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The Main Dock => TSBB General Talk => Topic started by: Wolverine on Oct 10, 2025, 12:23 PM

Title: Eliminating Mildew
Post by: Wolverine on Oct 10, 2025, 12:23 PM
After wiping down all the interior surfaces with a mildew preventer, I sealed the boat in preparation for Imelda and left for Montana. Returning 2 weeks later all the interior teak is covered in a light coating of mildew.

Anyone find a product that works?

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Title: Re: Eliminating Mildew
Post by: Dave Scobie on Oct 11, 2025, 09:36 AM
Review this -

https://www.practical-sailor.com/waypoints-tips/mildew-free-boat/homemade-mildew-preventers-that-really-work

I've used Formula B
Title: Re: Eliminating Mildew
Post by: Ziradog on Oct 11, 2025, 05:20 PM
I've used Formula B as well.  It does a good job cleaning & a better-than-average job preventing mold, but as always the best prevention is to keep water out and air flow going.
Title: Re: Eliminating Mildew
Post by: Riley Smith on Oct 19, 2025, 07:48 AM
Other than a powered dehumidifier/fan/air moving device, it seems a desiccant might help with that problem. And an alternative to commercial stuff would have to be something like kitty litter or charcoal. Does anyone ever use that in conjunction with films meant to keep the mold from getting started in the first place? Just curious. I keep the catboat in the garage and don't have much of a problem but I can see where that would be a big problem. I HATE mildew because it forms here at the drop of a hat.
Title: Re: Eliminating Mildew
Post by: Chris Muthig on Oct 22, 2025, 11:57 AM
Damp-rid works pretty well, short of an electronic dehumidifier.  We recommend that in cars with sunroofs that leak, because sunroofs are really only good for one thing, leaking.  It comes in a bucket, with a basket that holds a dessicant material, it absorbs then shed water, leaving the water in the bucket to be dumped later.  The dessicant does deteriorate over time, and you can buy replacement dessicant to replenish it, but it does last a good amount of time.  They're not that expensive.  They also have a newer style with a long bag, where the bottom of the bag is the reservoir, and the dessicant is higher up.  I've noticed those don't last as long or work quite as well as the bucket style.  They're available in a few sizes, and can be bought at supermarkets, walmart, etc.