Mold Behind Refrigerator

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   I was cleaning up the exterior of the trailer and when I took off the fridge access panel I saw to my horror that some mold had begun to grow on the right side panel. Does anyone else have this? I meant to take a picture but forgot to (I'll make sure next time I'm out). It didn't appear wet and we haven't had any moisture issues inside the trailer, but I'm guessing that the vent itself lets enough humid air in there that it has started to grow. We live in western Washington, so there is plenty of moisture around. Any ideas on how to treat it? I'm thinking a thorough scrubbing with some bleach followed by some heavy duty paint or sealant. What do you guys think?

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bhamster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 May 2011 Location: Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 165	Topic: Mold Behind Refrigerator Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 3:52pm
	I was cleaning up the exterior of the trailer and when I took off the fridge access panel I saw to my horror that some mold had begun to grow on the right side panel. Does anyone else have this? I meant to take a picture but forgot to (I'll make sure next time I'm out). It didn't appear wet and we haven't had any moisture issues inside the trailer, but I'm guessing that the vent itself lets enough humid air in there that it has started to grow. We live in western Washington, so there is plenty of moisture around. Any ideas on how to treat it? I'm thinking a thorough scrubbing with some bleach followed by some heavy duty paint or sealant. What do you guys think?

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 5:32pm
	Hmm, if it wasn't pouring outside right now I would go check mine. Its on my to-do list now... Not sure I would paint it, then you'll have to paint it every year or two.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

bhamster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 May 2011 Location: Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 165	Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 6:08pm
	Why would have to keep painting it? It's not exposed to sunlight or any direct weather. I was hoping to just create a moisture barrier. If I remember correctly most of that compartment is already covered with a black paint of some sort (maybe even asphalt). Maybe I just need to find out what it is and get some more of it...

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 4:22pm
	Oh, do you mean only painting the inside? I thought you meant you would paint the whole access panel.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

bhamster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 May 2011 Location: Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 165	Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 6:59pm
	Yeah, the mold is on the plywood on the inside right side of the compartment. I would only be painting the plywood. I wish I had a picture, it would make much more sense.

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 7:55pm
	I would paint with "KILZ" .

Outbound Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767	Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 8:00pm
	Nope, not me. I had the refrigerator panels off a few weeks ago while installing a 12v outlet in the bedroom - it was like new back there. I've never found any mold in my 2009 RP-171.
	Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 8:18pm
	What I understand about mold is that it is an airborne spore that is everywhere - all around us. It will grow where it finds moisture and a food source. If you can eliminate either or both of those, it will not grow. Not sure what to advise.....maybe dehumidify the camper????

bhamster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 May 2011 Location: Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 165	Posted: 14 Jun 2012 at 12:31am
	The inside of the camper is fine, no mold there, and I don't think there's a way to dehumidify that compartment since it's ventilated to the outside air. I think I'll clean the area and try some "KILZ" on it to seal it off. I'll post pictures before I treat it in case anyone else has the same thing. It might be that FR was supposed to paint it at the factory but it got overlooked.