I've just finished scrubbing the camper refrigerator from top to bottom after I found it covered with the most disgusting mold. What happened is this: We spent most of February in Florida enjoying several state parks in our little fifth wheel. We had to make the dash north between storms, and had just enough time to get the camper into the shelter next to our garage, empty it out and winterize it before another big snow storm blew up. I ordinarily go out and clean the fridge in the next day or two after it defrosts--but the weather was horrible and we got busy. Not only did I forget to clean it, but we accidently left the doors to the freezer and refrigerator closed. When I went out today to open up the camper and start restocking it for spring camping I found the inside of the refrigerator covered with black splotches! Ugh!

I get bugs in mine if I leave the door closed when off. Now I leave it open and have no issues.

That seems to happen to everyone at least once. Next time when you run into that problem put crumbled up newspaper in the fridge/freezer. Not as good as a cleaning, but it will make it easier when you do.

Been there, done that. Last year, we had a 6 week or so period between trips. I left the fridge closed. Yes, we got mold. And after many years of owing trailers, you'd think I know better...

Oh, yech! Bleach is your friend.Be sure to clean it really, really well, then go forth and camp!

I keep the frig open with a towel when not in use. The wife was in there one day .. BY HERSELF ... putting in new drawer/shelf cover thingies. She grabbed that towel to wipe something off, letting the frig close. :MLuckly it was only just starting to get moldy when we went to load up...realatively quick bleach job :C

I've learned my lesson! | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

Harvey51
Explorer
Apr 22, 2015
I have one of those holders but it doesn't seem to fit on our fridge. Maybe I just don't know how to put it on. The door in the picture in this thread seems to have a slot to fit the holder into. Ours has no slot. Plastic latch at the bottom. There is a metal strip that a magnet sticks to. I could glue something to a magnet there to keep the door ajar, but I really would like something that holds the door open just an inch and doesn't let the door swing wide when moving the motorhome for a little tire exercise.
Carlos___Ranae
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015
As others have said, Clorox bleach will get the mold out. Ensuring the fridge doors are left open during storage is part of our check list. For moisture, odors or humidity, we find a product call DRI-WET works great for us. we use three, ($4 each at Walmart), one in bedroom, one in kitchen/living room and one in garage.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Apr 17, 2015
rockhillmanor wrote:
If you are parked on concrete and 100% level yes the doors will stay open if not they don't. Not worth having the fridge get all moldy. 2 seconds with the holder and you know it will remain open.

That and depending where your fridge is located in your coach some just do not stay open because they hit a door frame etc.

If your fridge is not level enough to keep the doors open a crack you will kill the fridge quickly. These fridges need to be level to keep working correctly .
John_Joey
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
352 wrote:
mr. ed wrote:
rk911 wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
That seems to happen to everyone at least once. Next time when you run into that problem put crumbled up newspaper in the fridge/freezer. Not as good as a cleaning, but it will make it easier when you do.

X2 on this. makes our spring clean-up quick and ez.

How does a crumpled up newspaper make for an easier cleanup of mold? Is it the ink? I don't understand the science behind it.

Sometimes easier means cheaper.

No that's not it, but I can understand why you might think it.

The paper will help absorb the moisture in the fridge and keep it arid. I should have also stated that it's the black and white pages and not the "inked" ones you use. I'm guessing at this, but the black must have some form of a graphite based ink which will help control odor.

Nothing beats a good cleaning and an open doors, but when you're stuck for time it's a good trick to do. Just like cat litter, or charcoal, but they never seem to be around when you need them, but newspaper always seems to be.
austinjenna
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
If you are parked on concrete and 100% level yes the doors will stay open if not they don't. Not worth having the fridge get all moldy. 2 seconds with the holder and you know it will remain open.

That and depending where your fridge is located in your coach some just do not stay open because they hit a door frame etc.

Ahhh got it. I guess I was thinking everyone has the same setup as I do LOL. The only time for me I shut my fridge off is when I bring it back to the storage yard and it sits level. I Also forgot about not all the fridges are easily accessible.
352
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
mr. ed wrote:
rk911 wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
That seems to happen to everyone at least once. Next time when you run into that problem put crumbled up newspaper in the fridge/freezer. Not as good as a cleaning, but it will make it easier when you do.

X2 on this. makes our spring clean-up quick and ez.

How does a crumpled up newspaper make for an easier cleanup of mold? Is it the ink? I don't understand the science behind it.

Sometimes easier means cheaper.
mr__ed
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
rk911 wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
That seems to happen to everyone at least once. Next time when you run into that problem put crumbled up newspaper in the fridge/freezer. Not as good as a cleaning, but it will make it easier when you do.

X2 on this. makes our spring clean-up quick and ez.

How does a crumpled up newspaper make for an easier cleanup of mold? Is it the ink? I don't understand the science behind it.
cartervan
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
Our camper actually came with two little plastic gadgets that fit over the latches and hold the refrigerator and freezer doors open about an inch. As I said in the original post-- we "always" leave the doors open. But just this once we slipped up and I found out what happens. A cautionary tale.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2015
If you are parked on concrete and 100% level yes the doors will stay open if not they don't. Not worth having the fridge get all moldy. 2 seconds with the holder and you know it will remain open.

That and depending where your fridge is located in your coach some just do not stay open because they hit a door frame etc.
austinjenna
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
Why do you need to buy a gadget to keep the doors open? I just open my doors fully and done. If you can remember to open your fridge to put in the gadget you should be able to remember to leave them open.