air circulation.

 

[Gybe]

Try spraying the mould with a shower cubicle mould remover and leave for no more than 5 minutes, rub with a sponge and then straight into washing machine on a cold wash or very low temp gentle wash cycle. We've machined washed dry clean caravan and house curtains on cold wash for many years with no problems.

 

[AbbeyOwner]

You could try a weak solution as others have posted, but I've never had mould but i suggest buying a dehumidifer which gets rid of moisture but if the curtains aren't salvagable you will have to buy some new ones

 

[Parksy]

You could try a weak solution as others have posted, but I've never had mould but i suggest buying a dehumidifer which gets rid of moisture but if the curtains aren't salvagable you will have to buy some new ones

The jury is still out on de-humidifiers.
Some caravan owners say that their de-humidifiers remove the moisture and condensation from the caravan interior and others say that because potentially damp air can enter the caravan through fridge vents, gas dropper floor vents etc a de-humidifier is a waste of money.
If the mould is caused by condensation and not by leaky window seals or water ingress I've found that if a couple of windows on opposite sides and ends are left on the night latch while the caravan is in storage enough air will circulate enough to stop condensation from forming.

 

[Irguy]

Hi All... new to the website and it's great info. We just bought a used caravan ourselves that had been locked up for 1yr. It had mouldy curtains upon purchase, and my wife found a product that worked to clean the mould. It's called 'curtain magic mould remover'. Search it online... it cleaned them up like new. Hope this helps.
Ok, now i will keep reading the forum to learn about how little i know about caravaning... but look forward to lots i camping trips ahead.

 

[Thingy]

I know small boat owners have a massive problem with mildew when a boat has been unventilated for some time and I asked a friend what he uses. He uses Nosguard Star Bright Boat Bomb. As I understand it, its actually designed to remove the odours associated with mildew but it has quite a succesful side that it seems to kill mildew too.

I have a very large shed and I bought some shelving from Big Dug ( Fleabay). Over the winter, some of the hardboard shelves became covered in mildew, however none of the real timber, i.e. shed, workbench, flooring were affected. After removing and disposing of the hardboard shelves (ALL 20 OF THEM) I tried some of this and have had neither spread nor repeat occurence.

See http://www.marathonleisure.co.uk/product.php?xProd=224960

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6FlIMwWEcM[/video]

Hope this is of some help.