A safer much less expensive cure that works
Some people have excellent results with Febreze...however, this works even better, not only to get of mildew, but any organically caused odor: Buy some Raritan K.O. holding tank treatment...it's a live bacteria product that "eats" odor-producing spores (similar products are available at pet supply stores to get rid pet odor accidents, but they’re diluted and considerably more expensive). Put it in a trigger sprayer or pump-up garden spray bottle and liberally saturate the cushions with it--not dripping wet, but enough to completely penetrate the cushion. Then leave outside in the sunshine to dry all day. This also works on carpets, in musty wet lockers, and also on musty life jackets and foulies. As for ozone: Ozone in any concentration strong enough to do any good is not only a health hazard, it's also HIGHLY corrosive and destructive rubber, neoprene and flexible PVC—in other words, every seal, valve and hose on a boat. According to the EPA, “Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution. The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that can be irritating and corrosive.” As for how well the portable ozone generators work when it comes to getting rid of odors… yes, people who’ve bought them rave do about how well they work. And, yes, the manufacturers do assure you that the ozone concentration is well below that which can present any health hazard. But if that's true, they can't deliver enough ozone to destroy the sources of any odors...and destroying the source is the only way to get rid of any odor permanently. If they did deliver enough ozone to destroy the sources of odors, it should only be necessary to run one occasionally. But among all the people you know who’ve bought ozone generators, have you ever met anyone who has one who's ever been able to turn if off without having odors return? That should be enough to tell you that ozone generators are only very expensive air fresheners, because they don't deliver enough ozone to be anything else. Save your money and get rid of the SOURCES of your odors. Eliminating the source is the only thing that really works. Plus, it's a LOT less expensive!
