Boat and RV Spring Cleaning: emphasis on mold and mildew
clean up.
Temperatures are rising and last winter seasons' ice and snow is melting
fast. Soon you will actually be able to find your boat or RV where it laid
buried, and inaccessible, in mountains of snow. Soon you will be able to
open your windows and let in that clean refreshing spring air. And when
you hear the robins chirping outside your window and you see the lilies
blossoming, Then you will know its time to uncover and rediscover your
pride and joy. But alas your pride and joy doesn't quit look so joyous
today. Depending on how well you winterized, some of you will find that
there's dust and grime and odors, and "God forbid" mold and mildew have
flourished.
Well, don't despair, we have put together a mold clean up process just in
time for spring cleaning.
Spring Cleaning with emphasis on mold and mildew
clean up.
Step 1 First things first: Ventilate the cabin, head, galley, and
berths of your boat or RV
Crank those hatches open and start getting the fresh spring air inside.
This is the quick fix to polluted, mold odor filled, stale indoor air.
Why do I need to ventilate and what does ventilation Achieve?
Ventilating, quickly reduces humidity levels inside your boat or RV, as
well as reducing concentrated levels of mold and mildew spores and micro
organisms such as viruses and bacteria, as well as pollutants. Pound for pound,
outside air is less polluted (has lesser concentration levels) of mold
spores, odors, and other pollutants.
How to ventilate?
As mentioned before, crank those ports and hatches open, or use exhaust
fans to vent air outside. If you don't have exhaust fans use fans to
circulate the air.
Step 2 Cleaning your boat or RV
and this involves both exterior and interior
surfaces where mold and mildew are present. And NO, there is no work
around here for water and detergent, and lots of elbow grease, OK, so just
break out the soap, water, buckets, rags, brushes, and start cleaning.
Do use cleaning and prep products recommended for marine and RV use.
If the situation is really bad, and If you feel the situation calls for
professional help, look for a local business that does "mold remediation"
Do have adequate ventilation when using harsh cleaning agents. Limit
your exposure to mold by wearing gloves, a respirator and goggles.
In most cases, common household cleaning products and disinfectants are
used for this task. The EPA recommends detergent and water. If you prefer
a variety of marine cleaning products are available for mold cleanup and
mold prevention at your marine store. Available also are environmentally
friendly, biodegradable cleaning products.
The cleanup process involves thorough washing of the walls, floors,
ceilings, paneling, closets, shelves, cabinets and contents of your boat
or RV. Pay close attention to showers and galley counters, areas around
the head, curtains, canvas materials and carpets, as these are highly
susceptible to mold and mildew.
Do not simply cover mold with paint, stain, varnish, or a moisture-proof
sealer, as it may resurface.
Replace moldy shower curtains, or remove them and scrub well with a
household cleaner and rinse before re-hanging them. Carpets are especially
difficult to clean and dry. If you cannot adequately clean and dry these
out consider replacing them.
Empty dehumidifier or air conditioning drain pans daily and clean
often. If possible, have the appliance drip directly into a drain (the
DH-10 is designed to work this way). Refrigerator drip pan should be
cleaned. Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Always disconnect the appliance before cleaning.
Step 3 Dry out everything in your boat or RV
After washing everything, dry out the interior and equipment in your boat
or RV.
Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and galley to vent humid air to the
outside. A clean dry cloth, fans or air blowers helps speed up the drying
process. Open hatchet, portholes, doors, etc. to speed up the drying
process.
Dry out carpeting, sails, cushions, life jackets and other equipment
before storing.
Step 4 Prep surfaces to keep mold and mildew at bay.
This is an important step, otherwise, all that cleaning will come to
naught if you don't prep your surfaces. After cleaning and drying
out your surfaces, prep the surface with mold or mildew block. This is a
great step you can take to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in
your boat or RV. Mold and mildew block products such as 3M's Marine Mildew
Block, that are designed for marine or RV usage, help prevent mold and
mildew growth, by forming a protective, surface barrier against moisture
and dirt (the root source for mold and mildew growth), and thus help
prevent mold and mildew from taking root.
Prep surfaces such as canvas, cushions, carpet and other fabrics. Wood and
vinyl surfaces should also be treated. Don't treat wood or ceramic floors
or walkways, since these may become slippery. Prep walls and surfaces in
high humidity areas such as the head and galley.
You are almost done. However, I must advise you, that cleaning and
prepping is only a couple of steps in an overall mold prevention program.
If you want to see the complete mold prevention program, you can use to
keep your boat or RV mildew free, see our
"Mold Prevention Program for the prevention of mold and mildew growth in
your boat or RV".
Final Step Five: Spit and Shine
Spit and shine. Make your pride and joy glow. So don't forget
the finishing touches. Use polishes, and other wax products to bring
out the original finish in woods and fine metals.
Polishing and waxing surfaces do more than restore the luster in the
surface finish. Waxes create a barrier against dust, dirt, grime and
moisture and will keep your equipment looking better and lasting longer.
Step back. How does she look? She's looking good, but how will she run.
That's another article.
Hey! Look, you missed a spot. Just Kidding.
For a complete mold prevention program
go here. You'll find a Dehumidifier Program for the prevention of
mold and mildew growth in your boat or RV.
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