Mold mites in van

rambrose

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My son is having a mare trying to get rid of tiny white mites.
They're confined to the shower/toilet cubicle.
He believes they came from coco coir compost he uses in the loo.
Hasn't been using the shower in the van for ages.
Haven't found any damp.
Toilet has been emptied.
So far he's
hoovered, bleached, sprayed vinegar, bug bombed, steamed and run a dehumidifier.
The toilet has been stripped and subjected to the above.
Bedding and clothing has gone through a hot wash.

He's moved in with us while he's been spraying and scrubbing.
His efforts have reduced the numbers but not eliminated them.
The photo is the following day after bleaching. IMG-20250802-WA0000.jpgIMG-20250802-WA0002.jpg
Any suggestions?
About to get a mite spray and I've suggested keeping the loo out of the van once sprayed
 
I asked on ChatGPT

How do you get rid of Mold mites?

ChatGPT said:​

Mould mites (also called grain mites or humidity mites) thrive in damp, mouldy environments—so the key to getting rid of them is to remove their food source: mould. Here’s a simple, step-by-step plan that works without harsh chemicals:

🧹 1. Clean the Affected Area Thoroughly​

  • Wear gloves and a mask (they can irritate allergies).
  • Wipe down the area with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to kill mould and remove food for the mites.
  • For stubborn mould, use a paste of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and water.
  • Wipe again with clean water and dry thoroughly.

💨 2. Dry It Out​

  • Mould mites need high humidity (above 60%).
  • Use a dehumidifier, open windows, or run an extraction fan to lower humidity.
  • Consider a small moisture absorber (like DampRid or silica gel) for cupboards and corners.

🧽 3. Vacuum and Dispose​

  • Vacuum floors, shelves, and any crevices near the mould source.
  • Empty the vacuum cleaner immediately outside, as mites can crawl back out.

🧺 4. Wash or Remove Soft Items​

  • Wash curtains, clothes, or bedding near the area on a hot cycle.
  • If things are too far gone (e.g. black mould deeply embedded), it might be best to bin them.

🛑 5. Prevent Recurrence​

  • Fix leaks, condensation, or damp patches.
  • Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow air to circulate.
  • Use anti-mould paint or mould-resistant sprays in problem spots.
Would you like suggestions for natural sprays or small dehumidifiers suitable for motorhome use?

You said:​

Please

ChatGPT said:​

Grand — here are some practical and compact options that suit a motorhome or small space like yours:

🌿 Natural Mould & Mite Sprays​

1. White Vinegar Spray (DIY)​

  • How to make: Mix 50% white vinegar + 50% water in a spray bottle.
  • Use: Spray on mouldy areas, leave for 1 hour, then wipe clean.
  • Bonus: Kills mould spores and deters mites.

2. Clove Oil Spray (Optional)​

  • How to make: 1/4 teaspoon clove oil in 500ml water.
  • Use: Spray lightly and don’t rinse — clove oil kills mould spores over time.
  • Caution: Strong smell, but effective. Not good around pets if they lick surfaces.

3. Ready-Made Option​

  • Astonish Mould & Mildew Blaster (UK)
    • Cheap, works well on tiles, silicone, and around windows.
    • Available in most supermarkets or online.

💨 Small Dehumidifiers for Motorhome Use​

✅ Rechargeable Moisture Absorbers​

  • Example: Pro Breeze Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
    • No cords or batteries needed.
    • Ideal for wardrobes, cupboards, or small areas.
    • When full, plug in at home to dry out the crystals.
    • Silent, safe, lasts years.

✅ Electric Compact Dehumidifiers​

  • Example: MeacoDry ABC 10L or Pro Breeze Compact Dehumidifier
    • Quiet and low-power.
    • Suitable for small rooms or vans.
    • Plug in overnight in damp areas like bathrooms or around windows.
    • Helps prevent both mites and condensation.

✅ Budget Passive Option​

  • Damp traps like Unibond Aero 360 or Kilrock moisture absorbers
    • Cheap, disposable or refillable.
    • Silent and portable.
    • Good for cupboards, corners, behind furniture.
 
I think your suggestion of removing loo and seeing if they die off from van is good idea, this way He can see if the damp source is the loo or from elsewhere.
 
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