By P.S. Orr
Have you purchased a new RV recently and notice a toxic odor that emits from the interior every time you open the door? Or do you already own an RV that causes your eyes to water, nose to sting and gives you a headache every time you go inside? Generally, the odors you smell and the reactions you are experiencing are a result of various amounts of formaldehyde and other chemicals found in the particle board, glue and other synthetic materials that are used to construct your RV.
Even though there are some regulations regarding the use of these chemicals in certain building materials, the regulations do not totally prohibit the use of toxic chemicals in the use of everyday building items. Many people find that their bodies are annoyed mildly or react seriously to certain chemicals especially when in a small, air tight space such as an RV.
So, is there a way to lessen the toxicity and resulting odors for a healthier RVing experience? The short answer is yes. However, if you have already become very sensitized to certain commonly used chemicals in building materials, then it may be that you can not tolerate even small amounts of it. But for those who are mildly irritated or want to reduce the toxic odor in their new or existing RVs, there are several ways to accomplish this.
1. Wash all the walls and floors. A simple neutralizing agent that is helpful is white vinegar mixed with equal parts water. Be sure to wash down all the cabinets inside and out. You probably will notice a particularly toxic smell on opening the cabinets unless you have solid wood cabinets. If your cabinets are solid wood, don’t wash them.
This not only helps to remove some of the residue that continually seeps from the walls and floors but it also helps to combat mustiness and mold that can build up in parked RVs. There is no need to wash off after applying, just let dry naturally. Do not drip on furniture or bedding although it does not stain. You will notice an immediately fresher smell. You can use this application as often as you want since it will not harm the interior. Also, wash the floors if you have laminate or synthetic tile only.
Purchase enough Safe Coat from the AFM company to apply a thin layer on all walls, inside and outside cabinets. This product is completely invisible and does not leave a shine or damage materials. It does seal in much of the toxic chemical residue from walls and other surfaces. The AFM company specializes in nontoxic building supplies and remediation products to help reduce toxicity in certain building materials that are placed in living spaces.
2. Next, you need to reduce the toxicity from synthetic fabrics in your RV furniture. If have fabric as opposed to leather, use a steam cleaner to clean all fabric in your travel trailer. Be careful not to damage or shrink any fabrics. Use fabric cleaner found from AFM company that specializes in nontoxic cleaners for sensitive users. After cleaning and drying, then spray a fine mist of Safe Seal furniture sealer also purchased from AFM company. Let dry thoroughly.
For carpeted floors, also, steam clean carpet with Safe Carpet cleaner and then apply Safe Seal before it is dry. This will help immensely with new carpet odor.
3. For good results after cleaning walls, cabinets and furniture, you can put a dehumidifier in the RV that should absorb any moisture within 24 hours and leave your RV completely dry.
If you follow this regimen thoroughly, you should smell a noticeable improvement in the chemical odors that have been emitting from your travel trailer. Also, in the case of new RVs, as the trailer gets older, it will naturally degas further. You may also repeat any of these steps if you still have problems. Of course, there are many people who just cannot physically tolerate the chemicals found in RVs no matter what is done, so for those, it is best to simply remodel a travel trailer with nontoxic, safe materials.
P.S. Orr has been writing articles for 6 years on a variety of topics of interest. Come visit the latest website at http://www.singleservecoffeemakerstore.com/ which helps people find the best deals on a single serve coffee maker and more information about personal coffee machines.
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