Cushion mold preventative

[Ruth C.]

Does anybody know if the bottoms of the cushions MUST have vinyl? I just read where someone encased the foam in plastic inside the covers, which would be easier for me, but wouldn't that just create a breeding ground?
All I can remember from biology class is our moldy bread experiment. I wish I'd listened better!

[Donna D.]

No Ruth, the cushions don't need to be vinyl on any side.. mine aren't and are mold free after 11 years of use. I do set them on one short side to air out and put a passive canister of Dri-Z-Air (classic) in a plastic tub in the sink after a camping trip. It helps to dry the whole trailer out, foam, curtains and carpet which all can get damp from cooking, making coffee and even breathing in and out.

[Carol H]

Ruth mine do not have vinyl either - I recently replaced the original 19 year old covers on mine and the cushions were wrapped in very thin plastic (by Scamp) and they were mold and stain free. Surprising as to how good of shape they were in.

[Eddie Longest]

Ruth
I bought a wet trailer several years ago, the owner had named it the trailer the petri dish camper. The inside of the trailer was covered in mold. Prior to cleaning up the trailer I threw the damp moldy cushions in the back of my truck for a quick trip to the dump. For some reason I decided to unzip the covers to look at the foam. I found the foam to be covered in plastic and all the foam was in perfect condition.
The main reason for covering the foam in plastic is to aid in getting the foam into the cushon covers. The plastic also keeps out dirt and moisture that can migrate through the fabric covers. The really thin plastic used in dry cleaning bags really works great to cover your foam.
Eddie

[john warren]

humidity,,,, almost as vile an enemy as gravity to us older folk.

marine stores sell a product that basicly absorbs moisture from the air.

not sure what its made of , silica or something. you put a package or two in the cabin and it keeps from getting that nasty moldy boat smell.

should work in trailers too,,and as i recall was only a few dollars. certainly not more then ten or i would have been too cheap to buy it.

[BCDave]

If U R talking about Dri-Z-Air - it is avail in many,many places - I think even Wally-World has it!

[melissab]

Good to know! Living in humid FL the trailer always seems damp inside. I want to store my mattress topper on the trailer bed as it's bulky and I have nowhere really in my home for it. Last time I left it in the trailer when we got ready for our next trip it felt a little damp along with the cushions. I'll try the Dri-Z-Air stuff.

Thanks!
Melissa

[Ruth C.]

Thanks for the great solutions. When I tried sewing the vinyl with my machine, I broke three leather needles and then tried sewing it by hand. Two more needles and some blood later, I was thinking about buying a leather punch. Now I can put that money towards a lifetime supply of Dri-Z-Air! Since we don't use the dry cleaners very often, I just went in one and bought some bags for 6 cents each. Pretty cheap alternative! I hope to have some cushion pictures to share soon. Thanks again, Ruth

[Denece]

You may be interested to know that latex foam seems to be naturally mine to molds. We used it on our boat for years. Very comfy too.
We also noticed on the boat, even in the tropics ventilation was key to keeping things sweet smelling