Damp In Caravans: The Ultimate Guide To Fixing It

The ultimate horror story: you’ve just spotted the first signs of damp in your caravan. It can be a horrible, sinking feeling, but don’t give in to panic – there are tried and trusted ways to deal with it. We’ve rounded up the best methods to help you fix damp and get your caravan back to its best again. 

Alternatively, why not use our inclusive caravan finance to fund a shiny new model in convenient monthly payments? We scour the UK for the best deals for your dream make and model – meaning it might not cost as much as you think!

What are the first signs of damp in a caravan?

Let’s face it – nobody wants to deal with damp. But catching it early can save you loads of hassle (and money!). Here are the telltale signs to keep an eye out for:

• An unmistakable musty, boggy scent that hits you when you open the door.
• Dark, wet patches on walls and floor that look like someone’s spilled water.
• Black mould creeping around door and window seals.
• Soft or spongy walls if you press against the wall and it feels like a squishy sponge, that’s not good news
• Pink or blue staining appearing on wall surfaces.
• Creaky or spongy floors that feel like you’re walking on a bouncy castle
• Bubbling or blistering of the plastic wallboard covering
• Discolouration that makes your lovely caravan look sad and neglected

It’s important to regularly do checks because if you spot the early signs of damp in your caravan, it’s much more treatable than if it sets in and causes lasting damage.

Where to check for damp

There are some key danger zones that are likely culprits for moisture retention. Always check this list when you’re trying to figure out if your caravan has damp.

• Windows and door seals – while they’re usually fine when the caravan is new, over time they can become less flush and watertight. 
• Roof and roof lights – especially after it’s been raining!
• Awning fixings – small gaps are a danger zone for small amounts of water getting in too.
• Along joints and seams – where panels meet, there’s always a chance that they’ll let water in too!
• Beneath trim – moisture can easily get trapped under here.
• Around grab handles – another favourite hiding spot with low air flow to get rid of any moisture that’s settled.
• Wheel arches – these can get hit by splashes from road spray
• Floor areas – particularly in older caravans.
• Around plumbing – pipes can be common culprits for leaks.

Still unsure? Use a damp meter to confirm

If you’re still not certain if you have a damp problem after doing the checks above, a damp meter can confirm or deny it for you. You can pick up a basic one from around £20, so it’s a worthwhile investment for your motorhome. 

Here’s how they work:

• Any reading under 15% is considered fine
• Readings between 15-20% suggest you might want to keep an eye on things
• Anything above 20% and you’ve definitely got a damp situation on your hands

You can get two types of damp meters:

1. Pin-type meters – these poke tiny holes but give super accurate readings
2. Non-penetrative testers – these no damage to your lovely caravan, but tend to be slightly less accurate

If you’re worried about poking holes in your pride and joy, go for the non-penetrative type. Taking regular readings can help you catch problems before they become disasters.

How to fix caravan damp wall damage 

Oh no – found damp in your caravan? Here’s our step-by-step guide to how to fix caravan damp wall damage:

Step 1: Dry out your caravan completely

First things first, you need to get everything dry. Strip out any soft furnishings like bedding, cushions and any clothes or blankets in cupboards. Invest in (or rent) a decent dehumidifier to suck all that moisture from the air. 

Then throw open all windows, doors and cupboards to ventilate the entire space. Take your time with this step – drying too quickly with heaters can warp your walls, and nobody wants a wonky caravan.

Step 2: Tackle any mould

Once things are drying out, it’s time to tackle the mould. Grab a mould removal spray, leave it on for the recommended amount of time and get scrubbing. If you don’t like using harsh chemicals, you can try a mix of some washing up liquid and warm water or equal parts vinegar and water. 

Just remember to never use bleach on mould – it’s highly likely to damage your surfaces. After you’ve blitzed the mould, let everything dry out properly before moving on.

Step 3: Prevent mould returning

Now for some prevention to stop it creeping back. Mix up a tablespoon of clove oil with a litre of water in a spray bottle (bonus: it smells nicer than vinegar too!). 

Spray this potion over your previously mouldy bits and let it sit for 20 minutes while you enjoy a well-deserved cuppa. Then just wipe it dry. This should help to kill any remaining mould spores waiting to sprout back. 

Step 4: Find and fix the source of damp

This part is crucial, otherwise, you’ll just enter into a neverending cycle of the steps above. You’ve got to find out where that water’s coming from. 

Check those shower trays, sinks and pipes for any leaks. Have a good look at window and door seals for cracks where rain might be creeping in. And don’t forget to inspect roof seams and vents. The list above should help you know exactly where to check.

When you find the culprit, replace any broken seals with proper caravan-specific sealant.

Step 5: Replace damaged materials

If the damp is extensive, you might need to take more serious action. For badly affected areas, you may need to remove damaged wall panels altogether. Replace any rotted wood or damaged framework with fresh materials – and make sure to use moisture-resistant options where possible. 

When installing the replacements, double-check that everything is sealed up tight. A good seal now saves a world of pain later.

How much does damp repair cost? 

It’s understandable that you’ll want to know just how much fixing damp might set you back. While these costs are just rough estimates for 2025, they should help give you a benchmark to work with: 

• DIY minor repairs – £50-£100 for bits and bobs like sealant, mould spray, and clove oil.
• Small area professional repairs – around £500.
• Substantial damage – up to £1,000 or more.
• Extensive structural damage – in extreme cases, repairs could cost more than your caravan is worth. Time for a new one? 

Here’s the unfortunate reality – most caravan insurance policies won’t cover damp damage. They see it as your job to maintain your caravan, not something they should pay for if damage is caused by damp. So, all the more reason to keep on top of those checks!

Tips for preventing damp in caravans

Let’s face it – now you’ve seen what it takes to deal with damp, you’ll probably agree with us that prevention is way easier than cure. Here are our top tips to keep it at bay.

Get a damp meter

Investing in a damp meter is probably your smartest move – it’s an early warning system that alerts you to any growing issues before they get out of hand. Regular checks only take a minute but can save you thousands in repairs.

Make ventilation a habit

Ventilation is absolutely crucial. So fling those cupboards, windows and doors open whenever you can, especially after cooking or showering. It’s much better for all the steam you create to go outside than into your walls!

Dry clothes outside

Never dry clothes inside your caravan unless you want to create your own mini rainforest. The moisture coming off of your clothes has to go somewhere, and it usually ends up in your walls and ceiling. Hang things outside or in an awning instead.

Use silica gel or dehumidifying crystals

Pop some silica gel or dehumidifying crystals into storage areas that don’t get much airflow. They’re a cheap and really effective way to soak up excess moisture.

Perform regular checks

Don’t be a stranger to your caravan, especially if you store it for months at a time. Pop round for regular check-ups, especially after heavy rain. Keeping an eagle eye out for the first signs of damp in your caravan means you can spot trouble early and save yourself a massive headache later.

Keep water draining away properly

Caravan maintenance matters, too. Clear out gutters and drainage channels regularly to prevent water pooling in the wrong place or getting blocked in pipes. Plus, think about upgrading to double-glazed windows if you haven’t already – they cut condensation dramatically and keep you warmer.

Reseal your caravan when needed

Make a habit of re-sealing external joints every couple of years, even if they look fine. You’ll find that a tube of sealant costs a lot less than replacing an entire wall panel!

Don’t skip the yearly service

Finally, consider treating yourself to a full caravan service appointment once a year. Professionals often spot potential problems that the average owner might miss. That way, you can rest assured that everything’s in good order before you get your motorhome on the road for the new year’s adventures!

Winter storage 

Winter is prime time for damp to set in with months of storage in cold temperatures and wet weather. Here’s how to keep your caravan snug and dry when it’s cold outside:

• Take all your soft stuff home – bedding, cushions, fluffy throws, clothes and even the dog’s bed to stop them from absorbing ambient moisture from the air.
• Leave cupboards and doors ajar – giving your caravan room to breathe prevents pockets of stale air where moisture can accumulate and turn into mould.
• Invest in a proper breathable cover – like a waterproof jacket for your caravan that keeps the rain out while letting moisture escape to prevent condensation build-up.
• Place bowls of salt or cat litter inside – these are another natural dehumidifier, meaning they will absorb moisture from the air, keeping the interior nice and dry.
• Consider a small heater or dehumidifier – if you’ve got power nearby, maintaining a low level of heat prevents extreme temperature drops that cause condensation.
• Park on level ground – puddles forming under your caravan can seep up through the floor over time, so proper drainage is essential.
• Give it a good spring clean before shutting up shop – food crumbs and dirt attract moisture and create perfect breeding grounds for mould, so a thorough clean is your first line of defence.
• Pop by for a monthly check-up – just to make sure everything’s okay!

If you do all of these simple things, you’ll be much more likely to have a lovely dry caravan to do your adventuring come spring. 

Fancy a brand new caravan?

Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions about how to fix damp in a caravan and helped give you some useful prevention tips to keep it at bay in future. However, if your caravan has seen better days and you fancy something a bit newer, we can help make that happen.

At Auto Finance Online, we make getting a new caravan super simple, with flexible payment options to suit you. Not sure how much you could borrow? It might be more than you think. Try out our budget calculator to get an idea! 

Want to hear more? Get in touch to talk through your options with a friendly member of our team. We’ll do our best to make your motorhome dreams come true.