If you own an RV, you know how easy it can be to let bad smells take over. It’s especially important to keep your RV smelling fresh while on the road, where you may not have access to a laundromat or the ability to do laundry often enough to prevent bacteria from growing and making your RV smell bad. To avoid bad smells in your RV, follow these easy steps whenever you need to clean and deodorize the inside of your RV after an extended period away from home or when there are guests who may have been overly generous with their use of cologne or perfume inside your vehicle.
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How to keep your RV smelling fresh
Freshen the air with an odor eliminator
If you have ever stepped into an RV that smells musty, you know how unpleasant it can be. And if you are the one living in the RV, it can be even more of a nuisance. But there are ways to keep your RV smelling fresh and free of odors.
One way to freshen the air is to use an odor eliminator. These come in many forms, such as aerosol sprays, candles, and gels. You can also make your own by mixing essential oils with water in a spray bottle.
Eliminating odors is not just about making things smell better. It’s also about improving air quality. Headaches, weariness, and difficulties concentrating can be brought on by poor air quality.
Pack along air fresheners
Packing along air fresheners is the first step to keeping your RV smelling fresh. This will help mask any odors that may be present. Additionally, make sure to ventilate the space well and keep it clean. Empty any garbage regularly and wipe down surfaces. You can also try simmering a pot of water with citrus peels or essential oils to make the space smell nice. Finally, remember that charcoal is great for absorbing odors, so consider placing some in your RV.
Get a portable fan and use it while driving
A portable fan is a great way to keep your RV smelling fresh. The fan will circulate the air and help to remove any stale odors. You can also use it while driving to keep the air moving and prevent any new odors from taking hold. Be sure to position the fan so that it blows air directly into any areas that tend to collect odor, such as the kitchen or bathroom. You may also want to add a few drops of essential oil to the fan for an extra boost of freshness. You can maintain a fresh scent in your RV all season long with a little work.
Keep your refrigerator clean
Your refrigerator is one of the places in your RV that can get pretty stinky quickly. So, it’s important to keep it clean. Here are a few tips:
- Wipe down the inside of your fridge with a mixture of water and vinegar. This will help remove any lingering odors.
- Throw out any old or expired food.
- Put soapy water on the shelves and drawers to clean them.
- Put a box of baking soda in the open refrigerator. Any offensive odors will be absorbed by this.
- Put a bowl of freshly cut lemons in the fridge. The citrus smell will help freshen things up.
- As much as you can, keep the fridge door closed.
Go outside when you’re parked at campgrounds
Try to go outside as much as possible when you’re parked at a campground. Not only will this give you a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, but it will also help keep your RV from getting too stuffy. If you must stay inside, crack a window or two to let in some fresh air.
Spray the carpet with vinegar solution
Spraying a vinegar solution on your carpets is a great way to keep them smelling fresh. It will help neutralize any odors trapped in the carpet fibers. Plus, it’s a natural disinfectant, which will also help kill any bacteria that may be causing the bad smells. To make a vinegar solution, mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar. Then, put it in a spray bottle and spritz it liberally on your carpets. Before vacuuming up the solution, let it sit for about 15 minutes. Your carpets’ improved freshness will wow you!
Add baking soda to every corner of the trailer
If you want to keep your RV smelling fresh, one of the best things you can do is add baking soda to every corner of the trailer. This will help absorb any bad smells and odors. Plus, it’s a natural way to freshen up your space. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by taking out all of the trash from your RV. This includes garbage from inside the cabinets, under the sink, and in the fridge.
- Next, vacuum all of the floors and surfaces. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
- Once everything is clean, start adding baking soda to every corner of the trailer. You can also put some in each drawer and cabinet.
Use fabric softener sheets to remove odors from clothing or bedding.
If you’ve ever had a smelly laundry basket, you know the power of a fabric softener sheet. These magical little sheets can also be used to remove odors from clothing or bedding in your RV. Just tuck a sheet or two into pillows, blankets, and other linens, and they’ll help keep everything smelling fresh. You can also hang them in closets or somewhere you need a little extra freshening power.