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
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.
I've been using the second formula from this page with good results, see the link below.
stingysailor.com/2021/11/06/remove-and-prevent-mildew-for-pennies
Next time I'll try the clove oil treatment suggested in the article in Ramona's post either before the borax/TSP treatment or after. Should make the boat smell nice, too.
Cheers,
Kinora
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
Mould like acid environment. Vinegar does a good job of removing mould but it leaves an acid environment for the next generation to enjoy, on the other hand some thing like tri sodium phosphate is alkaline. The big green shed sells it as tricleanium as a bonus it does a good job on grease & oil, brew shops sell a chlorinated version usually marketed as pink bottle wash, kill mould and sterilise your bulkheads at the same time!
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
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
It works really well on gelcoat as well. Spray on, agitate with soft brush and hose off.
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 $$ this stuff really works - just spray it on & it disappears!!
I tried some "Coles Ultra fast action Mould Killer" today which was recommended on another forum & I will be going back to Coles to get another couple of bottles!!
For a couple of $$ this stuff really works - just spray it on & it disappears!!
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.
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!!
Gentlemen please do your home work, the active ingredient in the product above is bioflavonoid ...... citric acid. Yep like vinegar, excellent short term relief but leaves a rather encouraging environment for the next generation of spores
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.
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.
That's interesting... It reminds me of Mrs Marsh and the Colgate toothpaste TV advert, many years ago... Cheers..
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.
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
From the US CDC, how to stop mould growing:
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can-no higher than 50%-all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low.
Full story here www.cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm#:~:text=To%20Prevent%20Mold%20Growth%20in,at%20a%20home%20improvement%20store
I bought a cheap dehumidifier designed for boats on Ebay but its sold out because it works so well. But I found another boat one here:
forboat.eu/mini-dehumidifier-12v-for-boat
A 12v dehummer is pretty rare Trek. Can you link the brand? Does it just run off the battery?
Hi Jethrow, see my reply