How to remove/kill mold behind RV walls?

[daboognish88]

I have a 1982 Dodge Xplorer 228 campervan, and recently I noticed some mold growing on the walls of the van.. probably because there is a leak in one of the back bedroom windows.. so I cleaned everything I could with white vinegar. I then tested the air for mold spores and it tested positive. So obviously there is mold behind the walls. Problem is I have no idea how to get at it. I would literally have to tear out everything.. the cabinets, the closet, the sink, the plastic walls themselves if that's even possible. There has to be a better way right? HELP!

[drsteve]

From the CDC:

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm

[Grit_dog]

And it was right around 2003 when “mold” became a thing to be skeered of.
I recall mold training requirements at work being required then, in construction work. The laughable part was we were in Yuma at the time.....
To the OP, unless you have respiratory issues or allergies, my opinion is it’s simPly not a huge deal. But im not in your position. I also slice mold off cheese or tomatoes and then eat the rest, so......

[drsteve]

path1 wrote:
Study mold on internet. It's everywhere. One way to kill it is to change it's growing conditions. Depending on what you have, might be able to simply put in dehumidifier

Might kill the actively growing mold, but won't affect the spores.

[path1]

Study mold on internet. It's everywhere. One way to kill it is to change it's growing conditions. Depending on what you have, might be able to simply put in dehumidifier

[myredracer]

May not have been caused by a leak alone. Using any RV in cold weather and not adequately removing moisture laden air will lead to rot & mold. I would say a metal-skinned RV would be more susceptible to condensation on the interior side of the exterior skin. Some seal up an RV in an attempt to conserve heat but that can simply make things worse. A poorly insulated RV, which most are, also contributes to the problem. There are many types of mold as listed here. You might consider having a mold professional look at it.

Mold can be extremely toxic and in some cases cause serious permanent health issues. Not something to be taken lightly. A topical application of a chemical like say bleach will not get rid of it all. Gutting may be the only sure answer but depends on mold type and extent of it. Until you know what type of mold it is, I wouldn't go inside it unless properly suited up. Unless you are emotionally attached to the camper, a new one could be the easiest route. You could always strip it out and then sell it.

[SidecarFlip]

The only cure is to gut it and rebuild it. Having said that, a 36 year old unit is hardly worth the effort unless you want to start a new hobby.

Not only do you have mold, you have rot and mold.

If you don't want to landfill it, put it on CL and off it cheap and let someone else deal with it.

[drsteve]

Be careful with ozone. It is highly corrosive to metal, and may make certain plastics become brittle if too much is used.

[SoundGuy]

daboognish88 wrote:
So obviously there is mold behind the walls. Problem is I have no idea how to get at it. I would literally have to tear out everything.. the cabinets, the closet, the sink, the plastic walls themselves if that's even possible.

A 36 year old vehicle? ... there's your answer if you really think it's worth salvaging, especially considering the serious health risks exposing yourself to mold spores.

[SidecarFlip]

Kavoom wrote:
Buy a new RV?

Time to landfill it...

[Kavoom]

Buy a new RV?

[gbopp]

I had a major roof leak on our Southwind. I ran a dehumidifier and an ozone generator.
I didn't tear anything apart except for a little ceiling trim at the wall.
Everything dried out. My moisture meter is reading zero on the walls, floor and ceiling.
I have no smell or soft spots. Did I get it all? I don't know. I'm satisfied with the results. I will run a dehumidifier in the RV this summer, just in case.
Do you have any trim you could remove and drill a few small holes to help with air circulation.
I think it's worth trying before you tear the wall apart.
Let us know how you make out with your problem.

Get your leak fixed ASAP.

[daboognish88]

Would an Ozone Generator take care of it? I've heard that mold foggers don't actually work and are a scam. Is this true? Apparently they don't actually kill or remove anything and the fog just attaches to the spores (like moisture always does) and the spores then settle to the ground effectively removing the spores from the air so that when a test is done- none of the spores land in the petri dish and therefore it appears that the mold problem is gone. Can anyone actually verify this? Is there anything else that can be done?