A deep clean before your motorhome goes into storage feels like a job well done, but a little too much water can quietly cause bigger problems.
Nicolas Diez, Founder at Valetly, warns that moisture trapped beneath carpets is one of the most common mistakes made when cleaning a vehicle interior and motorhome owners can fall into it easily.
Why damp lingers
Carpets can feel dry on top while moisture sits in the fibres and underlay beneath. Close the vehicle with little airflow, and that dampness can linger and encourage mould. Mould can grow on any carpet, fabric or upholstery that stays wet.
How to spot it
- A musty smell that won’t go away
- Patches or spots on carpets or upholstery
- Carpets that still feel damp when pressed firmly
Mould can irritate some people, causing coughing, wheezing and sneezing, and those with asthma or mould allergies may be especially sensitive.
How to dry out properly
- Use as little cleaning solution as you can
- Go over the carpet with a wet vacuum or extractor until very little moisture comes out
- Press clean microfibre cloths firmly into damp areas to soak up the rest
- Open doors and windows where it’s safe and use fans or a dehumidifier if you have one
- Leave plenty of time to dry, especially in cold or wet weather
If carpets keep turning damp after drying, the cleaning may not be to blame. A leaking door seal, a blocked drain or water getting in could be the cause, so it’s worth tracking down the source.
Nicolas said: “A clean interior should also be a dry interior. The mistake is spending all your effort shampooing the carpets and then forgetting about the moisture you have just introduced. Use less liquid, extract as much as you can and give the interior enough airflow and time to dry properly.”
Dry it fully before you close the door and your motorhome will be fresh and ready for your next trip.
Image credit: Unsplash
