@@BookMama72 I think but not positive that all the man made fibers are some form of plastic? It's mostly in women's clothing except for the athletic "wicking" clothing.
I have put an old wool army blanket UNDER my fitted sheets. It allows my body to breathe so much better. You can’t tell the difference from above, but you can feel it.
Hi Michelle, Thank you for the sheet tip. I did purchase a very small dehumidifier and I turn it on at night. There is quite a bit of water in the reservoir in the morning, and my sheets and my whole van is nice and dry. This is also keeping any mold or mildew from settling inside my van. The dehumidifiers are not very expensive, and worth every penny!! Your fur baby is precious!! Happy and safe travels…..🤗💕
I will not sleep on synthetic sheets - they simply don't feel right on the skin & wouldn't ever consider them due to the heat that synthetics tend to hold. BTW when I use a wool blanket it holds less moisture than when I use a down quilt (by a long shot) So you might want to check the material you blanket/quilt is made of. For this application as well - I don't think synthetics breath as well - slowing down the dissipation of moisture. So what I have done in the van to mitigate moisture build up is to have a fan (on low in cooler temps - higher when hot) pointing towards the top blanket between my shoulders to toes. I appears to scrub off the moisture enough to not have have as much moisture accumulate between the sheets. Works a charm.
You are correct, I have never heard of this. I am glad you found a solution. Great meal. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
Hi sweetie , this is what is really happing you need a air gap between your mattress and the plywood at least an inch using a webbing criss cross so air can flow between the two . My little trailer has the same problem . They may sell something like that at a RV supply . God bless
Cooling sheets are those made from Tencel fabric or bamboo, or viscose. They are very light, wick moisture away, and don't tend to retain moisture, unlike 100% high thread count cotton. For high humidity inside, A/C is needed, and it doesn't even have to be on at a super low temp to reduce the RH (relative humidity). Also, you likely need a dehumidifier as well as 2 fans to consistently blow air, along with good ventilation. Humidity/condensation is a common issue for anyone who dwells in their vehicle, and it is something talked about. Look at other van builds -- they often have 2 airmax type fans in the ceiling, along with climate control (A/C) and solar power.
Thanks for your comment. I'm happy for those who can afford (and have the roof space) for AC and lots of solar, extra fans, and ventilation, but it's just not in my budget. Maybe someday in my future.
@@LifeWithMicheleSilver ? For about $20, you can get a small 8" rechargeable USB fan that you can clip or hang or even put on a surface in your van, to help move the air around inside. I've seen other van or minivan lifers who have 2 fans in their vehicles (rechargeable, found on Amazon), which they clip to the back of their drivers and passenger seats at the headrest area. It doesn't take a lot of money to add some comfort.
@@LifeWithMicheleSilver Have you considered a small dehumidifier or two? They have ones that run on batteries as well the kind you position around the van that don't require a power source. Humidity is the enemy of vanlifers I hear. Hope it continues to improve for you! 😊
@@LifeWithMicheleSilver I really would ask for help ! There are people enough who have such a thing laying in the corner who give it away or for very little money (dehumidifier) Greetings
I use real linen sheets and 100% wool blankets. Or even better : just the wool blankets with no sheets at all. I did not have any problem. I never spent a winter in my micro van, to see what would happen. It should be the best option, according to Scottish 😉. Polyester keeps moisture inside, so you get cold too, I hate it. And the great thing with wool blankets : it’s easy to find very good second hand ones at a very very cheap price as lots of people get rid of them (I live in France) because they are heavy (I only buy second hand wool products, for personal ethical reasons). I find the heaviness quite comforting after all. So one blanket to protect the mattress, under a linen sheet. On top, 1 or 2 blankets with or without linen sheets and I’m comfortable.
Interesting point about humidity. You know the combustion products of gas, propane or butane is CO2 and H2O ... water, right? ;-) Someone mentioned sleeping on a wool blanket, also I think flannel sheets are less absorbant. I wonder if they make sheets from wicking material? Polyester shirts are known to be really hot, so I am not sure polyester is the answer. I looked on Amazon and they have cooling sheets. Also, you can get a cooling foam mattress that has the holes in it, and you could get something to churn the air indirectly on you. I am not a van-lifer, but I really like to watch people's videos about it because I am thinking about it. One thing that seems to be a priority is energy. Solar panels or generators ... whatever it takes to have enough power to do the things you need to do whatever is it, but one of the critical things seems to be climate control. Good luck, your van's insides looks very pleasant.
All my loved ones are on the east coast. I'd love to take trips out west, but the east coast is where my people are, and where I'll always come back to ❤️
@@LifeWithMicheleSilverI understand..., All my friends & folks were back in the northeast, but, I've outlived most of them, and own a great camper van. Nobody's back there but one anymore. Living my best life, wherever I wish now.
California. Condensation rolling down the walls! Plastic over Electronic equipment draws the stuff like a magnet. But we hate the dessert. Love our microfiber sheets.
Hi there…. you could try using a small dehumidifier…. in my basement I used to place charcoal briquettes (old fashioned without gas) in corners …. it absorbs the moisture and mildew :)
If you backpack or just tent camp, you have the same problem. You don't sleep on cotton and you don't wear cotton, because cotton is heavier than more modern fabrics and does not dry easily. Use things made from wicking fabrics instead. Condensation build-up can be a real problem if you're sleeping in a tent, and it makes sense that a vehicle that's not running might have the same problem.
Yeah, they even have problems with humidity from human breathing and sweat on the International Space Station in low gravity orbit around the Earth! Cooking or heating with gases like butane and propane will cause serious humidity, too. Then there's lots of humidity in the air whenever you're in a warm climate. Most vanlifers I have observed use good ventilation and a couple of small dehumidifiers, either battery/electric or the kind that don't require a power source.
@@justgivemethetruth There are DEhumidifiers that exist (not humidifiers). Basically they consist of a very absorbent substance in a container, frequently a ventilated container that can be hung or placed in various locations (like closets and places where one keeps important things stored). In RVs, they're usually placed in various locations, and frequently hung about the room. In my opinion these nonelectric dehumidifiers do not work as well as those that use electricity. They also have to be replaced often and work best in very small areas. Still, they're better than nothing for the humidity.
@@gailhitson7340 Oh, of course, like the dessicants that they put in pill bottles or products sensitive to humidity - but they still require energy of some sort to heat them up and remove the water, unless you are just going to use them once.
If I can find a small low watt dehumidifier, and find a safe place for it to run, maybe I could have my cotton sheets back! 😊 My van is so small. Dont want to knock it over. Water and electricity make me nervous!
Oh Girlfriend....condensation is just a fact of life if you live in a van or a tent or anything in-between! Keep carpeting off your floor for sure, and keep windows to a minimum if you are just in the looking for a van stage. Keep air circulation if you can and heat to a minimum. Good luck!
Tell me….is that your natural hair color??? I LOVE the color, you really do have such gorgeous hair! You have a beautiful bedspread, where did you get it from? It is so vintage looking. Now I need to go back at look at your other videos to see if you have a tour of your van. Thank you for sharing and have a great time.
Thank you so much! It is my natural color. I stopped using dye about 5 years ago! The bedspread was in a pile of yard sale stuff at my mom's, and I fell in love with it, so she gave it to me 😊
Hmmmm… I have organic cotton sheets and have slept in hot, cold, humid and never a problem with dampness. I think they are only about 200 thread count though. Maybe that’s the difference. I also have multiple fans moving air all night long. Good video Michele! I love seeing you and Sophie💞
All the back country hiking huts tell people to wear merino wool socks and clothing to stop that sweat and smell in busy huts. Winter and summer it wicks moisture off body.
@@LifeWithMicheleSilver Linen or bamboo, or maybe even satin. On Amazon they have sheets made of "Cool Max", and foam mattresses can collect heat. They make foam mattresses with holes in them so air can circulate. Wool or moisture wicking material will help with humidity.
I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m 5 yrs in a non-insulated van. This means that the moisture outside is the same inside!! I only use cotton and my sheets are the LAST things that feel damp. Just clarifying. I too, use various moisture absorbing products but my bed is the one thing that never feels icky. Your van looks really girly and beautiful!!
Hi, Michele. Hope all is well. Thank you for sharing your time and experiences. That was great information! Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Pops
In the backpacking community we say, "cotton is rotton." It doesn't wick moisture as you have learned. Even cotton clothing in warm weather is the worst. Lots of moisture wicking options available!
I have to use cotton because all the other fabrics make me swear, even the ones that are supposed to be wicking. I guess it’s a good thing we have choices.
Interesting observation about the effect of your cotton sheets. I also love cotton sheets and used them for around 4 years while living in my van. I didn't have the same issues you have had though. I did keep several containers of damp-rid around the van, and I always had the roof vent, windows, and doors open as much as possible - especially when cooking. Also, in winter time I usually had two hot water bottles in the bed. Regular airing of the bed and mattress also helped. I wonder if Ill find it different in my new minivan
People stop making the bed 😮 make a bed sack that you can slip into. Especially if theirs only one of you. I made two. One for each one of us. We put the open sides together so we can “hold hands” 😊 hope this helps
No one should make a salad like that while filming a video. I couldn't focus on anything afterwards. That was one of best and tasty looking salads I've ever seen. Seriously though, I really enjoy your video and thanks for the tip. :)
Thank you for sharing, I live in a truck 3 weeks at a time working with my husband a d the sheet that I use are the ones made out of T shirt material and to me they are the best. ❤
Oh my goodness! Well, I'm glad I found this out from other RU-vid creators. They said "Keep Cotton Out of Your Van" 🚫 it absorbs! 😊 But, your van is very lovely. 🙋♀️😊✌🏻
very used to this problem living in the uk in the colder months condensation on bedsheets is a nightmare its amazing how you can ventilate all night and still your cotton sheets will feel damp to the touch in the morning i finally solved it by installing the largest 12v dehumidifier i could find
Omg, you have just answered a question for me!! I wondered why my sheets always felt damp and was convinced it was just because they were cold! Thank you! 😁
I'm so glad this video helped! This was the only thing that worked for me after struggling for weeks with fans and damp rid and cornstarch! And yes, I even have a slatted bed!
I live and travel in a truck camper. Everything gets damp in areas with high humidity and without an air conditioner. It feels yucky, especially in Florida, where the humidity is always high. That was a good video! Thanks!
I have never lived in a van so I can’t relate with this experience with cotton sheets. However, I don’t like polyester anything. I find it doesn’t breathe and retains heat, particularly clothing. If the weather is humid, I feel like it’s suffocating. If I ever do van life in the future, I will certainly take your advice based on your experience. Love your van.
I just found your channel and watched several of your recent videos - really enjoying your content! The quilt on your bed is lovely. I never would have thought of cotton sheets being problematic in a van but it makes complete sense, especially with more expensive high thread content sheets. Best of luck with your journey! (in all senses of the word) 🧡
Thanks for saying this. Cotton is really only practical in very few places. I bought a poly cotton tracksuit and I couldn’t be happier. In the southeast any cotton heavier than a tshirt just feels damp af.
Hellooo Michelle, Love it when you get outside and show what's around you. Your dog is so cute! Anyway Thanks for sharing and I hope all is well. See ya later, James. ❤
I have a mattress cover and it is covered by a very large sheepskin rug (not sheared) which is then covered by high quality flannel sheet. This is the basis for my bedding. It is sumptuous, dry, warm in winter using flannels and cool in summer using fine linen.
Wow..the white picket fence girl goes van life. Dehumidifier, small fan in window closing off around it, crack one window slightly, a bowl of water and wash rag. It creates a wind tumnel and with the wet rag will give you goose bumps. Little trick from my great depression mother that adopted me with 50 year difference. I learned so many things from WW2 parents outside this modern spoiled world. I have been off grid 6 years rving, the last 3 of it Jeep Overlanding moving with 80-50 degree weather. Wish I could have put the pretty lady in the beginning on the right track, but as I can tell you are all about the city…🤷🏽♂️😉😂
There are some really good small size dehumidifiers on Amazon that worked really well when we had a camper. Just a thought. Your comforter is beautiful. If you don’t mind me asking where did you get it. Also, where do you find the bagged beef tips?
My mother gave me the comforter. She had it in her yard sale pile, and I claimed it 😊 The Gardein beef tips are in almost every grocery store. Check in the Gardein section.
as if it would be lesser damp with Polyester ? You need a Dehumidifier something that sucks out the water from the Air. Polyester weakens you tremendously, and you get plastics into your Body. Its well known now. The Camper stays humid. I live in a Humid Home. In the winter the Heating helps, in the summer we use the Humidifier. (one good point : your skin stys younger :-) )
I know this video is older but I just had it come up on my feed and thought I’d look! Just a tidbit about the moisture issue. I suspect you always use your little stove right there by your bed. Cooking creates a lot of steam even in a short time and I suspect in your space it’s even more. Do you ever grill outside? Just a thought. Btw, your hair is gorgeous. I have been thinking of going all natural with my long curly hair. If it looked half as good as yours I would definitely!
I know this video is older but I just had it come up on my feed and thought I’d look! Just a tidbit about the moisture issue. I suspect you always use your little stove right there by your bed. Cooking creates a lot of steam even in a short time and I suspect in your space it’s even more. Do you ever grill outside? Just a thought. Btw, your hair is gorgeous. I have been thinking of going all natural with my long curly hair. If it looked half as good as yours I would definitely!
Been in a big hi-top eight years in an area with four seasons. Never had this issue. If u use prpane, it puts moisture into the air in your van. I dont use it. Also, install a cieling Maxxfan if u don't have one....one direction if fan sucks air out.
90% of the time I'm plugged in. Private property. Plenty hot along the Gulf. I have an a/c unit installed in the back window. After 10pm , just run the fan. Never had condensation issue. Winter time I run an electric heater. I got a one month road trip coming up. Small generator works well. Cotton worse than polyester? Never heard that one.
Backpackers say “cotton is the killer” because it doesn’t wick moisture, so in cold weather your cotton clothes stay damp and that can cause hypothermia.
Hi Michele, how are you doing, I hope you're doing great. me I'm doing fine ty. have a great day and maybe one day we will meet. Do you ever go to the quartzite in Arizona.
Do you have something between the mattress and plywood for airflow to keep down mold. Maybe you should try to drill holes in the plywood. Thanks for sharing, oh your quilt is beautiful and your little dog is sweet.
Hi Louise! And thank you! The quilt is from my mother 😊 I dont have plywood under my mattress. I made a bed frame with 2x4s and the mattress sits on that.
If you don't have a sticky humidity problem, I'd keep the cotton sheets! I nearly cried, packing mine away ☹️ You're west coast. It's drier out there 😊
Back when I had problems with the sheets, I would keep the bed wide open with a fan aimed at it all day. It wasn't until I switched sheets that the issue resolved.
Not trying to be ignorant, is @denisekenney6436 one of those robotic trolls? I cannot imagine that a human would have the negative bandwidth to be critical on this type of content.
@@LifeWithMicheleSilver in my van I use the Breville Re-fresha portable dehumidifier it’s small perfect size for vans so it doesn’t take up much space you can hang it up so no need to worry about it falling over check out the re-fresha I think this will be really helpful for you
Hi Michelle 🙋♀️ Great information, thanks for sharing ❤️😊 Love your bedspread, so beautiful ❤️😊 Food looks delicious delicious ❤😊 Have a great day ❤️😊
What happened with the black gasket in your little sliding window on the rear door? I love that you're actually getting out and doing the van thing. Your Art is wonderful. Have you done anything with your little "Boss", Sophie in art? There is a under mattress material to put under your bed to keep that from molding. Sorry I can't remember what it's called though. Can't wait to see more of your videos! Blessings.☕
