Mildew issues

[KAYAKAMPERS]

This has been a wet Summer! Here in Georgia it has been extremely wet and humid. Geraldine ( our '66 Overlander ) has suffered with mildew on the walnut cabinetry. We have been vigilant about cleaning it regularly, but it always returns. We have run the A/C for about an hour many days, but it is still a fight. Does anyone out there have similar problems and what do you do to keep it clean and smelling fresh. Anyone know of a small dehumidifier out there that works well in RV's.
Cheers,
Chris and Beth

[ventport]

Set a dehumidifier in the shower and leave the drain open.

[Sbb]

Oh that is a great idea!

[kevinb]

Don't really have an answer for you, but I can tell you my experience with mildew in my 68.

When I first purchased it there were 2 broken windows and even though I had it parked in a carport, I couldn't control the mildew. Once I replaced the broken panes and buttoned it up tight, no more mildew. So I would guess there is moisture coming in via airflow thru a partially open window or some other place or if you don't have it under cover, from an undiscovered leak. In any case I would try to discover the moisture source rather than removing it via dehumidifier once it has entered. Easier said then done I know.

[Protagonist]

Kitty litter is a good dehumidifier. It's designed to absorb liquids, after all! And you can get it scented. The type that clumps is good, since you can tell when it has absorbed its fill. Place a thin layer is a shallow pan, just deep enough to completely cover the pan's bottom, and set it directly under your roof vent (so it can catch drips, too). When it has absorbed all the moisture it can, throw it away and spread out more.

I found out after Hurricane Katrina— which must have rained mold and mildew— that white wine vinegar is very good at killing mildew.

Side note, kitty litter is also good for cleaning up spilled oil in your garage; it's one of the things professional spill cleanup companies use.

[lsbrodsky]

Absolutely the best way to kill mildew and odors is a small ozone generator. These are commonly used on boats because of the wet bilges and sea environment. You can find them in boating equipment catalogs. I had mildew problems(bulkheads, upholstery, etc.) on my boat in Coastal Carolina until I bought one and never had another problem after that. I had one that ran off 110 VAC that just sat on a counter. I think they are also available in 12 VDC.
Larry

[fltlevel510]

Have you tried any of the mold/mildew control bags? These are usually available at marine stores like West Marine. They control the odor by killing the mildew. There is also a product called DampRid which is very popular with the snowbirds in Florida.

[Captain Hank]

Buy a dehumidifier from Lowes or Home Depot (120v). They should be on sale in the fall.
I live in Lowcountry SC. We have high humidity in the summer. I run a dehumidifier in my Airstream during these months. When I had SOB's I found out this is the only way to keep the mold down. No moisture, no mold.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Captain Hank

Buy a dehumidifier from Lowes or Home Depot (120v). They should be on sale in the fall.

I don't have shore power where I store my Airstream, so I have to go low-tech.

[KAYAKAMPERS]

Thanks for the great tips!

[mtbguy]

I'm also in Atlanta and noticed a bit of a problem with this. It has been the wettest summer in 100 years here. I recently bought two dehumidifiers that have crystals that absorb moisture and then the crystals change color. To "recharge" them you plug them back into a 120 volt AC outlet for 8-10 hours. The seem to be working pretty well.

I like some of the other ideas presented here, also.