Closed Up coach has a Stale, Stinky, Musty, Sitting in Storage Smell?

[Nara Queen]

We recently went to look at a Newell coach that has been sitting in storage. I loved how walking around in the coach it didn't wobble and wiggle like many cheaper brands of motorhomes do. It was sturdy and very well built. When we stepped in it I must admit it was very pleasant on the eyes. But can I get pass the stale, stinky, musty, muggy, closed up sitting in storage smell? :sick: If we were to purchase a coach like this what can we do to get rid of this awful smell? :question:

Thanks,
Nara

[cdat]

I'm no expert, and others will probably have better ideas, but, as long as there is no mold or mildew, a good airing out would get rid of most of it. You may need to get the carpet cleaned if there is any, possibly the drapes and furniture, depends how long it has been closed up.

good luck
John

[MrE]

I am also not an expert, but I do know how to Google:nod: I searched for "how to get rid of musty smell" and came up with a lot of interesting information. Here's one link that wasn't trying to sell a product that looked to be fairly informative - Simple Tips to Get Rid of Musty Smell (http://www.schoolofhowto.com/tips-rid-musty-smell/)

Natural Remedies and Solutions for Musty SmellsYou should use natural products first when trying to get rid of odors. Usually we are effected by these odors because they are occurring in an environment that we spend a lot of time. Most of the natural products will kill the mold and musty smells as good as chemical alternatives, yet natural products are safe for you, your family and pets.

Vinegar - The high acidity of vinegar helps kill mold and fungi that cause musty smells. Pick up a cheap spray bottle at the store and mix it one part water to one part vinegar. Spray the infected area with generous amount of vinegar and allow it to sit for a few hours. Go back over the area with some soapy water. This serves two functions, cleaning the area once again while also helping to dilute the vinegar smell.
Lemon - Similar to vinegar, lemon has a very high acidity. Take some natural lemon juice (no added sugars) and mix it one part lemon juice to one part water and spray the infected area. Allow it to sit for a few hours and then clean the area once again with some soapy water.
Baking Soda - Baking soda has always been known for it’s ability to absorb smells. You may remember your parents keeping a box of it in the fridge as a kid. You can apply baking soda to an area to help remove the smell but it won’t resolve the problem as it won’t kill the fungi or mold. I generally would suggest you use this process after cleaning with the vinegar or lemon juice.

Chemical Solutions

Hydrochloric Acid - Using hydrochloric acid is one of the most effective ways to kill mold and stop the odors. However, hydrochloric acid can be dangerous and also can ruin a lot of surfaces such as wood floors. You should always try the natural remedies first. If you have tried the vinegar and lemon yet the mold keeps reappearing apply some hydrochloric acid. Make sure you are wearing protective gloves, goggles and a respirator when doing this. If you’re problem is serious enough that you have to use hydrochloric acid, I would suggest contacting a mold remediation specialist.

Musty Odor PreventionThe easiest solution to musty odors is preventing them. Musty odors and mold typically form when an environment stays damp and warm for an extended period of time. The basement in your house is one of the easiest places for musty odors to form. The following are some simple preventive tips.

Dehumidifier - A dehumidifier in your basement and damp areas of your house is one of the best preventive measures you can take. You will be amazed at the amount of water that your dehumidifier will suck out of the air every day, instantly helping you to get rid of musty smells.
Clean and Dry Damp Rugs and Towels - Damp rugs at the entrance of your house or leaving wet towels lay around the bathroom are huge cause for musty smells. Make sure to keep all areas of your house as dry as possible.
Gutters - Having gutters properly installed on your house will help keep your basement dryer. Make sure that you have the gutters directing the water away from your house properly.
Seal Leaks and Cracks in Your Foundation and Around Windows - Walk around your house with a caulk gun and fill in any cracks you can see in your foundation, around pipes and windows.
Fix Leaking Faucets & Pipes – Once again we are trying to eliminate any access moisture.

A clean and dry environment will always help fight off mold and musty smells. Following these preventive measures will help eliminate ever having mold or musty smells in your house.

[jWolfe]

If all else fails take it into a detailer that is good at what they do. When they are done it should smell like a brand new coach.

[Randy J]

I sure don't claim to be an expert either. I have heard these ozone air purifiers work well for heavy odors.


<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FSFHL0/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004FSFHL0&linkCode=as2&tag=affiliatechie-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004FSFHL0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=affiliatechie-20" ></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=affiliatechie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004FSFHL0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />


<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FSFHL0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004FSFHL0&linkCode=as2&tag=affiliatechie-20">MicroLux ML4000D Series Home HEPA Ionic Ozone Generating Air Purifier - Black</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=affiliatechie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004FSFHL0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />


The MicroLux Air Purifier is a powerhouse that can clean up to 3000 sq ft of air and has an ultra quiet five-speed fan that is whisper-quiet! Features 7-Types of Filtration. that will reduce the spread of colds and viruses by eliminating airborne bacteria, germs, and mold spores. It will also reduce levels of allergens including pollen and animal dander. In addition to removing all the harmful airborne particles, this purifier will make your home smell fresh and clean by eliminating odors such as pet odors, cigarette smoke, and dust.


Filters:

» 1)Pre-Carbon Filter: Safely removes heavy odors and large particles.
» 2)HEPA Filter: Removes allergens, contaminants, dust and pollens.
» 3)TiO2 Photo Catalytic Filter: When used in conjunction with UV removes mold spores and bacteria.
» 4)Charcoal Filter: Charcoal filters are proven to safely removes odors from the air.
» 5)Ozone Plate: Reacts with, and breaks down, the organic compounds typically behind most odors. This means that the odors are actually destroyed!
» 6) Dual UV Germicidal Purifiers: Germs that cause influenza are spread up to three feet when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes. The dual UV germicidal purifiers safely take airborne bacteria, viruses, odors and germ microbes and destroys them.
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[NEWELLWIZARD]

Everyone has good ideas to put you in the right direction. :thumbsup: If it is an older coach updating the curtains or flooring will probably be due anyhow. Meaning you could look at it as a double whammy.

[Nara Queen]

Thank you for all the suggestions, I would rather the owner do one of these things to get rid of the smell before we were to make the purchase. However, I don't think that's likely. If we were to purchase it at a great price we couldn't refuse I could see us doing updates right away and hope that along with some other tips or tricks you all have posted would we be able to combat the smell. We are still looking but with the weather getting better right around the corner it is making me eager to get a coach so we can be on the road asap. Not trying to rush because I know all good things come in time. Thanks again for your help!