I think this is a common problem for most sailboat owners. I get "grey dust" growing on the lower parts of my cabinets, doors, etc. I have been using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (without bleach) to wipe the fuzz off, however, it keeps coming back. What is the best way to keep the growth at bay for the longest time? I have considered using a diluted bleach solution, sealing with a finish, and washing with warm soap and water -- but I didn't want to experiment until I heard from some people that have solved this problem. Thanks.
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Mold and Mildew need just a few things to grow
A warm, damp, dark place with stagnant air (minimal circulation). Those conditions exist in all boats without good ventilation. I'd suggest that you make sure you do all you can to produce good ventilation and minimize moisture - leaks & stuff. I have wiped down the wood in my older boat with a mild clorox mixture and it seems to help. I haven't tried to "seal" the wood so cannot speak to those results.
A warm, damp, dark place with stagnant air (minimal circulation). Those conditions exist in all boats without good ventilation. I'd suggest that you make sure you do all you can to produce good ventilation and minimize moisture - leaks & stuff. I have wiped down the wood in my older boat with a mild clorox mixture and it seems to help. I haven't tried to "seal" the wood so cannot speak to those results.
In praise of solar ventilators
About 8 years ago, I replaced two of the passive ventilators on my Hunter 33 with 4" Nicro solar ventilators in an effort to help with recurring mildew. Even though one was later lost overboard when a sheet flipped it, the remaining one hs continued to do the job, pretty much eliminating what was a bad problem. They're pretty expensive but about all the upkeep is replacing the batteries about every year or so.
About 8 years ago, I replaced two of the passive ventilators on my Hunter 33 with 4" Nicro solar ventilators in an effort to help with recurring mildew. Even though one was later lost overboard when a sheet flipped it, the remaining one hs continued to do the job, pretty much eliminating what was a bad problem. They're pretty expensive but about all the upkeep is replacing the batteries about every year or so.
Poor man's ventilator
Some company makes an RV/boat heater that warms up the air enough to circulate it. Not too hot to the touch and little liklihood of setting a fire. I've used it in the past to great effect of reducing humidity and eliminating the mildew. Here in the South, we pioneered humidity.
Some company makes an RV/boat heater that warms up the air enough to circulate it. Not too hot to the touch and little liklihood of setting a fire. I've used it in the past to great effect of reducing humidity and eliminating the mildew. Here in the South, we pioneered humidity.
Lemon oil
I read somewhere that lemon oil is death to mildew. Following, a partly flooded boat in the wake of Hurricane Wilma, I had mildew in the drawers and cabinates. I obtained a bottle of lemon oil from the local hardware store and haven't had a problem since. Plus it smells nice as well.
I read somewhere that lemon oil is death to mildew. Following, a partly flooded boat in the wake of Hurricane Wilma, I had mildew in the drawers and cabinates. I obtained a bottle of lemon oil from the local hardware store and haven't had a problem since. Plus it smells nice as well.
We have used citrus oil with good success.
Steve: We have also used Orange and Lemon Oil on the wood to clean it. I have also had minor mold issues on the wood in the past and this has worked well.
Steve: We have also used Orange and Lemon Oil on the wood to clean it. I have also had minor mold issues on the wood in the past and this has worked well.
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