Last Updated on July 10, 2023
No one wants to be the person with the smelly camper. It is embarrassing and can also be a big turnoff for potential friends and romantic interests. If you are one of the people who enjoy spending time in their camper, then you know how important it is to keep it clean and fresh smelling.
Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it can also be a smelly affair. People don’t want to start their day by taking a hike with a stinky partner. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many campers.
So, finding out how to keep a camper smelling fresh is crucial. By reading on, it becomes clear that there are a few easy ways to keep the smell in your camper fresh and eliminate unwanted odors.
How to Keep a Camper Smelling Fresh : 7 Steps
Even the most well-meaning camper can end up smelling less than fresh after a few days on the road. It is essential to take some preventative measures to make sure that your camper stays smelling clean and fresh.
Here are seven tips on Freshening up your camper:
1. Pack light
The more belongings you have in your camper, the more likely it is to start smelling. try to limit yourself to only packing the essentials. This will help reduce the amount of clutter in your camper and make it easier to keep clean.
When you do need to pack extra items, be sure to store them in airtight containers. This will help keep them from attracting dust and also help prevent any unwanted smells. You should also store your food in airtight containers.
2. Keep things clean
Wipe down all surfaces and vacuum regularly. If possible, try to clean while you are cooking. This will help prevent any spills from sitting and attracting dirt. When there are spills, be sure to clean them up immediately.
If you have pets, keep their sleeping area clean as well. Regular cleaning will help prevent any unpleasant smells from entering your camper. Because campers are often smaller than homes, keeping them as clean as possible is essential. Preventive cleaning will ensure that your camper smells great.
3. Don’t forget the windows
This area is often overlooked but can significantly affect how your camper smells. Whenever possible, open up the windows to let fresh air in. This will help circulate the air and also help get rid of any unwanted smells.
If you always close your windows, bad smells can quickly take over your camper. Be sure to open them up at least once a day to help keep things smelling fresh. So, don’t forget the windows when trying to maintain a clean smell in your camper.
4. Use air fresheners
This is a temporary solution but can help you maintain a fresh smell in your camper. Be sure to choose an air freshener that is not too strong. You don’t want your camper to smell like a perfume store.
Also, be sure to place the air freshener in a strategic location. You want it to be close enough to where people will smell it but not so close that it is overwhelming. A little goes a long way regarding air fresheners, so use them sparingly.
5. Keep things organized
A cluttered and messy camper is more likely to start smelling bad. Take some time to keep things organized. Keeping your camper clean will help reduce particle pollution in the camper. It will also make it easier to clean when necessary.
If you have trouble keeping things organized, consider using storage containers. This will help keep your belongings from taking over your camper. By keeping things tidy, you can help reduce the number of smells in your camper.
6. Avoid strong-smelling foods
Cooking strong-smelling foods can quickly make your camper smell bad. If possible, try to avoid cooking them. If you do need to cook them, be sure to open up the windows and doors to help ventilate the area.
You may also want to consider cooking them outside if possible. This will help keep the smells from overwhelming the camper. When cooking strong-smelling foods, take extra precautions to avoid making your camper smell terrible.
7. Don’t forget to empty the trash regularly
Trash can quickly start to smell, so be sure to empty it regularly. If possible, try to do this every day. If you have a lot of trash, consider using a larger bin or taking it to a dumpster outside.
When emptying the trash, take any strong-smelling items out first. This will make your camper smell less bad. Also, be sure to clean the inside of the trash can regularly. It will help prevent the spread of smells.
When Does the Camper Produce an Unwanted Smell?
The most common cause of an unwanted smell in a camper is poor sanitation habits. You may forget to dispose of trash properly and food properly, not clean up spills and messes, or not use the RV toilet regularly. Leaving these things unchecked can lead to mold and mildew, giving off a musty smell.
If you don’t regularly clean out your RV holding tank, it will start to emit an unpleasant odor. Similarly, if you don’t use the right treatments when emptying your camper’s black tank, odors can build up over time.
Another potential reason for a smelly camper is substandard treatment products. This includes using bleach instead of a mold and mildew cleaner, using scented cleaners instead of unscented ones, and using aeros deodorizers instead of air fresheners.
These products can often mask the smell instead of eliminating it, leading to even more problems. Neglecting regular maintenance can also result in an unwanted odor in a camper.
The Benefits of Keeping Campers Smelling Fresh
There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors. The fresh air, the beautiful scenery. and the less-than-fresh smells. Not only does this help to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone, but it also helps to prevent the spread of disease.
There are several benefits to keeping your camper smelling fresh:
1. A more pleasant camping experience
Let’s face it, no one wants to camp in a smelly camper. Not only is it unpleasant for everyone involved, but it may also serve as a significant turnoff for potential guests. Also, a camper that smells fresh is more likely to be inviting, making it more likely that people will want to come back.
When you maintain a clean camper, you can create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. As a bonus, you can avoid embarrassment if people make fun of your camper.
2. Helps to preserve the camper’s interior
A smelly camper is not only unpleasant, but it can also be damaging to the camper’s interior. Strong odors can cause fabric and other materials to break down over time. Also, the build-up of dirt and grime can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
So not only will freshening up your camper make it more pleasant for everyone, but it will also help keep its interior in good condition. This will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to replace materials often.
3. Helps to prolong the life of the camper
By maintaining the freshness of your camper, you can help prolong the camper’s life. Also, an unpleasant RV smell can be off-putting for guests and may cause them to avoid your camper in the future. Maintaining the smell of your camper will keep it in good condition for a long time.
Not only will this make camping more enjoyable for you, but it will also help you spend less. The result is that keeping your camper smelling fresh is well worth your time.
4. Reduces the risk of illness
One of the most valuable benefits of smelling clean in your camper is reducing the risk of illness. Bacteria and other harmful microorganisms can breed in solid odors. These harmful organisms can also be attracted to dirt and grime that accumulates on floors.
You can reduce the risk of illness by keeping your camper clean and free of strong odors. This is especially important if you have young children or elderly family camping with you. You should also take care if you have any medical conditions that could make you more susceptible to illnesses.
5. Enhanced durability
Investing in a high-quality camper is a significant investment. You want to be sure that your camper lasts for many years to come. Part of taking care of your camper is keeping it smelling fresh.
The camper will remain durable, and you’ll be preventing any possible damage caused by strong odors. So, not only will you enjoy a more pleasant camping experience, but you’ll also be able to prolong the life of your camper.
How Do You Prevent Mold In a Camper to Avoid Smell?
Mold and mildew are common problems in campers, particularly in damp or humid conditions. Not only can they cause musty odors, but they can also lead to health problems for campers with allergies or asthma.
Here are some tips for eliminating mold and mildew in your camper:
1. Improve air circulation: One of the best ways to prevent mold and mildew is to improve air circulation. This can be done by opening windows and doors, using fans, or running a dehumidifier.
2. Use mold-resistant products: Several are available on the market. These can prevent mold and mildew from taking hold of your camper. This is especially important in areas that are prone to dampness or humidity.
3. Clean regularly: Regular cleaning is essential for preventing mold and mildew. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings. Use a mold-killing cleaner for the best results.
4. Use vinegar: Vinegar is a natural mold and mildew killer. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean all surfaces in your camper. Make sure to let the air circulate through the house and open the windows to allow the vinegar smell to dissipate.
5. Use Ethanol: Ethanol is another effective mold and mildew killer. Use a spray bottle filled with equal parts ethanol and water underneath your camper to clean all surfaces. Unpleasant odors can also be eliminated with ethanol.
6. Use tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can be used to kill mold and mildew. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and spray anywhere in your camper you want to clean.
7. Manage Condensation Properly: One of the main reasons mold and mildew grow in campers is condensation. When moisture buildup isn’t managed correctly, it promotes mold and mildew growth. To prevent this, you should:
- Use a dehumidifier
- Open windows and doors to improve air circulation
- Wipe down surfaces that have built up condensation
When preventing mold and mildew, it’s crucial to take action as soon as you notice any signs of growth. Doing this can prevent the problem from worsening and causing severe damage to your camper.
How to Keep Camper Fridge From Smelling?
If you’ve ever stepped into an RV or camper fridge, you know the distinct smell that can linger. Sometimes it’s a faint musty scent, while other times, it’s a strong, pungent RV odor. No matter what, it’s not something you want in your camper. So how do you keep your camper fridge from smelling?
You can do a few things to help eliminate or reduce the refrigerator smell in your camper.
Make sure that you’re regularly cleaning the fridge. Wipe down the interior surfaces, including the door seal, with a mild soap and water solution. You should also empty the fridge and scrub it out periodically to help remove any build-up of food residue or grease.
Propping the fridge door open when possible will also help it stay well-ventilated. You can also absorb odors with baking soda or charcoal. Baking soda and charcoal can help eliminate lingering odors in the fridge. Fresh coffee grounds can also be used similarly.
Does it matter how fresh your camper smells?
Having a fresh-smelling camper is essential. As any seasoned camper knows, there are two types of campers: those who never miss a chance to rough it in the great outdoors and those who prefer to travel in style.
The one thing you can count on is that a camper who smells fresh is a happy camper. Not only does it make the experience more pleasant for you and your guests, but it also helps to ward off potentially harmful pests and insects.
Now you know how to keep your camper smelling fresh and the benefits and necessity of doing so. You and your family will be able to enjoy your camping trip that much more. Also, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the great outdoors.
