Getting rid of Mildew smell from under bed storage hold

[Gimmie66]

We have carpeting throughout the rear bedroom of a T-2553. The only odor we have of mildew comes from the storage area under the bed, any ideas getting rid of the odor. Tried Frabreeze, didn't kill the odor. The rug is spotless , really confuses us. We leave the bed open and let sunshine and air in but nothing seems to help?
Can anyone recommend a product getting rid of mildew smell, short of tearing out the carpet and installing new ?

[Mark]

Not to scare you more, but perhpas you have a serious leak and the wood underneath may be rotting.

[Poppy & Nana]

Originally Posted by Mark

Not to scare you more, but perhpas you have a serious leak and the wood underneath may be rotting.

That was my thought also!

[donreitz]

This may sound a little strange, but it works for us. Try spreading dry used coffee grounds where the smell is located, wait a few days and then vacuum them up. (This assumes the smell is in the carpet and not from damaged flooring underneath.) I learned this trick in the Navy. Whenever we had our refrigerator in storage we were told to put a sock full of used coffee grounds inside to keep it from getting that moldy smell that comes with keeping it closed for a long time. It works. Since then I've used the trick to get the musty smell out of old furniture by spreading grounds in drawers and cabinets. Additionally, it's helped remove pet urine odor from carpets. You have to make sure the carpet is dry before applying the grounds or else you'll get a stain.
Hope this helps.
Don

[Gimmie66]

Thanks for the tips gentlemen. The storage hold is dry, the carpet is dry so we are trying the coffee ground approach. So far its smells great and the mildew smell is gone, we've had it sitting for three days with the vents open and bed up.
Taking grandchild for camping trip this weekend, so we'll really give it a test.
Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[Chickadee]

We also have a T-2553 with the same issue and it has been driving me crazy. Do you use the water tank? We always have because we never camped where there were hookups. I thought maybe it was a small leak from the tank but the rug and floor are bone dry.
I have also tried the Frebreeze & leave the bed up all winter to aid circulation and use those citrus air freshners. I will try the coffee grounds that Don suggested because this is the area that I store the sleeping bags and blankets and I hate the thought of putting them there.
I wonder if this is a unique problem with the 2553?
Deb

[Al in PA]

Deb:

Were you referring to the hot water heater? My 2007 T-2553 has the fresh water tank mounted under the sofa area in front of the axles. It is hard to determine when the tank is about full and water sometimes backs out the fill and vent tubes if I'm not careful. This could result in a leak if the two tubes are not properly sealed. Fortunately, we have not experienced any unpleasant odors under the bed or anywhere in the trailer.

[Chickadee]

Al
Yes, I was referring to the fresh water tank. It is under the bed in our 2002, 2553. Your lucky to have all that room under your bed. I did notice the brochure for the newer models even have pull out drawers on both sides. I like that idea for shoes and wish we had them. I'm always tripping over mine!

Deb

[Lode]

Charcoal brickettes do a great job at removing odors and moisture, especially preventing mildew in enclosed spaces. I've used them for years to help prevent mildew from starting in the boats I've owned.

I put about 1/2 dozen bricks into a tupperware container, leaving the cover off, near where I think might be an entry or accumulation point for moisture. Once the bricks get really squishy or discolored, replace.

Hope that helps,
Jason

[Chickadee]

Jason Thanks for the charcoal tip! I can't wait to try it. I'll keep you posted with the results. Now if I could just find the source of the problem.
Deb