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Aussieyachtsman · 04-07-2019, 06:21

Thanks to a fairly typically cold winter while living aboard here in Melbourne (Australia) I've recently discovered a nasty build-up of mold beneath mattresses which are foam, encased in zip-up covers. My immediate action has been to use diluted mold killer on the covers' underside, then put them in the washing machine. Clearly the build-up of moisture at night with warm bodies lying on the mattress is creating a problem. I was advised to purchase a dehumidifier and run that, but do forum members have any other tips to get rid of this scourge? Are members aware of any products (material, chemical or otherwise) which can be placed between the mattresses and the bunks?

**tkeithlu** · 04-07-2019, 06:30

We've had very good success by running a very small dehumidifier in our foreward cabin, which previously molded. The one we got from Amazon actually ran off 12v DC from an AC converter, so I cut that off and plugged it in to house DC. Then since it has only a small tank, I drilled a small hole in the tank and ran a hose out, and set the whole thing up on a sink rim so that it could run continously into the gray water discharge. We keep the cabin closed up while sitting at our home dock.

**tkeithlu** · 04-07-2019, 06:31

Welcome, Aussie.

Simi 60 · 04-07-2019, 14:49

Should be some useful info here

https://www.google.com/search?ei=NHQ...A1.ULiyTe5BHL0

Aussieyachtsman · 05-07-2019, 01:52

Thanks they are some very useful tips which I'll be following up.

**GordMay** · 05-07-2019, 02:06

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Aussie'.
See:
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ess-97780.html
➥ https://www.dri-dek.com/?gclid=EAIaI...SAAEgLD5fD_BwE

TassieBloke · 05-07-2019, 02:39

Hi Aussie,
We had the same problem, and whilst we haven't yet tried a dehumidifier, we did put aeromesh under the mattress in the v berth, and problem solved, whereas it was a real problem before. We got it from Clark rubber, but I can't find it on the website anymore.
What I did for the aft cabin, is buy a IKEA bed slat set, and with a relatively simple mod to the size...and that solved the problem there, and provided better support for my wife's bad back.
We are thinking about a dehumidifier but where to put it is always a problem.
Hope this helps a bit.

GILow · 05-07-2019, 03:39

Melbourne winters are damp, that’s for sure.

If your bed structure can support it, I highly recommend these slats from Ikea. For a start, I cannot purchase the raw materials this cheaply, and second, they add a very nice spring to your bed, particularly with foam mattresses which tend to be a bit unresponsive.

https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/p...215/#/80160216

I simply placed these on two timber rails instead of the old plywood bases and have perfect, mould free ventilation under the mattresses. To my mind, it’s all about air flow in our climate.

Edit: Just noticed TassieBloke did the same. Hey TB, does that mean there’s an Ikea in Tassie now?

Aussieyachtsman · 05-07-2019, 03:41

Just a quick update. I purchased a 16L, 240 volt (Australian mains supply) De'Longhi brand dehumidifier and left it on when I went to work. The water canister was half full by the time I returned late at night. I left it on overnight last night (again half full when I woke up) but most importantly there wasn't the massive buildup of condensation inside the cabins - barely even any moisture on the inside windows whereas they and the hatches had been dripping moisture just 24 hours earlier and the outside temperature had dropped to 5C. I don't know whether the dehumidifier alone will prevent the mattresses getting moldy again, but it's probably on the right track. I intend to also invest in some of that mesh underlay a few have you have kindly sent me the links to. Thank you again for your help.

CassidyNZ · 05-07-2019, 03:43

If you have mould only under the mattress then slats or some sort of ventilation will fix it. But if it’s elsewhere obviously it needs a different solution. Generally speaking it’s a matter of controlling moisture and whilst a humidifier will do that, they’re quite power hungry and noisy too. As you mentioned they’re also quite hard to position in small interiors.

I’m sure they’re available in Australia - we use the Hippo Moisture Absorber, they work well but then our boat is also well aerated through dorado vents.

They’re worth a try.

**a64pilot** · 05-07-2019, 06:47

See if you can find this, I know it’s a home worried in the US and can be found on Amazon.
It’s the only thing I I have found that really works, it has no odor at all and leaves no residue
https://www.concrobium.com/products/mold-control-spray/

TassieBloke · 06-07-2019, 01:06

@ GILow,
Not sure about IKEA in Tassie as we are in MEL. Mum hasn't mentioned a IKEA in Hobart, so I guess there isn't ;-)

@ Aussie
I think the dehumidifier would be effective if it is in the area where the mold problem is, however it would take a while to reduce the humidity, as the areas where the mold is, has very little airflow. Vicious cycle really.
If it is a cabin which can be 'sealed off' and just let the dehumidifier run for a week or so, this would get it back to manageable. I want to semi build-in a portable unit such as the Delonghi and plumb the drain to the shower sump.
Well currently use the Bunnings Dampfree absorption products in various areas where we keep our clothing. These are effective, but also a cost.
Melbourne is unusual that we experience higher humidity in the winter than in summer.

44'cruisingcat · 06-07-2019, 01:24

If your mattress is on a solid base, you'll get moisture build up under it.

This stuff cures it: HyperVent Marine - Putting An End To Condensation

Another similar product: (This is the stuff we have,
It's cheaper than Hypervent was at the time, works very well.) https://www.empind.com.au/shop/item/...ion-mesh-acs10