How to Prevent Mildew on Board
Forget about the Loch Ness Monster: Mildew is the real horror from beyond. Stopping the growth of mold and mildew is quite an endeavor; it’s much easier to prevent it from contaminating your boat in the first place.
Sailing Britican says, “Mold often looks furry and is circular. It starts off as one spore and then grows and spreads. Mold comes in all sorts of colors – black, blue, yellow, brown, white and gray.” Mildew is a type of mold that might appear to be a cloud of light dust covering your boat’s seating or developing in tight corners that are left unattended.
Because mildew thrives in a closed-off environment, it’s important to make sure your boat gets plenty of air and sunshine even in the winter months. BoatU.S. advises: “When you visit your boat this winter on a sunny day, be sure to open it up and let fresh air in while you’re doing an inspection. Go have lunch, then come back and button things up again.” You could also benefit from the use of chemical dehumidifiers during the winter months.
Our top recommendations for preventing mold and mildew include:
- Using 303 Aerospace Protectant, which you can purchase from us on your next visit. This product is packed with powerful UV blockers that prevent fading, cracking and premature aging on your cushions. It’s also safe and effective for vinyl, plexiglas, carbon fiber, rubber, plastics and finished leather. Don’t forget that as your cushions age, the protectant wears and therefore, the cushions are more susceptible to mildew and staining.
- After a day on the water, let all of your cushions dry completely and take them off of the boat when not in use.
- Let your boat dry completely before covering and be sure that you’re using a vented cover for storage.
Fresh circulation keeps things ventilated by helping any water evaporate, preventing the growth of fungi and keeping out unwanted, unfresh smells. Ventilation is hands-down the best way to prevent moisture buildup and the problems that come with that, like mold and mildew. Even if you need solar vents or mechanical ventilation, creating an environment that is well-ventilated is the answer when trying to prevent mildew on board. Having a vented cover will save you a lot of pain!
If you need assistance in maintaining a healthy boat, recovering ruined cushions, cleaning tips and more, reach out to our team of experts.