To make a caravan smell fresh, air it out fully, clean the spots that hold smells, and get rid of any damp. Then add a scent that's secure on the road: a car diffuser in a cup holder, or a reed diffuser with the reeds removed and the bottle capped while you drive.
Caravans spend months closed up in a driveway or storage yard, then go straight into heat, dust and sandy feet. Here's how to get yours smelling good before the trip and keep it that way on the road.
Step 1: air it out
A van that's been shut for a season holds stale air. Before anything else, open it right up.
- Open everything: door, windows, roof hatches and cupboards, for a few hours on a dry day
- Run the fans: if your van has roof or exhaust fans, switch them on to move air through
- Pull out soft furnishings: cushions, mattress toppers and curtains can air in the sun
Step 2: clean the usual culprits
- The fridge: empty it, wipe it out and leave the door ajar when the van is in storage
- Bins and the sink: empty the bin, clean the drain and run fresh water through
- The bathroom and toilet: clean and empty following your van maker's instructions
- Floors and upholstery: vacuum sand and dust from every corner, then wash covers and mats
Step 3: deal with damp
A musty smell usually means moisture. Check under the bed, inside cupboards and around windows and seals. Dry everything fully before you close the van up, and if you find a leak, get it repaired. Fragrance won't fix damp, so fix the cause first.
Step 4: add a scent that's safe on the road
Anything in a caravan has to survive corners, corrugations and sudden stops. Choose a scent that stays put.
Car diffuser: easiest for travel
The kirri car diffuser sits in a cup holder or door compartment and needs no power, so it suits a van with a cup holder by the dinette or bed. It takes a 100ml traditional refill. Open the lid further on cooler days for more scent, and less on hot days.
Reed diffuser: best at camp
A 100ml reed diffuser suits the smaller space inside a van. Treat it differently when you're moving.
- Before you drive: take the reeds out, cap the bottle and stand it upright in a cupboard, wedged so it can't tip
- The reeds: wrap them in a paper towel or zip-lock bag so they don't mark anything
- At camp: set it up on a flat, stable surface, on a tray or non-slip mat
- Keep clear: away from the stove, heaters, direct sun through the window, and out of reach of kids and pets
Caravans heat up quickly in an Australian summer, and a reed diffuser will use oil faster in a hot van. On a long trip, pack a refill. For more on reed diffuser placement, see where to put a reed diffuser.
Choosing a scent for a small space
A van is a small room, so go lighter than you would at home.
- Light: bondi (strength 1/5) with mandarin, watery ozone and green cardamom
- Clean: coral (2/5) with bergamot, eucalyptus and white flowers
- Warmer: dream (3/5) with citrus, jasmine, tea and musk
Before you put it back in storage
- Empty and clean: the fridge, bins and bathroom
- Take scent home: remove reed diffusers and refills so they're not sitting in a hot, closed van for months
- Leave a gap: prop the fridge door and a cupboard or two slightly open
FAQ
Can I leave a reed diffuser out while I'm driving?
No. Take the reeds out and cap the bottle before you drive, then store it upright somewhere it can't tip. Spilled oil can mark benchtops and upholstery.
What about an electric diffuser in a caravan?
The Element is rechargeable, with about 12 hours on low on battery, which can suit an unpowered site. Pack it away securely before you drive.
How do I stop my caravan smelling musty in storage?
Store it clean and completely dry, leave the fridge door ajar, and check seals for leaks. Air it out before your next trip.