Mildew solutions

[shulersbbq]

Just starting on the interior of the old girl (F-32). She's been out of the water and closed up for the past 12 + months and has a light coating of mildew over some of the interior(counters/teak/wallpaper) and some in the engine compartment. Anybody got any solutions to clean and kill the mildew that will not harm the surfaces?

Thanks

shulersbbq

[chumwithabottleofrum]

there are commerical mold and mildew removers and blockers that are available-I purchased 3M's remover and blocker (two different products) at Lowes-they come in 32 oz spray bottles-both worked well. Whatever you do-wear at least a dust mask, but preferrably a chemical cartridge respirator when cleaning mold\mildew. (I had a friend who's sister died from respiratory problems brought on by mold she was exposed to while stripping wall paper).
As I said the spray products available at home centers seem to work well.

[randyp]

Here's a pretty good, safe, and CHEAP mildew treatment:

Dissolve together: ½ c, vinegar
½ c. borax in warm water.
Apply with sponge or spray bottle

I've also seen articles on using a dilution of hydrogen peroxide (the stuff you can buy at the drugstore), water and vinegar. I think the formula was 1/2 c hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 c white vinegar and 1 quart water in a spray bottle, or sponge on then wipe off with water and dry. You can use the same formula, mixed with some boat detergent to clean off mildew on the deck surfaces.

[JuiceClark]

If you're going to close her up for a while, go to Ace Hardware (I'm sure they have it at many stores) and buy a few bags of mildew retardant. You just set a few bags around in high places in the boat and no mildew will grow. The fumes are strong through...only for when you're not aboard.