Spring is finally here… it’s time to pull your RV out of winter storage, hit the road and chase your next adventure! Wait a second… what’s that damp, musty smell? Blech!

Musty smells are typically caused by moisture and stagnant air inside a closed RV. While this is an extremely common problem, it does put a damper (sorry, we had to) on your road trips. In more severe cases, the excess moisture could cause mold to grow inside your rig.

The good news is that it’s easy to remove musty odors from your RV and prevent them from coming back. Read through our simple guide to get your rig smelling fresh again.

Table of Contents

1. Why RVs Develop Musty Smells During Storage

2. How To Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your RV (Step-by-Step Cleaning Process)

3. Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh (Air Freshening Tips)

4. How To Prevent Musty Smells in Your RV

5. Banish Musty Odors for Good

Why RVs Develop Musty Smells During Storage

There are several possible causes for that musty smell you’ve noticed after taking your RV out of winter storage. In most cases, the issue is that the RV was not fully dry when it was stored and lacked proper airflow. Even small amounts of trapped moisture can build up and create mildewy smells in a closed space without adequate ventilation.

Water intrusion may also be a culprit. If the musty smell is overpowering, be sure to inspect your RV for leaks, cracked window seals and signs of water damage. Pay special attention to closets and cabinets. It won’t be possible to get rid of the musty smell permanently unless you tackle it at its source.

Finally, the RV might simply be dirty. Dust, dirt and debris tend to accumulate on interior surfaces, providing a breeding ground for all kinds of nastiness. RVs are small, closed spaces, which means they generally get dirty much faster than a typical home.

How To Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your RV (Step-by-Step Cleaning Process)

Ready to stop the stink? Using the right products makes treating bad smells easy and fast. For the purposes of these instructions, we’ll be using Poli Interior Detailer™ for RVs. This all-purpose RV cleaner contains a special blend of odor encapsulants to trap and remove musty smells from your interior surfaces. Here’s how to get it done:

1. Open windows and doors for fresh air (if possible) and use fans to encourage airflow.
2. Put away clutter and loose items. Remove and machine wash curtains, bedding, rugs and other textiles.
3. Spray Poli Interior Detailer™ on your surfaces and wipe with the320 GSM Microfiber Towel. Thoroughly clean and deodorize all countertops, cabinets, tables and trim. Poli Interior Detailer™ is safe for all interior surfaces, including glass and leather.
4. Pay special attention to high-moisture areas such as the undersides of seat cushions, inside cabinets, around window sills and in bathrooms and kitchens.
5. To remove musty smells from carpet or upholstery, apply detailer directly to the surface and scrub with a microfiber towel or brush, then wipe with a clean cloth. Heavy scrubbing will produce foam.

If the musty or mildewy smell persists, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels inside your RV after cleaning.

Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh (Air Freshening Tips)

So your RV interior is sparkling clean, but it still smells a little… funky. Not to worry! There are a few simple steps you can take to remove residual odors and keep your rig smelling fresh all year round.

First, ventilation is an RV owner’s best friend. Open windows on opposite sides of your rig to allow for cross-ventilation during and after cleaning. This will help push out stale air and pull in fresh air. Run fans while cleaning and make sure the roof vents are open and clear of obstructions.

For stubborn odors, we love using Kanberra Gel® All-Natural Air Purifier to freshen the air inside our rigs. While many air fresheners mask odors with heavy fragrances, this natural purifier actually tackles and eliminates them at the source. 

Formulated with a blend of tea tree and other essential oils, it’s safe to use around your family, kids and pets. Just open the jar and place it wherever you notice mustiness. We like to keep one jar in the bathroom and one in the living area for best results.

How To Prevent Musty Smells in Your RV

Preventing musty smells is always better than treating them afterwards. The best way to do this is to keep your RV clean, dry and well-ventilated all year round. During travel, take time to spot-clean the interior of your rig daily and deep clean once a week. Crack open windows and use fans while cooking or showering to help prevent condensation. Wipe down any visibly damp surfaces right away.

If you store your RV during the off-season, it’s essential that your rig be completely clean and dry before you put it away. All tanks, hoses and lines should be drained and blown out to avoid leaks. Place moisture absorbers (such as DampRid) or natural air purifiers inside your rig to reduce moisture in the air.

Maintaining proper ventilation during winter storage can be a difficult balance. If you’re lucky enough to have a garage or covered storage space, you’ll probably want to crack your RV vents open slightly to allow for air circulation. If you store your rig outside, invest in a waterproof, breathable RV cover with vents to keep rain and snow out while allowing fresh airflow.

Banish Musty Odors for Good

Taking your RV out of winter storage is exciting, until you catch a whiff of mildew and stale air. Luckily, this problem is both fixable and preventable. Regularly cleaning your rig’s interior with an RV-specific detailer, keeping humidity levels low and ensuring proper ventilation will help you treat and prevent musty smells.

As you prepare for the spring and summer travel season, be sure to stock up on RV detailing products to keep your rig in peak condition inside and out!