Help! My RV Closet is Getting Damp – Here’s How to Fix It
Ever opened your RV closet and gotten hit with that musty smell? Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s super frustrating when your clothes feel damp and start smelling funky.
But don’t worry, I’ve learned some tricks over the years to keep everything fresh and dry, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Why Is My RV Closet Getting Damp Anyway?
Living in an RV is awesome, but dealing with moisture can be a pain. Here’s what’s usually causing the problem, your closet is basically a tiny box with no airflow.
When warm, moist air gets trapped in there, it has nowhere to go. Plus, every time you cook, shower, or even breathe, you’re adding more moisture to the air. Since RVs are built to be energy-efficient, there aren’t many places for all that moisture to escape.
Think about it like a closed jar, if you don’t open it regularly, stuff starts getting musty in there. The same thing happens in your RV closet!
Why You Should Care About Damp Clothes
I know it might seem like just an annoying problem, but damp clothes can cause some serious issues that you’ll want to avoid.
First off, there’s that unmistakable musty smell that can stick to everything in your closet. It’s not just unpleasant, it can be really hard to get rid of once it sets in.
Then there’s the bigger concern of mold and mildew, which isn’t just gross but can actually make you sick, especially if you’re sensitive to it.
Your clothes can take a beating too, constant moisture weakens the fabric fibers, meaning your favorite shirts and pants might wear out way faster than they should. And if you’ve got any allergies, that mold growth can trigger some pretty nasty reactions.
Trust me, it’s way easier to prevent these problems than to deal with them after they start.
Simple Stuff You Can Do Every Day
Let’s start with some super easy fixes that won’t cost you a dime:
1. Leave That Door Open!
This is probably the easiest thing you can do, just leave your closet door open for a few hours each day. It’s like letting your closet take a deep breath of fresh air. Try to do this when it’s nice and sunny outside.
2. Work That Dehumidifier Magic
If you already have a dehumidifier in your RV, make it work harder for you by placing it strategically.
Put it near your closet when the door’s open, and let it pull all that excess moisture out of the air.
The key is positioning it so the dry air flows right into your closet space. I’ve found that putting it about three feet from the closet door works best, but you might need to experiment a bit to find the sweet spot in your particular setup.
If there’s space for it, an even better second option would be to put the dehumidifier inside the RV closet.
3. Dry Clothes Protocol
Before you even think about hanging up those clothes, make absolutely sure they’re bone dry. I know it’s tempting to put away that “almost dry” shirt, but trust me, it’s not worth it.
If you’ve been caught in the rain or just finished doing laundry, give everything extra time to dry completely. I like to touch the seams and thick parts of clothes like waistbands or collars, these areas tend to hold onto moisture the longest.
When in doubt, let it air out!
Cool Tools That Can Help
Mini Dehumidifiers Are Your Friend
Mini dehumidifiers have completely changed the game for me when it comes to keeping my RV closet dry. These little powerhouses work tirelessly to pull moisture out of the air, keeping everything fresh and dry.
An RV favorite is the Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier (click to view on Amazon). What makes it so great is its compact size and simple maintenance.
You can just plug it in to recharge it when needed, and it works for about a month before needing another charge. The best part? No batteries to worry about, and no water tank to empty.
Just plug it in whenever it needs to dry out and enjoy dry clothes!
Moisture Absorbers – Your Other Best Friend
When it comes to moisture absorbers, you’ve got options that can work with any setup.
The floor tubs, like DampRid (click to view on Amazon), are perfect for tight spaces. Just pop one on the floor of your closet, and it’ll quietly work away at pulling moisture from the air.
If you’ve got more vertical space to work with, hanging absorbers can be really effective. They work just like the tubs but hang right alongside your clothes, targeting moisture where it tends to collect most.
The type you choose really depends on your specific situation. If you’re working with a super compact closet, definitely go for the tub style.
But if you’ve got some breathing room, those hanging absorbers can be incredibly effective.
Extra Tips
Keeping your RV closet dry is all about creating the right environment. A small fan can make a huge difference. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something to keep the air moving. Position it where it can create a gentle breeze through your clothes. This constant airflow helps prevent moisture from settling and gives mold and mildew less chance to take hold.
Temperature control is another big factor in keeping things dry. Try to maintain a steady temperature in your RV when possible. Wild temperature swings can cause condensation, which is basically an invitation for moisture problems. I’ve found that keeping the temperature between 68-72°F works best, but you’ll need to experiment to find what works in your climate.
Regular cleaning is super important too. I make it a point to wipe down my closet surfaces at least once a month and vacuum out any dust bunnies that might be lurking in corners. Dust might seem harmless, but it’s like a little moisture trap waiting to cause problems.
While you’re cleaning, take the opportunity to reorganize your clothes so they’re not packed too tightly together. Think of your clothes like they need personal space, when they’re crammed together, there’s no room for air to circulate.
What If Nothing’s Working?
If you’ve tried all these tips and you’re still fighting a losing battle against moisture, don’t give up hope! Sometimes the problem goes deeper than just closet dampness. Start by checking all your seals, around windows, doors, and especially the roof.
Even tiny leaks can let in enough moisture to cause problems. Take a close look after it rains to spot any potential water entry points. And don’t forget to check your RV’s ventilation system, sometimes the built-in vents might need cleaning or maintenance to work properly.
To Wrap It Up
Living in a damp RV closet isn’t something you have to put up with. Start with the basics, keep the door open when you can and make sure your clothes are completely dry before storing them.
If you’re still having issues, consider investing in a mini dehumidifier or some moisture absorbers. Remember, every RV is different, so you might need to try a few different approaches before you find your perfect solution.
The important thing is to take action before small moisture problems turn into bigger headaches.
