News & Advice

HabCheck's complete guide to damp and how it can damage your motorhome

It’s no exaggeration to say that damp is one of the worst things that can happen to your motorhome.

A caravan or motorhome is no different to a house, and damp conditions can lead to mould or mildew forming.

As well as having an unpleasant appearance and making you feel less comfortable, there are some serious health implications related to damp.

Although a small amount won’t harm you, it becomes a bigger problem when the damp spores increase and can cause respiratory problems, common allergic reaction symptoms and nervous system disorders.

It grows where there is a high level of moisture, for example a shower wall or bedroom window and comes in through the walls, windows, doors and carpets.

There are many causes too, including spills, leaks, damage, overflows, condensation and high humidity.

If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your motorhome, which will impact the value of the vehicle.

Thankfully, damp is preventable, and there are treatments that can help remove or reduce damp if you spot it early enough and act quickly.

There are several things you can regularly do to make sure you don’t have any issues with damp…

Keep it clean

Wipe all surfaces with anti-bacterial products and keep everything tidy. Vacuum regularly and clean out cupboards, as damp can often be found in these.

Air it out

If you’re not going to be using your motorhome for a prolonged period, you should always go in occasionally and open the windows for a little while. Let the air circulate before locking it back up.

Open the windows

Make sure to open all windows when you’ve had a shower or cooked a meal in your motorhome. Doing so will remove any extra moisture in the air, preventing a build-up of condensation and damp in your vehicles interior.

Check for soft walls

Softened walls are a common sign of damp, and can be serious. If you notice them in your motorhome, immediately get in touch with a professional to have the problem sorted.

Wipe away condensation

Keep a special cloth on the side to wipe up any condensation built up on the windows. This again helps to remove moisture and a build-up of damp.

Dehumidify

If any areas of your motorhome are particularly prone to moisture, use dehumidifying crystals to reduce the problem and help prevent damp from forming.

Remove wet furnishings

If any soft furnishings, carpets, cushions or other materials get wet to the point of being unable to dry, remove and replace immediately.

Any soft furnishings and bedding which have been stored should be checked carefully before using again. Always ensure you dry any wet clothing or furnishings outside of your motorhome too.

Check for leaks

Check often for any signs of leaks, damaged seals or other issues (no matter how small) which could allow moisture, bacteria and fungus to collect and breed.

Keep on top of repairs

If your motorhome suffers any bumps or scratches, make sure to have them repaired as soon as possible. As well as the aesthetic aspect, any break in the exterior surface can allow moisture to penetrate.

Essentially, the best way to keep your motorhome free of damp is to keep it clean and dry at all times.

A habitation check examines for damp and will help detect and protect your motorhome from it.

At HabCheck we offer a reliable and impartial check that you can trust. So, if you’re fearful that your motorhome may be at risk of damp and want to keep your motorhome safe to live in, be sure to book your HabCheck today.