Mildew and Mold – Constant Companions on Your Dream Lifestyle on the Sea 🙂
Okay this is one of the things they definitely do not tell you about on all of the YouTube glamorous sailing life videos. When you live on the water, everything grows mold.
I used to call it mildew, and I guess I still do, to make myself feel a little better about it. But the fact is, as I understand it, mildew is mold.
So if you don’t want to feel super embarrassed when your family and friends come aboard and if you want to live and clean and sanitary surroundings you will end up spending a good amount of time cleaning, killing, and preventing mildew in your boat. Not only does maintaining a mildew-free boat interior ensure a clean and pleasant environment, but it also helps to protect the boat’s upholstery and surfaces from damage. Mildew can quickly spread and cause unsightly stains and odors that are difficult to remove. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Through trial and error, we have learned a few strategies that save us a lot of time on this unpleasant task. They include various types of dehumidifiers, some cleaning products that work pretty well and even prevent mildew regrowth in a lot of cases and some chlorine gas bombs that can make your boat smell better pretty quick.
But first the little background.
Common Causes of Mildew in Boat Interiors
There are several common causes of mildew in boat interiors that boat owners should be aware of. One of the primary causes is excess moisture, which can accumulate due to poor ventilation or leaks. It is essential to address any water leaks promptly and ensure that the boat is adequately ventilated to prevent the growth of mildew. Another common cause is improper cleaning and maintenance. Neglecting to clean and dry surfaces properly can create an ideal environment for mildew to thrive. Boat owners should also be cautious of storing wet or damp items in the boat, as they can contribute to the growth of mildew. By being proactive in addressing these common causes, boat owners can minimize the risk of mildew growth and maintain a clean and healthy boat interior.
Prevention Strategies for Cruising Sailboat Maintenance Cleaning
Proper Ventilation and Air Circulation
Proper ventilation and air circulation are essential for maintaining a mildew-free boat interior. When a boat is closed up for extended periods, it can create a damp and stagnant environment, which is ideal for mildew growth. To prevent this, ensure that your boat has adequate ventilation. Open windows and hatches to allow fresh air to flow through the cabin. Consider installing vents or fans to improve airflow, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup, such as the bathroom or galley. Regularly clean and inspect ventilation systems to ensure they are functioning properly. By promoting air circulation, you can reduce humidity levels and minimize the risk of mildew growth.
Effective Moisture Control Techniques
Effective moisture control techniques are crucial in preventing mildew in a boat interior. Start by identifying and fixing any sources of water leakage or condensation. Inspect windows, hatches, and seals for any gaps or damage that may allow water to enter. Use moisture-absorbing products to keep humidity levels in check.
We use moisture absorbing bags and boxes that come in a variety of brands and sizes. They run out quickly, but they do a good job of keeping tight spaces mildew-free for a month or so until they need to be renewed.
There is nothing worse than going into your clothing drawer or closet and finding your clothes have all grown mold.
So I have one of these in every closet:
And one of these in every drawer:
You have to regularly check and replace these products as needed to maintain their effectiveness.
I also have a bigger dehumidifier that I move from cabin to cabin, like this one:
Electric dehumidifiers like this one are great for keeping the boat a little less humid — and you can even use it to dry your clothes if you put it in a tight space with a small amount of damp clothes. But you can only use an electric dehumidifier like this one at the dock because it uses a TON of electricity. Mine pulls 1000 watts. Which means my two 240 amp hour 12 volt lithium house batteries would last only 2.88 hours running only this and nothing else. Still, it’s good to use at the dock. Check out our roundup of them here:
And I ALSO use one of these in my hanging closet. These pull only about 5 watts and although I don’t understand how, they keep the hanging closet bone dry. They are only good for small spaces but they are great for what they do:
By implementing these moisture control techniques, you can create a dry and inhospitable environment for mildew growth.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Regular Cleaning Routine for Boat Interiors
Maintaining a clean and mildew-free interior is essential for any cruising sailboat. Establishing a regular cleaning routine will help to prevent the buildup of moisture and mold, ensuring a fresh and pleasant environment. Start by removing any loose items and debris from the interior. Vacuum the floors and upholstery to remove dirt and dust. Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, tables, and cabinets, using a mild detergent or boat-specific cleaner. Pay special attention to areas prone to moisture, such as the galley and bathroom. Ensure proper ventilation by opening hatches and windows whenever possible, allowing fresh air to circulate. Regularly inspect and clean the bilge, as it can accumulate water and debris. By following a consistent cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and inviting boat interior.
Recommended Cleaning Products and Techniques
We try to opt for eco-friendly cleaners that are specifically designed for boat use, as they are formulated to remove salt, grime, and mildew without causing harm to the surfaces or the environment. Regularly applying a boat-specific mold and mildew cleaner can help to prevent the growth of these unwanted guests. With the right cleaning products and techniques, you can ensure a clean and well-maintained boat interior.
Most of the best mildew-control products are basically bleach. So you can use just bleach, or even easier, bleach wipes from the grocery store. But when I’m cleaning the headliner where lots of mildew grows, I don’t want the bleach dripping down and bleaching my fabrics or furniture. Somehow these marine mildew control products like the one below have a type of bleach that doesn’t actually discolor anything. It’s specifically designed for boat interiors and claims to be formulated to effectively eliminate mildew without causing any damage to the surfaces and to be better for the environment than regular bleach. I have found that this particular product works really surprisingly well at preventing mildew from growing in the future. It takes a lot of elbow grease to use this stuff to clean the mildew in the first place. But once you do, I find that no mildew would grow back in that place for a year or two:
Using Mildew-Resistant Fabrics and Materials
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, using mildew-resistant fabrics and materials can significantly contribute to a mildew-free boat interior. Consider the following options:1. Marine-Grade Vinyl: Opt for marine-grade vinyl upholstery, which is specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and UV rays, making it an excellent choice for boat interiors.2. Breathable Fabrics: Choose fabrics that allow for air circulation, such as Sunbrella or other breathable materials. These fabrics prevent moisture buildup and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.3. Anti-Microbial Treatments: Some fabrics come with built-in anti-microbial treatments that help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Look for materials that offer this added protection.4. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your boat has proper ventilation to prevent excess moisture buildup. Install vents or use dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels inside the boat.
The secret weapon for moldy smell in your boat
Finally, regardless how hard we work on it, it seems like the boat will eventually develop a mildewy smell, especially if it’s been closed up for a while. When that happens we pull out the big guns and set off this chlorine gas bomb in the boat for a few hours. I was really nervous about doing this the first time because I was worried about poisoning myself when I ate food or ate off dishes when I got back in the boat. But I read enough reviews information to make myself feel more comfortable about it. And I’m glad I did. This stuff will totally get rid of that mildew smell in an afternoon.
Check out our roundup of products to help prevent and control mildew here.