Motorhome condensation issues can range from a minor inconvenience to serious long-term damage. Here, Van Life Matters explains the causes of motorhome condensation, how to resolve it and, better still, how to avoid it.
Put simply, condensation is caused by a high volume of water in the air which turns to liquid when it touches a cold surface, like a motorhome window or walls.
It’s common to find motorhome windscreen condensation (and cab door windows) during the colder months, as this is often the coldest part of a motorhome.
Condensation can also occur on habitation windows and walls.
Motorhome condensation causes
Although much more likely to occur during the autumn and winter months, motorhome condensation can occur at any time of the year.
Cooking, boiling the kettle, washing-up, showering, damp clothes and wet dogs will all increase the chances of condensation in your motorhome.
Water ingress is another potential cause of condensation – even the smallest water leak can result in damp floors, walls and ceilings.
How to stop motorhome condensation
Now we know what causes condensation, it stands to reason that by minimising the amount of water vapour in the air, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of motorhome condensation issues.
Keeping your motorhome warm will also reduce the chances of condensation, although when temperatures really start to plummet, you may still find some condensation setting-in.
Motorhome condensation solutions
1. Increase ventilation:
Fresh air helps reduce the amount of water vapour in the air – less water vapour, less condensation. Open vents, sky lights and even a window to maintain air flow and be sure to use the extractor when showering or cooking. Perhaps even consider using campsite facilities for laundry, washing-up and showering.
2.External thermal cab window screens:
External thermal window covers provides insulation to the windscreen and cab doors, helping to prevent condensation by reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside.
3. Motorhome skirting:
Another common area for motorhome condensation is along the lower interior walls. Motorhome skirting helps to insulate the lower part of your motorhome, providing a barrier against cold air.
4. Dehumidifier:
Dehumidifiers reduces and maintains the level of humidity and can be used to in your motorhome to minimise the risk of condensation – both while on the road and while in storage. Desiccant dehumidifiers, available as self-contained disposable packs or re-usable traps with replacement desiccant, are a good choice for motorhomes. Plug-in refrigerant dehumidifiers are another option.
5. Handheld window vacuum cleaner:
Even if you’ve done all you can to reduce the chances, you may still end up with condensation on your windscreen and cab windows. Handheld electric window cleaners are the ideal tool for clearing the moisture from your windows, without soaking the dashboard and leaving unsightly marks.
Motorhome mould
If condensation is left untreated and continues to persist, your motorhome is at risk of mould and mildew, which if left to take hold, can be hard to eliminate and costly to rectify.
Mould and mildew should be treated immediately with specialist mould and mildew cleaner.
However, it’s likely to re-appear if you haven’t found the root cause of the problem.
Find the ultimate guide to motorhome mould and mildew here for further information.
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