When it comes to boating, mildew may be a significant problem. Knowing how to prevent mildew on boat seats can help you reduce the chances of further growth.
Considering that boats are built in a wet climate and have enclosed compartments, moisture in the air and humidity set the right circumstances for mold and mildew, keeping everything damp and warm exactly as mildew prefers.
Once mildew has taken hold, it can be difficult to remove, and most yacht insurance policies do not include significant damage to the boat. The best way of dealing with mildew is to stop them from growing in the first place by creating an environment that is unfavorable to their growth.
How Do You Prevent Mildew On Boat Seats?
1. Locate and repair any leaks
The elimination of water intrusion is the first step in prevention. Regardless of how much work you put into dehydrating your boat, you will achieve zero if moisture continues to seep into the vessel.
You should check seals surrounding deck-penetrating equipment such as stanchions, ports, cleats, bow roller, vents, hatch, windlass, and other similar items. If water is going through this sealing, you should disconnect the hardware and inspect the deck core to ensure that moisture has not penetrated the center.
Remove any deck core rot by digging it out, filling and resealing the area, then reinstalling your hardware with a fresh coat of sealant.
2. Make use of a boat cover
Using a boat cover is also another method of preventing water from getting inside your boat.
However, while the cover will serve as a water shield, it will also limit ventilation, which is necessary for maintaining your boat dry. Check to see that your boat cover has adequate ventilation.
Active airflow, such as solar fans, should be used in the vents of a tight cover to keep the cover’s vents from becoming too hot. Also, be sure that there is no pooling of water on your coverage, as collected water has the potential to seep into your boat.
3. Ventilate your boat
Stagnant air will contain moisture, and when the temperature changes, condensation will happen. All portions of your yacht open to circulation should be left wide open.
Mechanical vents, such as solar fans, are even more efficient than passive vents. When selecting an operational option, make sure that the vent’s maximum capacity will allow it to exchange the amount of air in your boat approximately once an hour.
It is preferable to have both active intake and exhaust vents strategically placed around your boat to ensure that you maintain airflow throughout the vessel and that no stagnant regions remain.
4. Decrease the amount of humidity in the air
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, therefore lowering humidity is equivalent to mold avoidance. However, there are several different techniques to take into consideration.
Remedies that necessitate the use of electricity might be both inefficient and harmful. It will help if you do not leave heaters and dehumidifiers alone as they need a regular power supply to function properly.
An electric lightbulb is a frequent illustration that many sailors use to demonstrate their point. Specially designed boat air dryers are the most effective solution for unsupervised operation.
These dryers are designed to be used around the clock, have no moving components, equipped with features that avoid overheating and sparking. They have even been deemed safe for use in engine rooms.
Alternatives, you may also use chemical dehumidifiers, typically composed of calcium chloride, absorb water and store it in storage containers that you may need to empty when necessary. Filling buckets with pavement deicer can be used to create a homemade version.
Such tubs and bags are secure, affordable, and simple to store in lockers or other areas where humidity removal is a concern. They are also readily accessible at most nautical supply stores.
Based on the quantity of humidity in the air, a few packets may be sufficient for the entire winter; you may require more for a large boat.
5. Keep it as clean as possible
Maintain a clean environment in any locations where your ventilation is restricted.
To clean up these places, mix a 1:3 mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar is effective against the majority of mold species.
You can effectively remove mold and mildew using a 10 percent bleach solution.
Vinegar is less harmful than bleach and is effective against mildew. Check the product’s reaction on a small patch of fabric before using it on a larger piece of fabric.
Apply it with a sponge to the afflicted areas. If you require something more powerful, go ahead and use it at total capacity.
For additional help, here’s how to clean mold off boat seats. You may also check out how to clean boat carpet mold here.
Conclusion
For the best results on how to prevent mildew on boat seats, combine the suggestions listed above. If your boat is not well ventilated or has a leaking platform, lowering the humidity will have only a limited impact on the situation.