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capttman · 10-06-2011, 17:35

Ventilation for mildew. Vinegar and water for mold or mildew bleach does not work. But bleach in the bilge seems to sweeten things up and if you prefer Pinesol or similar works well in the bilge as well

FearfulGirl · 10-06-2011, 19:37

I stopped trying to prevent mildew and mould and I just learned to clean it up on a weekly basis. Clothes need regular washing, walls need regular wiping, it's just the way it is in the tropics!

wingNwing · 11-06-2011, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearfulGirl

I stopped trying to prevent mildew and mould and I just learned to clean it up on a weekly basis. Clothes need regular washing, walls need regular wiping, it's just the way it is in the tropics!

We also find this to be true, in the US East Coast. And it also helps that my basic personality is happier doing light regular maintenance than infrequent mold marathons.

Mark Johnson · 11-06-2011, 13:16

My tips?

Don't live in a damp or cold climate is #1. We never have a problem in the summer.

Don't shower down below either... We use a solar heated garden sprayer in the cockpit's foot well.

Don't have wet towels or anything else down below, and keep the lid to the head down. (Levacs are the best lid seal). This minimizes evaporation, which leads to condensation.

Have a LOT of ventilation. We have "Vetus" electric overhead exhaust fans going, whenever we're cooking. Numerous regular fans help too.

Wipe mildew right away. It multiplies otherwise...

If not under way, "descant cans" in nooks, crannies, and the bilge, help.

HAVE A BONE DRY BILGE! This requires a bit of effort, but is well worth it. It reduces hull blisters as well!

By having a 4" mattress pad covered with "waterproof" cover, THEN a 2" memory foam "topper" with regular pad, the top cover & 2" foam can easily be put above decks to dry out on occasion. The waterproof barrier between the two pads keeps the bottom thicker mattress and structure underneath, from being perpetually damp and getting mildew.

In a marina, (yuck), you can resort to a dehumidifier! We resorted to one for NC winters (below freezing), and it really helped, but the dry skin became an issue.

By far the best tip is to just live in a climate that doesn't create condensation!

Hope this helps...

Mark

gonesail · 11-06-2011, 13:30

in the southeast US .. I doubt you can stop mildew and mold without a dehumidifier or air conditioner. you can run fans but they only slow it down. a dry bilge is good idea. keep linens clean and wipe surfaces with windex or bleach. febreeze works good on upholstery and fabrics.

zeehag · 11-06-2011, 13:41

goood tarping practice and never never never close up boat. vinegar for cleaning and never close boat... did i say never close boat?? did i say tarp?? did i say clean all with vinegar????
is most humid here but i havent a problem.
i prefer anchoring buti am in a marina for hurrycame season. ventilation .
i have lived on board many different kinds of boats since 1990. never never never had a mildew problem even with wet boats when i keep them OPEN. and TARP, and clean with vinegar.

btw--my bilges are WET!!!!! and i STILL have NO problem....

rofl.

MarkJ · 11-06-2011, 13:59

Vinegar stinks the boat out.

zeehag · 11-06-2011, 14:05

vinegar only stinks for a minuet--it does not hurt the lungs as does bleach and it DOES change environment for the spores--they do not grow in it. lol--it works in my environment- sorry it doesnt in yours. i believe the humidity here is about 80-90 percent BEFORE impending hurrycames....i have NO mildew problem and NO mold in my boat whatsoever, and it smells sweet and decent.