What to Do If You Find Mold Inside Your RV

Few things are more frustrating than discovering mold in your RV. One day you’re gearing up for adventure, the next you’re dealing with stained walls, musty odors, and health concerns. And in a state like Alaska, where weather and storage conditions make moisture control a challenge, mold problems are especially common — and particularly aggressive.

Whether you’ve spotted black mold, mildew around a window, or suspicious smells after storage, this guide breaks down exactly what to do, how to stop the damage, and when to call Frontier Auto and RV Center for help.

Why Mold Happens in RVs

Your RV, trailer, or motorhome is essentially a sealed box — and while that’s great for comfort, it also creates the ideal environment for mold when moisture is introduced.

What causes it?

Roof or window leaks from broken seals or punctures
Condensation from cooking, showering, or breathing in poorly ventilated spaces
Storage in humid conditions or near melting snowbanks
Spilled water under cushions, flooring, or cabinets

Unlike your home, RVs don’t always have built-in mold resistance. That means even small leaks or unnoticed spills can become full-blown colonies in just days — especially in dark corners or hidden cavities.

Step 1: Find the Source of Moisture

Before cleaning anything, locate and fix the source of water or high humidity. Without this step, cleaning is just a temporary fix.

Look carefully at:

Roof seams and vents – Alaska’s freeze-thaw cycles can break seals
Skylights, slide-outs, and windows – Check for pooling or staining
Under sinks and around plumbing – Loose fittings and cracked lines are common
Storage areas and under-bed compartments – Where airflow is limited

Don’t forget the underside: Condensation can form along the bottom of the RV if it’s parked over wet ground or if insulation is lacking.

If you can’t visibly find the source, professional leak detection may be required. Our technicians at Frontier Auto and RV Center use moisture sensors and pressurization techniques to pinpoint hidden entry points.

Step 2: Identify the Mold Type and Severity

Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you choose the right cleaning method — and decide whether it’s safe to DIY.

Surface Mold:

Usually appears as white, green, or light gray fuzz. Found on walls, window sills, or vinyl surfaces. Typically easy to clean and non-toxic.

Black Mold:

Often slimy, dark, or greenish-black with a distinct musty smell. Found behind wallpaper, under floors, or on soft surfaces. Can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation.

If mold covers an area larger than 10 square feet or appears to be embedded into insulation or wood paneling, you should consider calling professionals for safe remediation.

Step 3: Clean It Up Safely and Thoroughly

Once you’ve stopped the moisture, it’s time to remove the mold.

Here’s how to tackle the cleanup:

Wear protective gear – gloves, an N95 mask, and safety goggles
Ventilate the RV – open windows and use fans to push air out
Spray vinegar or hydrogen peroxide – let sit for 30–60 minutes
Scrub affected surfaces – use a brush on hard areas, replace anything soft that can’t be laundered

Avoid bleach unless working on non-porous surfaces like fiberglass — it can damage materials and won’t kill mold roots in porous surfaces.

Throw out any:

Untreated wood that feels spongy
Upholstery or cushions that remain musty after washing
Water-damaged cardboard, fabric, or paneling

Dealing with a recurring problem? Specialized RV mold treatments and antimicrobial sealants can be applied for long-term control.

Step 4: Dry and Dehumidify Completely

Drying is just as important as cleaning. Mold spores thrive in lingering moisture, and skipping this step invites them right back.

Do this:

Run a dehumidifier (especially during Alaska’s spring and fall)
Use box fans or a heated garage if accessible
Open every cabinet, drawer, and storage bay
Use moisture absorbers in closed-off compartments

Check for condensation under mattresses or along aluminum window frames — these are common traps for hidden dampness.

Step 5: Prevent Mold from Returning

Now that your RV is dry and clean, here’s how to keep it that way year-round:

Regular Maintenance

Reseal roof seams and window trims yearly
Inspect your plumbing and tank fittings for signs of drips

Use a Dehumidifier

Portable units are ideal for when you’re plugged into shore power or parked for storage.

Ventilate Often

Open windows when cooking or showering. Install roof vent fans if your RV doesn’t have them already.

Store Smart

Park on gravel or concrete to reduce moisture absorption from the ground. Use breathable covers and avoid sealing your RV airtight — airflow is key.

Add Desiccants

Moisture-absorbing packets or buckets (like DampRid) can help control humidity in closets and under beds.

When to Call the Professionals

If you’re still finding mold after cleaning — or it’s affecting your walls, ceiling, or floor — the problem could be bigger than it looks.

At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we specialize in:

Roof inspections and resealing
Leak detection and pressure testing
Mold-safe material replacement
Interior water damage repair
Alaska-specific storage and moisture control advice

We’ve helped countless RV owners in Anchorage and beyond safely recover from black mold, persistent dampness, and undiagnosed leaks — and we’re ready to help you too.

Act Fast — Mold Won’t Wait

Even the smallest water leak can lead to thousands in mold damage if ignored. Worse, long-term exposure to black mold can affect your health and air quality inside your RV.

Protect your investment — and your family — with routine inspections and quick action. If you’re not sure where to begin, or the mold seems out of control, contact Frontier Auto and RV Center today.

We’ll help you find the source, clean it safely, and get your RV back to adventure-ready status — no more musty smells, just fresh air and peace of mind.