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Stains on ceiling

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After our last trip we noticed some stains on our ceiling (2004 U270) which we had not noticed previously.  We ran the AC the entire trip and did not hit any rain.
I inspected the roof front to back a couple of times and could find no possible entry points for moisture.
Any ideas as to what the stains might be caused by?

Thanks Woody

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #1 –
I have the same type of stains on my roof...mostly close to the AC outlets.  I just presumed these were from faulty air filters (replaced recently) in the AC units.
Not only do i want to know whre there originated, but WHAT is the best product to clean them without leaving an evident "white" spot
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #3 –
For reference the fabric is Ozite. We steam cleaned ours as we had the same stains from the AC vents. Looks like new.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #4 –
Most likely that is black mold. Even without visible leaks condensation and the temperature swings that occur in storage can cause enough moisture to accumulate and start that growth. There are spray on products that will kill the mold on contact, but they may bleach the carpet. I would try a good rug/upholstery shampoo from spray cans or maybe have a service come in with the "machine" and plan to do the whole thing. Even though it is overhead you will be surprised how dirty the ceiling is.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #5 –
Suggestion:  If storing a coach with temperatures above 40 degrees F, AND with shore power (even 15 amps works fine), put a small/30 amp house-type dehumidifier in the coach along with a small fan to move air around.  Set it to 55%.

Set the dehumidifier either on the kitchen counter (draining into the sink) or in the shower.

Never any mold, but not dry enough to harm the wood.

Did that on every one of our coaches and sailboats.  Never a musty smell.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #6 –
Our understanding is the ceiling of some coaches with inside drop ceiling is made of two sheets of wood joined in center of coach with an unsealed joint running front to rear. Ceiling fabric is glued to the wood. Air flow inside the drop ceiling can flow into joint, and over time leave a trace of dirt that shows up on the inside ceiling fabric along the wood joint. Some of the air flow was from the outside roof and side refrigerator vents. Your photos did not have a wide enough view to see if your ceiling has these marks. Assume that as the years went by, Foretravel sealed the wood joint to eliminate that dirt mark.

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #7 –
We get those marks by the front vents too, seem to show up whenever we get into dusty/pollen areas, so I assume it's sucked in by the AC units.
Cleaning the AC unit and fins is good maintenance, and gives you a chance to check on the unit every 6 months.
Steam cleaning the ceiling carpet seems to work great at removing those marks.
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
For reference the fabric is Ozite. We steam cleaned ours as we had the same stains from the AC vents. Looks like new.

Jeff.  What type of steam cleaner cleaner did you use. I've been looking at them.  And soap or no soap. I'd be interested in the details. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Jeff.  What type of steam cleaner cleaner did you use. I've been looking at them.  And soap or no soap. I'd be interested in the details.

I had a carpet cleaning company do it. They used normal cleaner for Ozite. When they finished it was all bright white, looked brand new.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #10 –
Cool. I wondered if I could get carpet cleaners to do that.  Wasn't looking forward to holding some machine up to the ceiling.  Leave that for the young bucks.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #11 –
I used a carpet cleaner to clean mine 4 years ago. I was fortunate to be able to hire a man to swap out with " the hose" in other words when one became tired of the overhead work the other would take over and keep it moving. It turned out ok with some extra effort near the AC's. It looked much better but not "new". It needs it again and I may opt for a steam type cleaner in hopes of a better result and hopefully an easier job. Overhead alone makes it more tiresome to do.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #12 –

For those who have not heard about it yet...
This is the most remarkable carpet cleaner I've used by a long way. It removed an oil stain and a coffee stain from very light tan carpet, leaving no trace of them. Works great on ceiling stains too.

https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Cleaner-Stain-Remover-Deodorizer/dp/B073WDKQW6

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Stains on ceiling

Reply #13 –
Dub's comment about maybe using steam type cleaner on ceiling fabric, brings up the risk of some cleaning methods could loosen the glue that hold fabric to ceiling structure, something not easily fixed.