How To Remove Mold From Caravan Blinds

Why Does Mold Grow on Caravan Blinds?

Mold grows on caravan blinds when the air inside the caravan is still and humid. Molds result from spores that reproduce in an undisturbed, warm, and damp environment. When spores are present inside the caravan, and the air is warm and humid, mold is likely to grow.

Mold spores occur naturally in the air. Hence, there’s nothing we can do to eliminate them. If your mobile home is poorly ventilated, it’s most likely to retain moisture, providing an ideal environment for mold to flourish. You may not only see molds on your blinds but also on:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Shower cubicles
• Vents
• Corner sections
• Kitchen area
• Backsides of cupboards and closets

Causes of Dampness in a Caravan

Dampness in a motorhome may be due to numerous reasons, including:

• Daily activities like cooking and showering.
• Breathing action by multiple people in a poorly ventilated caravan.
• Shutting the caravan when it’s still wet after cleaning.
• Leaving damp clothes and blankets inside.
• Leaking water tanks, pipes, and taps.

It’s, therefore, crucial that you check for signs of dampness in your caravan frequently. Look out for:

• A musty smell immediately you enter the caravan.
• Black stains on blinds, ceilings, walls, etc.
• Wet patches.
• Water droplets on walls and ceilings.

5 Ways To Remove Mold From Caravan Blinds

You’ll need to first vacuum the blinds to eliminate loose dirt and dry molds. Alternatively, you can use a soft brush to do this. It’s worth noting that, during this process, some molds will become airborne. Therefore, it’s best to mask up and have the caravan’s windows and door open if you aren’t cleaning outside.

After dusting the blinds, proceed to use any of these five methods to rid your blinds of mold.

1. Use Water and a Soap Solution

You can remove the blinds and soak them in one gallon (about 3.8 liters) of warm water mixed with detergent for half an hour before rinsing with clean water and airing them out to dry. 

But if you decide to clean them while hung up, follow these steps:

1. Open the blinds completely and wipe each slat with a sponge soaked in the soap solution.
2. Alternatively, you can put the soap solution in a spray bottle and spray on the blinds until they become damp.
3. Leave it to soak for about 20 minutes, then scrub the spots using a soft brush (preferably a toothbrush). 
4. Wipe the blinds using a sponge and clean water, and leave them unrolled to dry.

2. Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural-occurring, non-toxic and acidic substance that’s effective in killing molds. You can use regular, distilled, or double-strength white vinegar. For this method, follow the steps below:

1. Put the undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it directly onto the moldy spots. Apply a generous amount until the blinds’ fabric is damp. This ensures the vinegar penetrates the fabric enough to get all the molds. 
3. Allow the vinegar to sit on the fabric for at least an hour. 
4. Scrub the blinds, then wipe using clean water and a towel.
5. Leave the blinds open to dry.

3. Use a Citrus Solution

This method is effective but takes a little more time to prepare. You’ll be required to prepare the citrus solution a week before cleaning your blinds.

Here are the steps to clean your blinds using a citrus solution:

1. Peel one lemon and put the peels in a jar. You can add lime peels, too, if you want.
2. Add white vinegar into the jar. Fill it almost to the brim.
3. Leave the mixture to brew for a week.
4. Remove the peels and put the liquid in a spray bottle.
5. Fill up the spray bottle with water and shake to mix.
6. Spray the solution onto your blinds and leave it to soak for at least an hour.
7. Scrub the blinds with a soft brush and rinse with clean water.
8. Leave the blinds open to dry.

4. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are also perfect for removing molds. Oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, thyme, and cinnamon will not only clean but also hinder mold growth.

To clean your blinds with essential oil, follow the steps below:

1. Add a teaspoon of your oil of choice to a spray bottle and fill it with warm water.
2. Spray the mixture directly on the mold spots.
3. Leave it to settle for 15 minutes, then wipe off the molds with a damp rag and rinse the blinds with clean water.

5. Use Commercial Anti-Mold Products

You can also use a commercial mold remover that’s available in your nearest store. While you might have to part with a bit of cash, you won’t need to do any prior preparation. 

My top pick for a commercial mold remover is the Ecozone HA4 Mould Remover from Amazon.uk. It’s eco-friendly and contains no bleach and other toxins. Hence, it’s safe to use around pets and small children. It also prevents the re-growth of molds. 

You’ll simply need to follow the cleaning instructions that come with the package.

How To Prevent Mold Growing On Caravan Blinds

Molds on your caravan blinds are an indication that the blinds require more regular cleaning and that the caravan is excessively damp. 

Here are things you can do to regulate the moisture in your motorhome when on the road:

• Ensure your mobile home is well-ventilated. Keep your windows open frequently, particularly after cooking or showering, to prevent steam buildup.
• Keep surfaces dry all the time. Wipe out any spills, splashes or condensations immediately they occur. 
• Dry your laundry outdoors to prevent water vapor deposition inside the van. Also, air your beddings and other linens in the sun frequently.
• If you haven’t yet, consider fitting exhaust fans in locations prone to water vapor buildups, like the kitchen and shower room.
• Run your van’s heater regularly to dry out the air inside during winter or rainy weather.

After your road trip, it’s equally important to keep your caravan dry for storage. Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Check for leaks in the roof, walls, window seals, and any other main-frame joints. You can do this by splashing water over the vehicle using a water hose. Repair any damage immediately.
• Clean the entire caravan. Wipe every surface with a disinfectant, including the fridge. Remove any washable linens, clean them and dry them outside. Leave the caravan open to dry, after which, ensure to shut all windows and vents.
• Drain the tanks, taps, toilet, and shower to help reduce moisture content in your caravan.
• Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in your caravan. There are several varieties available in the market. If you don’t want to break the bank, consider getting the Ansio Interior Dehumidifier from Amazon.co.uk. It consists of hydrophilic crystals that absorb moisture in the air preventing condensation and dampness. They come in packs of 5 to 16 and are very pocket-friendly.