Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
RVs are built to endure years out on the road. Because of this, you don’t really have to worry about them degrading and succumbing to the elements. However, there are times when mold and mildew can build up. Let’s look at how to clean it.
To get mold out of a fiberglass RV, you need to use a cleaning solution that is specifically used for mold and mildew build-up. This cleaning solution can be store-bought or homemade. Using this solution and a cloth, you will simply wipe down the areas of the RV covered in mold.
This article discusses the easiest method to clean your fiberglass RV with mold build-up. It will also cover the best cleaning products to use, how to make your own DIY cleaning product, and what other areas of your RV you should inspect and clean.
How Do You Get Mold Out Of A Fiberglass RV?
RVs are built to stand the test of time and are meant to be able to withstand all the elements for years and even decades. Thus many RVs are made from fiberglass because it is durable, rugged, light, and long-lasting. However, your RV will likely gather and experience mold over time if not taken care of.
Mold and mildew occur over time because water and moisture can seep into the fiberglass, and once your RV is overrun, cleaning the outside will not be your only problem.
Luckily, cleaning mold out of your fiberglass RV is a relatively easy procedure and does not require a lot of money, fancy tools, or gadgets. Just keep in mind that you should always keep your RV in tip-top condition, and the moment you spot some mold or mildew, you should attend to it immediately.
A simple mixture of a few cleaning products (which we will discuss) or store-bought products and a good wipe-down will be enough to clean the pesky mold from your RV. This is taking into consideration that the mold and mildew are not that bad and that the RV is still in relatively good condition.
How To Clean Mold From A Fiberglass RV
To clean mold from your RV, you will only need to use a cleaning product that is specifically made to remove mold and mildew. Spray this solution onto the spots where the mold or mildew is occurring, and then wipe it down with a cloth. It’s as simple as that.
Safe for use on fiberglass, painted surfaces, rubber, plastic and vinyl headliners, bolsters and upholstery
"I've used this product on everything from fiberglass to tile to RV covers. It works like a charm." - Joe Vine RV Idiots Co-Founder
- Simple to use
- Great on rubber roofs
- Results are real
- Some people say it is too similar to bleach
Once you have removed all the mold with the cleaner, be sure to rinse down your RV and give it a wax. If you find that some areas require a sealant because the mold or mildew has exposed the fiberglass, then you should ensure that you seal those sections of the RV.
What Other Products Can You Use To Clean Your Fiberglass RV?
Although many cleaning products cater to removing mold and mildew from your RV, these can be relatively expensive. Moreover, this could be costly, depending on how much mold and mildew build up your RV has.
Luckily a mixture of a few inexpensive household products can get the job done just as well. To make this DIY mold cleaner, you will only need:
- One bucket of hot water
- Powdered dishwashing detergent
- A little bit of bleach
All you need to do is to mix these ingredients together, and you will have your own DIY mold removal detergent. Use this mixture the same way that you would use a store-bought product. Either put it in a spray bottle and spray down the areas of mold on your fiberglass RV and wipe it down or soak a cloth in the mixture and proceed to wipe it down.
Why Should I Clean The Mold Out Of A Fiberglass RV?
If left unchecked, the mold can penetrate the inside of your RV, making its way into the floor and other areas, causing rot and, in some cases, black mold.
Due to the fact that not much on the inside of your RV is treated against moisture, you may find yourself having to replace some of the interior, and, in some cases, the entire RV.
Not only that, but if your RV is in such a state that it is an eye sore, some camping grounds might not even let you in.
Can You Use A Pressure Washer To Clean Your Fiberglass RV?
In no situation should you ever use a pressure washer to try and clean mold or mildew from your RV. This is because using a pressure washer can cause cracks and holes to form in the sealant and in some cases, even the fiberglass. This means you can inadvertently damage your RV, causing it to have leaks.
What Other Parts Of The RV Should I Check And Clean?
Besides checking only the outside of the RV for mold, you should also ensure that you check other areas. As with letting mold build up on an RV, leaving other sections unchecked could be problematic in the future.
Check The Roof
Many RV owners neglect to check the roof for mold. This is as important as checking the sides of the RV. Most RV roofs are also fiberglass. Thus you can clean the roof with the same method of a mold solution and cloth.
However, some roofs are made of rubber; in this case, a solution of warm water and some bleach is your best bet.
Check The Awning
The awning is another place where mold and mildew can build up. A scrub brush (preferably one with a long handle) will make cleaning the awning relatively easy. However, some RV owners recommend using Tilex as the cleaning product instead of using a homemade solution when attempting to clean the awning.
Check out this Tilex solution on Amazon here.
Check The Windows
Lastly, you should check the windows. Typically the windows will sit in a fitting that will have a rubber seal. Make sure that the fitting they are sitting in is still in good condition and is not cracked or damaged in any way.
For the most part, a simple wipe-down will always keep them in good condition, but there may be instances where the elements have caused the rubber to crack and break. In these situations, it is best to replace it.
Conclusion
Cleaning mold from a fiberglass RV is a relatively simple procedure, and you will only need a cleaning solution that specifically targets mold and a cloth to tackle the job. The solution can be one that is bought or homemade.
Always make sure to check other areas of the RV for mold and mildew build-up, and once you are done, make sure to rinse off the RV and give it a wax.
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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