Mold prevention

cmetzenberg · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 2:30 pm Post subject:

I can't really remove stuff for the off-season as there is no off-season here. The last month I have been running a small space heater and a large damprid bucket. No mold seen, no mold smelled. The only problem is that little space heater added about 40 bucks to my monthly electricity bill.

ghone · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 3:40 pm Post subject:

With your average lows of only 45F I would forgo the heat. Save money. Mold won't grow in cold environment of 32 f or so. Ideal growth temps are 70 and up. Moisture and heat are two ingredients for mold.

AstoriaDave · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 4:25 pm Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 5:43 pm Post subject:

If I remember right, from a recently resurrected thread, there was a recipe for mixing a touch of vinegar with the bleach and water for the cleaning and prevention of mold. The vinegar increased the acidity of the mix and increased the mold prevention. Sorry I don't have the link to that, I used it after doing a thorough wash with Borax, which left a fine white (like chalky) substance on the surface.

I use a couple of the aluminum contained fans. West Marine dehumidifiers, that are very low current draw, with minimal heat and a continuous fan. I think they are about 60 - 100 watts. Everything stays dry here.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

BrentB · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:58 pm Post subject:

Fungi (mold, mildew, etc) can grow at lower temp like a refrigerator

just saying

combination of hot water, bleach, a detergent (borax and bleach can safely used together)and vinegar to acidify is a very effective cleaning and disinfectant for hard surfaces, and inexpensive. The best results is to use lots of solution applied with a soft bristle brush and or a wash mitt (mechanical cleaning), clean the the areas more than once (repetition improves results) and keep the area wet for 10 to 20 min to effective disinfecting (contact time).
Afterwards, rinse well, let dry and use fans.

Wear your safety glasses and gloves (Safety First)
New glasses are more stylish and provide better protection
Every boat should have them in the tool box
End of safety lecture.... pass the donuts OSmile

Also measure ingredients carefully, it is commonplace to add too much item to water.

Beware the solution might remove wax like some boat soaps will remove and others will not

rogerbum · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 7:07 pm Post subject:

Our average low temps are not that low either (especially this winter). The main purpose of the heater is to keep the condensation down. I spend the money on the monthly electric bill and the inside of the cabin has remained relatively mold free. The cockpit however, has mold growing in many locations - even the fish boxes (which we left open) gathered a lot of mold so far this winter.

localboy · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 10:17 pm Post subject:

Our findings match Roger's. We have both an oil heater and fan on constantly, although the heater is on very low. All cabinets etc are open, bedding is in "space bags" and cushions are stood up and leaning on each other to have air flow. Even the head door is open. Worst mold is in the battery compartments and we left them open all winter.