88 • Section 3 — Exterior & Interior Care Cayman 2006
Dusting:
Vacuum with a brush attachment, or use a dusting tool, on a regular basis.
Cleaning:
A dry foam cleaner may be used for soil and dirt removal. Follow all directions on the container or a cleaning
solution of ¼ ounce clear liquid soap to 8 ounces water.
NOTE:
DO NOT use colored liquid soap as a stain may appear when fabric dries.
MOLD & MILDEW
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in the environment. Mold spreads by means of microscopic
spores borne on the wind and is found everywhere life can be supported. Motorhome construction is not, and
cannot be, designed to exclude mold spores. If the conditions are right, mold can grow in the motorhome. Most
people are familiar with mold growth in the form of bread mold and mildew that may grow on bathroom tile.
Mold spores, as they grow, can leave a musty odor, discolor fabrics, stain surfaces, and cause considerable
damage.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Mold requires a food source to grow. Grease fi lms contain nutrients to cultivate mold spores. Soil on items
such as fabrics and furniture may also supply nutrients for mold growth. Synthetic fabrics such as acetate,
polyester, acrylic and nylon are mildew resistant, but soil on the surface of these fabrics is susceptible to mold.
Temperate climate and moisture help to cultivate mold growth. Moisture in the motorhome can result from
unattended spills, leaks, overfl ows and condensation. Moisture allowed to remain on a growth medium can
develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Minimizing moisture inside of the motorhome can reduce or eliminate
favorable mold growth conditions. Good housekeeping and regular maintenance are essential in the effort to
prevent or eliminate mold growth.
Consequences of Mold:
All mold is not necessarily harmful, but certain strains of mold have been shown to cause, in susceptible
persons, allergic reactions that may include skin irritation, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing,
congestion, sore throat and headache. Individuals with suppressed immune systems may risk infections. Some
experts contend that mold causes serious symptoms and disease which may even be life threatening. However,
experts disagree about the level of mold exposure that may cause health problems, and about the exact nature and
extent of the health problems that may be caused by mold. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that a
casual link between the presence of toxic mold and serious health conditions has not been proven.
Standards or threshold limit values for concentration of mold or mold spores have not been set. No
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations or standards currently exist for airborne mold contaminants.
There is simply no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. For example,
studies have shown that ozone cleaners are not effective at killing airborne mold or surface mold contamination.
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