How do you get musty smells out of an old used RV?

Question

Got an old used RV, smells like a dead rat, Cleaned it, but I couldn't take out all the pumps, wiring, and water tank to clean around. I also used the shop vac. I am letting it air out, because something may still be in the frame. So, I am asking, how to get the smell out after cleaning what I could reach. This thing sat in a field for two years and A friend gave it to me. Any tips for an old rv would be welcome. It runs good and the fridge and stove work fine, as does the pump and hot water. Thanks.

Answer 1

The first thing I would suggest is a thorough search of the RV to determine if a field animal got into the vehicle. A dead mammal reeks and it is a very strong smell that won't go away, even with an airing out. After you have made sure that is not the problem, I would suggest two main steps that are quite easy to accomplish. Additionally, there are some optional steps should you require an all out attack on odor.
1. Go to home improvement store and buy product called "Damp Rid." This is one product that truly delivers. Use it as directed and you will be amazed to find it soaks up humidity, dampness and odors. (I use it in my teenager's closets and any place that remains closed to air circulation.)
2. Place some bowls of white vinegar througout the RV for a few days. Ignore the vinegar smell, as it will dissipate eventually, along with the odors. After a few days, air out the RV and you should find the air smells much cleaners. (Someone suggested this treatment would rid a house of fish smells after cooking, and it works REMARKABLY well for fish or any other stinky smell.)
3. You may want to sprinkle some baking soda over the carpet and on the bedding, and chairs to tackle left over odors.
4. Spray "Oust" spray or Lysol disenfectant spray throughout.

If all else fails, hire a pest control person to search (for an up-front agreed upon price) for dead rodents. Good luck!

Answer 2

Musty Smell In Rv

Answer 3

Get the fabreeze air effects that plug into the wall. They have one that is supposed to not only make the room smell good but attack bacteria, its Orange. My sons room always smelled like a foot, and that's what I put in there it works good. Also maybe smell the carpet if you have any, if so may consider steam cleaning it. Carpet can get musty and even mold smell. Don't use the powder carpet stuff, all it does is sink down into the rug and create dust type allergies. Good luck and nothing wrong with being a clean guy

Answer 4

I had an old RV and we got rid of the smell by applying polyurithane to all surfaces that are wood. Inside and outside of the cabinets, walls or doors. If there are any rugs, take them out. And wash the curtains. Also the outside can look like new if you wash it with "Super Clean". (found in Auto dept. of department stores like Walmart, or an Auto store) It's the best cleaner in the world, I use it for almost everything. Good luck and enjoy your RV. Kathy

Answer 5

Use a dehumidifier to ensure all the moisture in the air is absent.Maybe an ozone machine would help.It works to remove the stench of a fire. Ammonia is also a good odor remover. Bleach too.Tomato juice works on skunk smell.
But get the moisture out of there first.

Answer 6

Buy some Febreeze.

Answer 7

Try vanilla essence in water or bicarbonate of soda.

Answer 8

use a air cleaner that has a ionizer feature

Answer 9

u need to use lemon juice with a little hot water

Answer 10

submerge it in tomato juice..rinse with vinegar..better use the force..safe journey.