Mould

This is a helpful article on how to fix mould that a lot of us on the East coast are suffering from at the moment.

www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-27/removing-mould-best-solution-brisbane-queensland/101100886?fbclid=IwAR2rGSFBUVfpQTr7MnzIEAHQakCsk4tUsKlguM4W8HcqNJXvIalE3aSaaK4

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Ramona said..
This is a helpful article on how to fix mould that a lot of us on the East coast are suffering from at the moment.

www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-27/removing-mould-best-solution-brisbane-queensland/101100886?fbclid=IwAR2rGSFBUVfpQTr7MnzIEAHQakCsk4tUsKlguM4W8HcqNJXvIalE3aSaaK4

Great article Ramona. Shannon Lush also put a good book out a few years ago "Spotless". In my Top Hat, there is no interior lining, so the fibreglass has just been painted over, leaving a slightly bumpy surface. Perfect for black mould. This is the first time it's been so bad I can't remove the stains. Over the last 12 years, I've just had to occasionally remove a bit, but after 3 months of not going to the boat and so much wet weather, it was totally covered inside.

I ended up using Wet and Forget interior, but haven't found any product that will remove the stains. Looks like I need to do a complete interior paint.
I also fitted a new solar deck vent. Runs 24/7 on solar and internal battery. I'm hoping it will keep the stale moist air moving and prevent any further mould.

We used Borax to move some pretty nasty mould off before an interior paint. For the really bad areas we added Tricleanium (another alkaline). Boil the kettle and add to give the water some heat, it helps with dissolving and application.
It worked like a charm and for double points, the new paint was still fine some 12 months later.

I used the same mix on the last boat as a wipe down over the interior with a micro fibre towel. Maybe once every 6-12 months ish? That was always satisfying. As much as cleaning a boat in the middle of some airless summer day can be satisfying

Also from the big green shed 30 second out door cleaner does a superb job on life jackets, brings em up like new, spray on hose off, it's a strong bleach concoction expensive for what it is tho

I tried some "Coles Ultra fast action Mould Killer" today which was recommended on another forum & I will be going back to Coles to get another couple of bottles!!

For a couple of $$ this stuff really works - just spray it on & it disappears!!

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julesmoto said..
Thanks for that. Does it say it is safe on Fabrics? I tried this stuff from Woolworths which says safe on Fabrics and with a little rubbing it got mould off the inside of the hull under a bunk. Have yet to try it on a sail.

I only tried it on hard surfaces & it worked!!

I did spray a little bit on the back of a curtain - I'll see how it faired next trip to the boat!!

I had another bottle of a different brand more expensive "mould killer" but this was just "filed away" because it didn't work!!

Great topic Ramona.
Getting it and keeping it off.
I am now adept at the mould removal two step.
What I am doing is working on prevention and have read that dipping chalk sticks in Oil of Cloves works.
Only a slight aroma which I am mildly liking.

Its also possible to stop it getting there in the first place. Someone I meet said try a dehumidifier.

I got 240V/12V one for $150 and put it in Trek 6 months ago. No mould since and boat smells fresh. Heavy on current though, needs 6A.

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Jethrow said..
A 12v dehummer is pretty rare Trek. Can you link the brand? Does it just run off the battery?

I don't think you actually need a De-Humidifier, but just something to circulate the air and keep it moving out of the boat.

I installed one of these, but due to all manner of things going on, I've not been back to see how it fared. It's on the front hatch, because I had no where else that had a flat surface that I was prepared to cut a 120mm hole into.

www.whitworths.com.au/vent-sunvent-s-s-d-n

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Jethrow said..
A 12v dehummer is pretty rare Trek. Can you link the brand? Does it just run off the battery?

Hi Jethrow, see my reply