How to Eliminate Mold and Mildew in Boats

The moist, warm conditions on most pleasure boats provide a perfect growing environment for mold and mildew. When returning to the boat the following weekend, most boaters face a real cleanup chore. It is easy to eliminate mold and mildew without using harsh chemicals or bleach. White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide provide sufficient killing power to get rid of most mold and mildew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 empty spray bottles
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soft-bristle brush
• Sponges or clean cloths

1. Pour some vinegar into one of the spray bottles, and a little peroxide into the other. Use full strength. Only use as much peroxide as you will need for this cleanup job. Sunlight diminishes the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Spray the affected area with the vinegar and let it sit for 20 minutes. Both vinegar and peroxide are weak acids and need a few minutes to do their jobs properly

3. Brush the area lightly with a soft-bristle brush to remove the mold from hard-to-get-at places like seat stitching and corners. Wipe clean with a sponge or cloth

4. Repeat the above steps with the hydrogen peroxide. To keep mold from reoccurring, spray the area at least once a week with the vinegar.

Tips & Warnings

• If working in an enclosed space like the cabin or head, you may want to wear breathing protection. Although vinegar vapors are harmless, they can be very strong without proper ventilation.

References

• Using Hydrogen Peroxide
• Uses for White Vinegar

Resources

• How to Prevent and Remove Mildew

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