What’s the best combatant – DampRid?
Any tips/tricks/suggestions?
'05 Wellcraft 232 Coastalive got the same thing inside my center console, i mean its rank, probably just a more intense case of what u have, ive pressure washed everything inside the console and it comes back, keep me posted if u find a solution
19’ Key West CC 140 Johnson
16’ War Eagle 40 Yami
12’ Alumacraft 1954 Johnson 5.5
I’d rather be a conservative nut-job than a liberal with no nuts and no job!!
I need to take the cushions out and have them professionally cleaned. I did spray some 4-in-1 Lysol stuff that’s acceptable on “soft surfaces” but that didn’t really do much.
The thing seems pretty ■■■■ airtight, so maybe the DampRid would help. Dunno though…
'05 Wellcraft 232 CoastalLeave hatches open enough to let air in but not birds. That is assuming the boat is under a shed. We keep most all hatches fish boxes included open to keep aired out when not in use. Be sure to empty your fresh water tank after each trip too. Ours STINKS terrible right now!!
If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an electrical problem.
Any suggestion for getting mildew off the ceiling carpet in the cuddy?
I’m askin for abuse with this one…
24ft Scout Abaco
225 Yam 4s
Sweet Caroline
Davo, since you asked!!
I don’t know how to get mildew off of the ceiling carpet, but I know how to get rid of footprints on the ceiling!
1/2 bleach to 1/2 simple green kills most any mildew prob. but might damage a carpet. vinyl is ok, as is gelcoat.
Just went through this with my cabin.
Oxyclean seems to work pretty well. Also used some aerosol carpet cleaner and a brush. My liner had some pretty nasty mildew stains, but looked like new when finished. Just takes some elbow grease.
I keep some of that Damp Rid stuff in my cabin as well, but it doesn’t last very long in the humid environment we have around here.
You will never get rid of mold & mildew because it is in the air looking for a place to land and grow. You have to keep the moisture out which, like Bottomsup said, is nearly impossible in this climate…unless you nave air-conditioning.
When the boat is not in use, keep the cushions stored so that air can move around them…better yet, keep them in your house or garage. Don’t put anything wet inside the cabin including towels, PFD’s or bathing suits. Damp Rid will help, but on our last boat which had A/C set at 80 degrees when we were not on board, we still had to drain and refill the containers every week during the summer.
My understanding if I remember correctly is straight vinegar will kill mildew. Will not stop it from coming back though. Bleach is a very strong cleaner and I would try the vinegar first and if it did not work then go for something stronger.
Rog
“Double Trouble”
2001 Sea Fox 230
2001 Merc 200
Excellent ideas, thanks guys.
24ft Scout Abaco
225 Yam 4s
Sweet Caroline
Go to Home Depot and purchase a small de-humidifier. You just have to remember to dump the tray or attach a line to it so it drains in the bilge. The bigger the cabin the bigger unit you need. Will stop most if not all of the mildew/mold and smell issues.
On my old rig I had to cut two ports.I left them open and the air circulated just fine.
Stonoman
Check this stuff out, a customer told me about it. He treated his 42’ Island Packet sailboat with it 6 months ago and hasn’t seen any mold at all since then. www.moldshield.net
I think you’re on the right track with killing the mildew with a chemical and them employing dehumidification, USMC.
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance, Inc.
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
The miracle cleaner sold at the Dollar Stores, does wonders on mildew stains, also works on footprints!! Seeya, Scott
Dehumidifier will work great but needs constant power. If this is not available, putting a vent in the door or roof can help a lot if you cannot leave it open. They make solar powered vents with a little fan to greatly improve air movement and they are designed to prevent rain and spray ingress. They have them at West Marine. You will want to buy stock in the company for the rate you will go through damp-rid. Works well for a mild humidity problem, but not heavy dampness. Does have a pleasant smell though.Ditto above suggestions on keeping all fabrics and cushions out of boat. Porta potty can also be source of humidity- you can remove, or cover with cellophane if plumbed in. Likewise, rest of of bilge may have at least air connection with cuddy. Make sure bilge stays very dry and this can help also.
Damp Rid Hangers! Wish I’d invented those things!