How to Get Mouse Smell Out of Camper | Easy Steps

One downside is that RVs can be susceptible to pest infestations, especially mice. Some days ago, when I entered my RV, a too-familiar musky, urine-like odor ruined my mood. Yes, it was the smell of a mouse! So, if you have a similar problem, then I understand your frustration.

But don’t worry, as I successfully got rid of the smell, I’m sure that my technique will help you too. The key to getting rid of mouse smell in an RV is through a combination of cleaning, deodorizing, and preventing future infestations. It may take some work, but with the right strategies, you can eliminate unwanted rodent odors and get back to enjoying your home on wheels.

In this guide, I will provide tried-and-tested techniques to guide you on how to remove mouse smell from your camper or RV. With a concerted effort, your mobile abode can go from nasty to no scent of mice at all. So plug that nose, and let’s get started!

Method 1: Thorough Cleaning of All Surfaces

The first step in removing mouse odor from an RV is to do a deep, thorough cleaning of every surface and crevice. This process removes urine, feces, and other debris that cause the smell.

1. Wash Fabrics and Soft Surfaces

Fabrics like curtains, upholstery, mattresses, and carpeting absorb odors readily. For washable fabrics:

Step 1: Strip fabrics off items and launder in hot water. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or baking soda to remove odors.

Step 2: For non-washables, use an enzymatic cleaner formulated for pet odors. Spray liberally and allow to sit for 30 minutes before blotting.

Step 3: Steam clean carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. The heat helps deactivate odor molecules.

Step 4: If odors persist, you may need to replace the item. Mouse urine often cannot be fully removed from soft goods.

2. Disinfect Hard Surfaces

Deodorizing a camper means sanitizing every hard surface the mice contact.

Step 1: Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and wipe down walls, flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Let the solution sit briefly before rinsing.

Step 2: Remove all drawers, shelves, and other removable parts and clean them separately. Mice hide urine and feces in back corners.

Step 3: Clean ceiling vents, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures. Mice can crawl into hard-to-reach spots.

Be sure to take items outdoors or use drop cloths. The bleach solution can damage surfaces. Work in sections and thoroughly dry each part before moving on.

3. Use Enzymatic Sprays

Enzyme cleaners break down urine and feces on a molecular level. They work incredibly well for removing mouse odors as they destroy the proteins that make up the scent.

Step 1: Mist upholstered areas, carpeting, cabinets, and corners after general cleaning. Follow product instructions for dwell time before wiping or allowing to air dry.

Step 2: Use a UV blacklight to find soiled spots and treat them specifically with spray. The enzymes will eat away the remaining traces.

Repeat as needed until the stench dissipates. Enzymes are safe for most surfaces but spot test first.

Method 2: Absorbents and Air Flow

Next, pull odor from fabrics and soft goods using moisture and odor absorbers or air circulation.

1. Baking Soda and Charcoal

Baking soda and activated charcoal make excellent natural deodorizers. They pull and neutralize trapped scents from porous spaces.

Step 1: Liberally sprinkle both in corners, closets, on carpets, furniture, and mattresses. Let sit overnight then vacuum.

Step 2: Place bowls of charcoal and baking soda inside cabinets and storage areas to continually absorb the musty smell. Replace every 30 days.

Step 3: Baking soda also cleans when combined with water. Make a paste and gently scrub affected areas before rinsing.

2. Improve Air Flow

Opening windows, using fans, or running AC or a dehumidifier dries damp areas and removes lingering odors.

Place bowls of charcoal or baking soda near vents to purify airflow. Position fans near fabric-heavy spaces like upholstered furniture or carpeting.

Air circulation also prevents future mold from the moisture left by mice. Continue airing out the RV daily until the smell is completely gone.

Method 3: Deodorizers and Disinfectants

Specialized products help eliminate stubborn mouse pee smell from RVs through powerful odor elimination and disinfection abilities.

1. Enzyme Sprays and Pet Odor Removers

As mentioned, enzymatic cleaners are highly effective at removing urine odor. Brands like Nature’s Miracle and Simple Solution make sprays that break down the compounds causing smells. Follow label instructions closely.

Pet odor removers, like those made by Angry Orange or Rocco & Roxie, use natural citrus oils and enzymes to destroy odors from urine, feces, vomit, etc. Use per bottle recommendations.

Reapply these types of cleaners liberally throughout the deodorizing process. The enzymes continue working to fully remove unpleasant mouse musk.

2. Disinfectants

Disinfectant products sanitize surfaces and air to remove contamination-causing odors.

• Chlorine bleach solution kills bacteria and breaks down urine.
• OdoBan or similar hospital-grade disinfectants deep clean and deodorize in one step.
• Thieves® essential oil spray eliminates bacteria, mold, and viruses. Add to laundry.

Follow safety precautions when using potent disinfectants and only use as directed. Air out the RV thoroughly afterward.

3. Odor Absorbers

• Activated charcoal adsorbs and neutralizes odors instead of covering them up. It works for 90 days unless saturated.
• InnoFresh is an EPA-registered odor absorber that uses patented technology to remove odors permanently instead of masking them.
• Odor sprays products like Febreze attack and trap odor molecules with fatty positive ions. Spray liberally on soft surfaces and fabrics.

Position these absorbers near odor hot spots to purify the surrounding air continuously. Replace as they become filled.

Prevent Future Pest Problems

Unless you take steps to keep mice out long-term, that pesky musk will inevitably return. Use these tips to pest-proof your RV.

Seal Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1⁄4 inch. Search under and around the camper for gaps and holes.

• Use caulk, foam sealant, steel wool, or weatherstripping to plug holes inside and out. Pay attention to windows and doors.
• Cover vents with secure hardware cloth instead of plastic meshes. Mice chew through plastic.
• Fill gaps where utilities like pipes and wires enter. Brush the plumber’s putty or concrete into the openings before caulking over.

Keep Camper Clean

Mice forage for food and nesting material. Keep the RV free of clutter and thoroughly clean food debris in kitchen spaces.

• Wipe up spills immediately and take out trash every day.
• Store dry goods like snacks or cereals in sealed plastic, metal, or glass containers. Cardboard and bags allow gnawing.
• Place mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls around the interior to deter nesting. Change them out monthly.

Use Repellents

Mice dislike certain scents that deter them from entering occupied areas.

• Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint essential oil in hidden corners or under furniture. Mice avoid mint.
• Grow plants like lavender, marigolds, or chrysanthemums outside. Their smells naturally repel rodents.

Automated high-frequency sound devices also effectively repel mice without harming them. Look for an EPA-approved electronic pest repeller.

When to Call a Professional

Severe mouse infestations or odor may require professional intervention to fully remove. Consider calling pest control if:

• The smell lingers after thorough cleaning and deodorizing. Mouse urine may have soaked into walls or vents.
• You physically see mice or substantial evidence of infestation like droppings and nests. An active pest problem requires different treatment.
• There is damage from mice chewing electrical wires, insulation, or structure. This also necessitates repairs.

Pest professionals have commercial-grade enzymes and disinfectants as well as tools to find scent pockets. They can strategically treat the whole RV for complete odor removal.

Wrapping Up

Though unpleasant, mouse odor in RVs is a common issue that can be solved using the right combination of cleaning, deodorizing, and prevention. With diligent scrubbing, plenty of air circulation, professional-strength enzyme sprays, and sealing up entryways, you can eliminate unwanted rodent stench from your home on wheels. Be patient, as removing deep-set urine odors takes time and repeated effort. But in the end, you can rest easy breathing fresh air again in your camper. Don’t let mice ruin your road adventures. Follow these tips so you can enjoy cross-country freedom without unwanted pest issues. Please leave a comment below if you have any other questions on banishing mouse smells from campers and RVs. Thanks for reading – happy trails ahead!

Frequently Asked Queries

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Mouse Urine Smell?

It can take one to four weeks to fully eliminate mouse urine odors from an RV depending on the severity of the infestation. Repeated cleanings with enzyme sprays, thoroughly airing out the camper, using deodorizers, and steam cleaning fabrics will be needed to remove all traces of the smell.

What Smell Do Mice Hate?

Mice strongly dislike the smells of peppermint and ammonia. Placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or ammonia around the RV can help deter mice from entering or returning. Onions, garlic, and chili pepper powder also repel mice.

Does Vinegar Get Rid Of Mouse Urine Smell?

Yes, vinegar helps get rid of mouse urine odors. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the compounds that cause unpleasant urine smells. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the laundry when washing mouse-soiled fabrics. Also, spray full-strength vinegar on hard surfaces before wiping down.

Does Baking Soda Get Rid Of Mouse Urine Smell?

Baking soda can effectively absorb and neutralize mouse urine odors. Sprinkle baking soda generously on surfaces and fabrics and let sit overnight before vacuuming up. Place bowls of baking soda around the RV interior to help purify the air of musky smells. Replace every 2-3 weeks.

How Do You Find Mouse Pee With A Blacklight?

Turn off interior lights and scan surfaces with a UV blacklight in a dark room. The urease enzyme in urine causes it to glow brightly under ultraviolet light. Treat any glowing areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to break down urine stains and smells.