RV Stale Smell

Question

I'm dealing with "Old RV Stale Smell," trying in hit-or-miss fashion to locate the source of the problem since I don't want to blanket the place with something like Febreze, which offends my nostrils, no matter what the particular scent.  Right now, I'm waiting for 5 gallons of water plus enzyme powder in the grey water tank to do its job.  My question is, would it be a bad idea to frequently put baking soda and white vinegar down the drains?  I know that chlorine bleach is a very bad idea. Any other ideas as to the source of the stale smell?  It's not musty; it's stale.  I'm also going to replace the lining to the A/C, whatever that's called.  Thanks for any help you can give.  I'm new at this.  Amy

1492 · Answer

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eb145 · Answer

I found that fresh air works wonders. And the best way to do that is to have 2 or 3 roof vents with Maxx Air covers on them so you can leave all vents open even when stored.

Even in winter storage I keep all three roof vents open. Plenty of fresh air moving through the trailer and rain never blows in if you have the vent covers installed.

Ed

bobbo · Answer

eb145 wrote:I found that fresh air works wonders.  And the best way to do that is to have 2 or 3 roof vents with Maxx Air covers on them so you can leave all vents open even when stored.Even in winter storage I keep all three roof vents open.  Plenty of fresh air moving through the trailer and rain never blows in if you have the vent covers installed.Ed+1I keep all 3 roof vents and the dash vent open 24/7/365. I prefer the  AeroFlo vent cover, but it works exactly the same. I've had the RV for 6 years, next month.

slarsen · Answer

I do the same, Max Air. I only have one, but it does the job very well. I leave the vent wide open; in three years, I've never seen any sign of water getting past the overlapping vents.

sowego · Answer

It could be all the surfaces need a good deep cleaning. Shampoo all fabric & carpet and wash down all the hard surfaces, cabinets, etc. I would indeed replace or sanitize your AC filters and clean up in all the duct work as well as possible. Then run all the ceiling vents wide open and some windows opened to completely air out the place until everything is dry.

If you still have odors...keep investigating...could be the sign there is something under the dash, in the vent system or even under the flooring that is causing problems.

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RV Stale Smell

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