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Author Topic:   Mildew control
weekendwarrior posted 06-20-2010 11:26 AM ET (US)   Profile for weekendwarrior   Send Email to weekendwarrior  
Please fill me in on any tricks for cleaning up and controlling mildew, aside from "keep it dry", that are safe for gelcoat (i.e. no bleach). I'm in S. FL and our ambient humidity is perpetually over 80% this time of year, frequently over 90% with almost daily rain, so things outside stay damp. The heat index has been over 100-F almost every day so it's warm too. My boat lives outside under a cover and the mildew is taking over. I've got the cover propped up so the wind blows through, but apparently that doesn't do the trick. In just 2 weeks previously white sections of my boat turn gray with mildew. Is there any chemical that will clean and/or prevent mildew that is also safe for the gelcoat?
macfam posted 06-20-2010 08:52 PM ET (US)     Profile for macfam  Send Email to macfam     
White vinegar diluted in water 50/50.
Jefecinco posted 06-21-2010 10:05 AM ET (US)     Profile for Jefecinco  Send Email to Jefecinco     
Warrior,

In your conditions mildew must be completely eradicated in order to get it under control. From your description it appears to me that some mildew has survived your previous treatment and it simply begins reproducing when the conditions are favorable which is almost always.

Sunlight is a good mildew inhibitor but bad for gel coat. Try the water/vinegar solution recommended by Macfam to kill and remove the existing mildew then leave the boat uncovered in full sunlight for two or three days. Consider adding some cover vents to your cover to improve circulation. The vents are widely available at marine specialty outlets. You have not mentioned your cover material but some fabrics breath more readily than others. Covers that do not breath well are more suited to Northern climes. You may also want to consider placing a light or fan under the cover but if so be wary of the potential for damage from them.

Once you've totally eliminated mildew it is much easier to prevent it's recurrence.

Butch

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