Mildew - Is there a Nuclear Option ?

[jSnyder]

I have only posted a few times but have been reading for last few years. I finally got my boat ( S2 8.0 C) brought her down to the YC and moved aboard this week. The boat is lined entirely with carpeting ceiling walls and sole. Its still kinda cold to get all the upholstery moist even if it is with upholstery cleaner, but I NEED to get rid of the smell/ mildew! I would like to find out what is everybodies secret weapon when it comes to mold/mildew. Thanks James

[Alecadi]

I answer that same question a few days (weeks) ago: white vinegar...

[jSnyder]

wouldn't that smell worse than the mildew? just wondering? or does the smell go away when it dries or do you use something after it to neutralize the smell of the WV? thanks for your help : )

[hummingway]

Vinegar really is amazing. Mix it 50/50 with water. Wash off the mildew with it then leave vinegar on to dry. The boat will smell of vinegar for a couple of days but it really works. I've seen where mildew will grow next to an area I've wiped with vinegar and not encroach where the vinegar was. Works on fabric and wood.

[Alecadi]

white vinegar smell not bad at all, it's use in a lot of cooking!! and the smell get out very fast when evaporating

[hummingway]

The smell goes away after a couple of days. If you have the Canadian habit of putting white vinegar on french fries the boat may remind you of a chip shack!

[rubyjean]

I've used Lysol Concentrate for sevral years now. Does the job well, but you'll have the Lysol smell for a couple day's. Hope this may help you. Mix in a spray bottle & spray, No need to soak...Michael..

[Gunkholer1889]

You might investigate using an ozone generator. It's be a while since looked into these, but I seem to recall they work well on mold an ordors but were hard on rubber.

[hummingway]

The amount of ozone required to do anything to mold would kill you. When they treat houses with ozone the house is sealed and left that way until the ozone is all evacuated with powerful blowers.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by hummingway

The amount of ozone required to do anything to mold would kill you...

Indeed!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by hummingway

The amount of ozone required to do anything to mold would kill you.

And the downside is.....?

[four winds]

A couple of days ago a dock mate told of his experience with a product called Shock Wave, Fiberlock SHOCKWAVE Cleaner / Disinfectant Concentrate SHOCKWAVE Cleaner/Disinfectant 1-Gal & 10 oz Concentrate 8310 [8310] - - It's Free! : Norkan Industrial Supply, Safety Equipment, Painter Supply, Lead, Mold & Asbestos Abatement, Epoxy Floor & Mo

a quote from the site,
ShockWave is a concentrated formula that will disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces, and also sanitizes porous and semi-porous surfaces. ShockWave is especially useful as an all-in-one product for treating wood structural members, carpets, and other porous and nonporous surfaces as part of a complete mold remediation project.

I asked him why there was a "danger do not enter" sign on the doors of his power boat for a day. He said ozone was the reason, generated by this product. He said it was amazing how well it worked and the boat smelled brand new. He had learned of it from a specialist in mold remediation after homes are flooded. It's not expensive and mixes to many gallons so the 10 oz. bottle is plenty for a boat.

Also he used a product called Fresh Wave that is supposed to treat a space in a way to prevent future mold growth and will let me know how that works. I believe he used the gel version in a container in the bilge.

[hummingway]

I'll stick with vinegar. That way the only danger is you'll have Canadians lined up on the dock to buy chips from you

[four winds]

I hear you hummingway. I just thought I would post that since the OP was asking about a "nuclear" option.

[sailingmonica]

I got an email today from Bob Bitchin, they sell this gel

Kanberra Gel [563-567] - $10.00 : Seafaring Ship's Store, Latitudes & Attitudes

and it may help you somewhat.

Truth is, I had mold problems and emailed the CF for help at the time too (thanks, guys). Ripped all the carpet, removed all the glue after that, then painted all surfaces with Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Primer

RustOleum.com

then applied Zinsser Perma White Mold and Mildew Proof Exterior Paint (yes, on the inside).

RustOleum.com

You can also see on the last link they have a wide selection of anti mold products, but I haven't tried any.