Does Mold Ruin Your Pop Up Camper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you’ve left your pop-up camper out in the elements for too long or stored it incorrectly, chances are that mold and mildew have built up.

Not only can these ruin your canvas, they also make your camper smell unpleasant

. Address this problem as soon as you come across it. Don’t just decide to use bleach here!

Do pop-up campers get moldy?


Pop-up campers are made of strong canvas and are subject to mold and mildew

, especially after it has rained and the pop-up camper was closed while still wet. Proper cleaning of the canvas within your camper is very important and can be achieved using household products.

Can you get mold out of a camper?

If you happen to find mold in your RV,

it is best to remove it right away

. This can be done by using a bleach solution or some other mold/mildew removing solution. Be sure that all causes of mold (leaky pipes, too much moisture, etc.)

How do you keep mold from growing in a camper?

  1. Run a Dehumidifier (if you have electricity) Running a small electric dehumidifier can cut down on the moisture and keep your RV dry and mold free. …
  2. Use a Desiccant Dehumidifier. …
  3. Encourage Ventilation. …
  4. Use a Fan or Two. …
  5. Fan with Heater. …
  6. Window Insulation. …
  7. Wipe down Surfaces. …
  8. Use a Hygrometer.

How do you deep clean a pop up camper?

Folding down a pop-up when it is still wet is a surefire recipe for mildew!

Fold down your camper, then use a mixture of dish soap and water to clean your hard sides

! Give a little extra attention to tough areas with a brush and extra soap, and try your white eraser sponge on paneling and the roof!

How do you clean vinyl on a pop up camper?

Start by filling a one gallon bucket with water and mixing in a 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap. If you see any dark marks or grease stains on the vinyl, add in a capful of bleach. Using a soft-bristle brush or a sponge such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, dip it in the water and gently scrub the vinyl in a circular motion.

How do you get the musty smell out of a pop-up camper?

To remove the musty smell in a camper,

use a saucer filled with lemon juice and baking soda

. Regularly refresh the air in your camper and clean it as often as possible.

Can you paint the inside of a pop-up camper canvas?


The canvas of a pop-up camper can be painted

. Yes, there is no doubt about it. By doing this, you will ensure that the surface you paint on is clear and clean. You must allow ample time for it to dry once it has been thoroughly cleaned.

How do you clean a pop up tent?

Expose the tent to prolonged periods of direct sunlight. This will reduce the life of the frame and canopy of your tent. Rub the fabric with brush. Always use sponge, mild soap, and water.

What does mold look like in a camper?

Look closely for mold in your RV camper walls, ceilings, and carpets. The affected areas will appear

black, blue, green, or white

. These types of stains usually indicate a roof or plumbing leak. Check the outside of your RV to find the source of the water damage.

What causes mold in a camper?

Mold in your RV is typically caused by

excess moisture and a lack of air circulation

. When your RV or travel trailer is stored, that excess moisture can get trapped inside and feed mold growth for months on end.

Can you pressure wash a pop-up camper?


It is not recommended to pressure wash a pop-up camper

, as it can damage the canvas, as well as the fibreglass. Likewise, pressure washing can damage the gaskets and caulking around your pop-up camper vinyl windows. If you pressure wash your RV, you might accidentally force water in it or even remove the decals.

What do you clean a pop-up camper with?

Once we’ve closed the camper, we start cleaning the exterior of the pop up. We usually use

Dawn dish soap and water

. I love the way the Dawn gets rid of the grease, and if I have some difficult grease spots, I just rub a bit of Dawn into the spot with my fingers. It breaks down the grease, and it will wipe right off.

How do you get Mould out of canvas?

  1. Brush the mould with a stiff bristle brush.
  2. Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on the mould affected areas.
  3. Leave to sit for an hour or so.
  4. Scrub the mould affected areas with a scrub brush and warm water.
  5. Ensure you keep the scrub brush clean during this process.

How do you waterproof vinyl pop up?

Canvas pop-up campers should have their seams sealed with seam sealer on both inside and outside by applying a waterproofing solution to the cloth. For vinyl,

the seams are sealed with caulking or seam sealing tape after removing the existing seal

.

Are pop up trailers waterproof?

Are pop-up campers waterproof?

Pop-up campers are waterproof when they are new

but there are many factors that can hurt their ability to remain waterproof. Because of this, pop-up camper owner’s need to take special measures to ensure that their pop-up campers will remain waterproof.

How long does a pop up camper last?

A pop-up trailer can last between

10 to 15 years

, depending on how often you use it, how well you have maintained it and whether it was stored inside or outside. Some pop-up campers can last even less, and that is because their owners didn’t know how to properly maintain them.

Why does my camper smell musty?

Old caravans/motorhomes often develop a musty smell because of

poor design of the seat cushions and bases

, which rarely have enough ventilation. Whilst you sleep moisture travels through the mattress and condenses on the base of the bed or slats, which enables mildew and mould growth.

Why does my camper smell like sewer?

The smell can be a result of

valves left open and waste being allowed to dry out

. It’s also a good idea to check the sink drain because it uses a one-way vent or a sewer vent pipe that extends to your RV’s roof. If it breaks or gets blocked or stuck, you’ll need to find someone to clean or replace the pipes.

How much does it cost to reseal a pop-up camper?

So, how much does it cost to re-canvas a pop-up camper? You can expect to pay

between $900 and $1,500

for a professional re-canvassing. Pricing will come down to type of material and amount. The more windows, zippers and other specialty seamwork required on your canvas will also increase the cost.

Can You Use Flex Seal on a pop-up camper canvas?


Yes, you can use Flex Seal on the canvas of your tent-trailer, hybrid camper or pop-up camper

. Flex Seal will adhere to almost any surface including wood, metal, aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, rubber, or vinyl or just about any dry surface ( or even wet).

How do you repair a canvas on a pop-up camper?

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.