Exterior mildew, will anything prevent it??

[JamesG161]

Boron triggered me for a great chemical to use to prevent fungus. Timbor®

http://www.amazon.com/Tim-bor-Professional-Insecticide-Fungicide-1-5/dp/B00282L6T2

This is used to remediate toxic black mold and prevent it. Please note that Mildew is NOT toxic black mold.
This chemical is NOT toxic (EPA/FDA tested) to dogs, cats, grandchildren, gold fish and is made from natural deposits.

It is used in maintaining aquariums from pH changes.

This is really natures miracle anti-fungal chemical. Your Grandma put a bottle cap of Borax behind the refrigerator to kill roaches and ants. It is not a poison and has no odor.

This will KILL the mildew, but as soon as it is washed harmlessly away, mildew can return. That bag is about 10 yr supply for boat mildew killer. In other words, I use about 2 bags, diluted, to pretreat wood framed homes against termites, fungus, toxic black mold and is a flame retardant.

"borates are more toxic at lower doses to fresh / brackish critters which aren't adapted to it. It certainly isn't a good thing."

I am not sure what a critter is, but use all chemicals responsibly by label. Chemicals are our friends.

Although I have not tested this on boat mildew, it will work. I would guess that a simple kitchen floor cleaner ( non bleach type), like Mr.Clean in a gallon of water, with a tablespoon of Borax, or Timbor®, would do the trick.

This not a phosphate, like problem, which is necessary to support life growth, like algae. It was NOT the phosphate that was toxic, but the algae bloom that stole the Oxygen from fish. Borate is already Oxidized.

If rain did not wash off the Borate, NO MILDEW!
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

I looked up Wet & Forget and its active ingredient.

http://www.wetandforget.com/product_wet_and_forget_outdoor.html

This is much much much better than bleach!

I used this chemical to kill bacteria in wood, in Katrina flooded homes and not bleach which reacts negatively with wood and many other things. It disappears within 24 hours and supports the Biodegradable claim, after doing its work. It is used as a gym equipment cleaner for cushions, between users. Really good stuff!

But, it will not prevent regrowth. The FORGET name part, means no scrubbing, not forget regrowth.

I will get some of this, since I got mine from a chemical supply house. Good Tip!
Jim...

PS: I am thinking about adding some Borax to this cleaner and will report back if there is a side reaction, but if applied first, then 24+ hours later, a water/Borax solution left to dry on deck should to do it.

 

[kloudie1]

Several years ago, I noted that the professional stuff used for mold and mildew control was essentially the same as the algaecide that I use in the swimming pool.. I also noted (as did ThinWater,) that it was a BUNCH cheaper if bought as pool algaecide and diluted if necessary to about the concentration in Wet & Forget, about 10%. I put it in a spritz bottle and spray the insides of the lockers and let dry.. Works for a couple of years.. I have not used it on deck, but I suspect that with all the rain we see here, it would not last very long.

 

[Gunni]

James;
You are mixing up marine and freshwater ecosystem borate toxicity. Borates are typically low in freshwater, higher in saltwater. We have known for years that borates are toxic to some species of freshwater fish and micro organisms. Boron hydrates are amazing chemicals but that doesn't mean we should be slathering our boats with this potent stuff and thinking it doesn't matter. Especially in the amounts and concentrations used to effectively treat mold and fungus.

 

[JamesG161]

Gunni...
I didn't understand which critters you were referring too, but nice study in you link. I saw the same LD50 data on gold fish for Timbor® and GOLD FISH are way more hardy than mountain trout.

But your point is well taken.

The borate treatment, once a season on your trailered 22' boat should not be a significant boron impact.

Follow your label instructions of application of any chemical. Those instructions were done by bio-impact considerations.

Several years ago, I noted that the professional stuff used for mold and mildew control was essentially the same as the algaecide that I use in the swimming pool

I did the same using Black Algaecides from pool supplies. It works too!

I found the local chemical supply house for commercial supplies that has bulk generic Wet & Forget ( 1 gallon that dilutes 1part to 20 parts cost $20 vs $32 W&F) . Cheaper than pool suppliers. Kloudie1, if you are ever in the Gulfport Area, we have that reputable supplier here.
Jim...

PS: Boron is a biologically required nutrient too.

 

[forbin]

Ted...looks like you have a C&C 110...I have a 99 so I'm guessing we have similar problems with black spots in the non-skid! I wanted to ask about how you apply Wet & Forget - I picked some up yesterday after reading your post. Do you just spray (after diluting) it on the non-skid and walk away? Any issues with staining or getting it on other materials on the boat? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gene Neill]

I just picked up 1/2 gallon of Wet&Forget at Ace Hardware for $24.99. It took a (diluted) quart of it to spray down my entire boat from the rubrail on up. Mixed according to directions (5:1) and used not more than six times a year (per the instructions) that's ... let's see ... twelve bucks a year?? The joys of small boat ownership!!

It was already dark when I sprayed her down, so I was keenly interested in getting a look by daylight today. I'm happy to report no sign of any streaking, etc. If it proves effective, I will be a customer for life. And, as was suggested, I'll start adding a small amount of bleach to the wash bucket.

Interestingly, I noticed that "ZEP Commercial Floor Disinfectant", which I've seen a million times at Home Depot, uses the same active ingredient as Wet&Forget. Could be another cheaper avenue for you guys who are cursed with big boats.

Thanks so much for all the replies, they are very much appreciated!!

 

[markwbird]

Sunlight. I assume your boat is covered. uncover it or, if you have a cover that lets light thru use that.

 

[JamesG161]

Report back on its success or not, please.

And, as was suggested, I'll start adding a small amount of bleach to the wash bucket.

Trust me, the bleach will not help. The Wet&Forget is neutral and does same. Since it disappear chemically in 24 hours, as does bleach, I hope it does the trick of not returning.
Jim...

 

[Ted]

Forbin, I did not have a widespread problem with mold on the deck of my C&C 110. I recently purchased the boat and there were some areas where lines had laid on the deck over the winter which caused localized blooms. The non-skid surface is very fine and it's difficult to scrub away the mold. I placed the diluted mixture of Wet and Forget in a small handheld spray bottle to apply it to the moldy areas. On a previous boat I applied the mixture to the entire deck with a pump type garden sprayer. It goes on quickly and because it is neutral, it is not necessary to prevent overspray to other materials like when using some other chemicals.

 

[Gene Neill]

Gene, there is a very effective product called Wet & Forget which prevents mold and mildew. You spray it on the items you want to treat with a pump type garden sprayer. It does not remove mold/mildew immediately but works over a long period of time to remove it and will prevent it from reappearing. Fall is a perfect time to apply it and it will continue to work over the winter and spring. It will not harm fiberglass. It works on many other types of materials too. No affilation whatsoever just a satisified user. I've been using it for years to keep my non-skid deck free of those black mold specks which love to hide in the tiny nooks and crannies.

I know this thread is getting old, but I want to thank you, Ted, for this recommendation. I have not had a single speck of mildew since I started using Wet & Forget, based on your recommendation. I owe you one!

 

[Mark Maulden]

The OP asked about prevention. Alot of chemicals discussed above...My story: A year ago, I discovered a big bloom over my entire cabin top which is all nonskid. Sorta "happened" really quick but I'm sure it was building. Took a lot of scrubbing and I used a bit of a Tilex soak. This would be winter of '14/15. I did not wash the boat the entire winter cuz I had some major refit projects going and we got a lot of rain. (And keep spreading the word the PNW gets rain every day)..My halyards etc are lead aft and bascially rest on deck. They were really dark...Fast forward to this last winter. I still had some refit projects and other gigs so we didn't use the the boat Nov-March. I stretched a line over the boom under the main foot and tied both ends to all the lines led aft and picked them up off the deck in the center. I washed the boat twice during the winter. I have had no issues with mold/mildew this year. So, instead of looking at alot of chemicals etc, I will wash the boat at least several times during the winter and not leave any lines horizontal and/or resting on deck. All sheets/halyards etc coiled and hanging. Just don't give it a chance to start. Course, I am floating full time and get good air circulation etc..oh ya, we do have a bad pollen issue in April. More "hose offs" and not let mold nest in it...And, my projects are done so we'll be doing some winter sailing next winter! I do have the luxury of being only a 20 min drive from the boat...

 

[Jacktar]

Try washing it with warm water about a bucket full at a time with a cap or two of bleach and a 1/4 cup of cascade dishwasher gel. It contains oxalic acid which will cut the mildew spores out. Then good coat of wax, cover with mild thick soapy solution, let dry., Before use just hose it down and new mildew if any washes off. Last is old eagle scout trick for cleaning pot bottoms used over campfires, put soap on first, use for trip then wash off soap coat along with black yuck.

 

[JamesG161]

I know this thread is getting old, but I want to thank you, Ted, for this recommendation. I have not had a single speck of mildew since I started using Wet & Forget, based on your recommendation. I owe you one!

Thanks for the feedback!
How often did you apply W&F? Full boat, interior and exterior?
Jim...

 

[Gene Neill]

Thanks for the feedback!
How often did you apply W&F? Full boat, interior and exterior?
Jim...

Just the exterior. I've applied it twice since mid November (mildew is a year round problem here).

 

[JamesG161]

mildew is a year round problem here

Here too! We will try the same stuff (not the brand name at half price, my post #26) for the interior wipe down of teak.
This time of year, with the temperature swings, we can get the mildew "haze" on much of the interior. I would never use bleach on wood (that is one of chemicals to turn wood into paper). Normally a varnish or coating on wood would protect it from bleach.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

my post #26

Ooooppps...post #25. 2nd cup of coffee find.
BTW I was wondered if that champagne in your picture might work too!
Jim...

 

[woodster]

Ooooppps...post #25. 2nd cup of coffee find.
BTW I was wondered if that champagne in your picture might work too!
Jim...

probably not but after ingesting it he may not give a damn

 

[Stu Jackson]

When I broke my leg skiing in January 2009, the boat sat for 3 months, wintertime. First time we ever got any mold on the outside! Before this thread existed, I looked around and tried Lysol Mold & Mildew Spray. Worked where heavy scrubbing didn't. It seemed also to prevent the return, and I only have to use it very occasionally. Doesn't take much if you you hose the boat down after each use. Sometimes the shady side in our dock during the winter (i.e., the northwest side of my boat) doesn't get any sun for quite some time during the winter.

 

[woodster]

tried Lysol Mold & Mildew Spray

plus one on that ...i get the one in the purple bottle