5 Ways To Prevent Mold and Mildew From Growing in Your Boat

Preventing mold and mildew is more accessible than stopping it. Mold accumulates by warmth and high humidity, and once it’s formed, it can survive for years, even if conditions and location change. Use these five suggestions to prevent mold and mildew growth, so you and your guest aren’t greeted by mildewy cushions, carpets, and headliners.

Periodically Spot Check Your Boat

The key to preventing a mold and mildew problem is checking your boat periodically. Spot checking nooks and crannies will prevent an issue from becoming much worse.

Cleaning your boat while checking is a big help in combatting mold issues. Mold and mildew thrive in dirt and grime. It’s helpful to clean up any spills, crumbs, or dirt that may fall. When spot-checking, pay attention to:

• Curtains
• Drawers
• Closets
• Deck core
• Chainplates
• Cabinets
• Deck-stepped masts
• Hatches

Allow Air Flow

Mold loves stagnant air. Moisture inside your boat generates through condensation because water, air, and temperatures constantly change at different rates, accelerating the mold growth process.

Making sure your boat is well-ventilated, running fans, and using waterproof ventilation helps air circulation. When the boat is not in use, we suggest using dehumidifiers to ensure airflow and decrease moisture.

Remove All Items That Attract Moisture

When you’re storing your boat over some time, you should prepare it in a way that prevents mold and mildew problems. Removing items that don’t have to stay on your boat is suggested.

These items include:

• Bedding and Mattresses
• Seat cushions
• Life jackets
• Books
• Clothing
• Food
• Towels

Fix Leaks Immediately

Fixing leaks is something you cannot put off if you want to prevent mold and mildew. Check all seals around your deck, such as hatches, cleats, vents, and windlasses.

If water gets through these seals, remove the hardware and check that water isn’t in the deck core. Dig out any rot, reseal the area, and reinstall your hardware with brand new sealant. Make it a priority to find the source and fix it.

Protect Your Fabrics

Protecting the fabric items on your boat is one of the best ways to prevent mold and mildew growth. Using marine-grade vinyl fabrics provides a quality material that can endure exposure to water, heat, and moisture. Life jackets, boat covers, seat cushions, bedding, and mattresses need extra care after usage. To avoid mold and mildew from growing on your fabrics, rinse them off and allow them to dry thoroughly. Check the entire boat to ensure there are no tears or holes because that’s an opportunity for water to get inside. If left for too long, water can cause rapid mold and mildew growth.

Mold and mildew can be concerning issues. Your health is compromised when you don’t address a mold issue early on. Combining all the tips above will prevent mold and mildew from growing on your boat.

Make sure to check out All Vinyl Fabric’s marine-grade vinyl for the highest quality! Marine-grade vinyl provides grade-A moisture resistance and prevents fungus and bacteria growth.