Preventing mildew

[crispy]

I am seeking advice on preventing mildew (black mould) from contaminating the inside of my 23ft fishing cruiser. I always conscientiously wash down inside and out before covering with a tarpaulin for the winter on my drive. However come the spring I am faced cleaning all over again to remove the mildew mostly around the open backed wheelhouse.
The question is, is it best to leave everything opened up to let the damp winter air blow through or to shut it all down, or do I bite the bullet and buy a dehumidifier for next winter ?

 

[longjohnsilver]

try wiping down with Milton fluid or a weak bleach/water mix, and then make sure there is some air flow.

 

[sarabande]

I agree with LJS about the airflow, but am becoming slightly twitch about the use of bleach (chlorine) - based products because of the side effects on materials and woodwork.


Currently I use a hydrogen peroxide and silver solution diluted 2000 ppm and sprayed onto the surfaces. It kills moulds, algae and spores in tractor cabs and greenhouses, and I have trial solution out for use on a boat shortly.

Natural ventilation - lots of it - will sort out a boat cabin on the drive.

 

[crispy]

I use weak bleach but once the silicone joints get stained bleach has little effect. Having just completely refurbished the wheelhouse what I must find is the best regime to prevent the contamination.

 

[mlines]

If you have power then a de-humifier works well for us.

 

[PEJ]

Sodium Hypochlorite will kill the mould. Look on the label of any bathroom mould cleaner and check it has got that as an ingredient. It is, of course, domestic bleach, watered down, in a spray.

There is a level of humidity below which mould will not grow. I can't remember what it is but get a dehumidifier set it to 45% and you should be fine. This one is the best: http://www.meaco.com/meaco-dd8l-dehumidifier-is-a-which-best-buy-2014-and-2015.php

 

[wipe_out]

If it's in the drive you will likely have power so I would do with a dehumidifier..

 

[Steve Clayton]

Dettol mould and mildew remover on hard surfaces, fibreglass, wood, window sealant etc. followed by a weak solution of Milton to prevent return.

On soft furnishings, eg curtains, cushion covers then soak in a weak solution of Astonish mould and mildew remover for 10 minutes and then a warm wash. Astonish say don't use on fabrics but it works for me and is referenced on a number of forums

 

[BruceK]

Ventilation. My boat this last winter was left on the water with all the portholes open and vents on the canopy open. She was as dry as a bone whereas preceding years and albeit different boat, everything was sealed up and the damp and mildew was awful. Good ventilation is key, without it all the rest is superfluous.

 

[crispy]

Thanks. Very interesting.

 

[crispy]

Interesting. I need to find something I can safely spray up under the side decks where the wiring looms etc are all covered with mildew which I presume will flourish unless I kill it off.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Interesting. I need to find something I can safely spray up under the side decks where the wiring looms etc are all covered with mildew which I presume will flourish unless I kill it off.

See post 8.

 

[LadyJ]

Feeling depressed that there are 'wintering' questions on the forum, I'm hopeful for a good few months serious boating yet!