Mold/mildew cleaning
- Thread starter pdecat
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try a product called krasy clean
Capt. Bill1
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Vinegar and water. We use it to clean a lot of things on board.
"Store-bought mold and mildew removers aren't good for your lungs or your pocket book; so skip them, and make your own highly-effective tub and tile cleaner. To do so, simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, zap that mold or mildew wherever it lurks.
Another cleaning option: Soak a sponge in the vinegar/water solution, and wipe down any areas with mold or mildew growth.
Why This Works
The acetic acid in vinegar kills mold and mildew, and also inhibits the growth of future mold and mildew.
Benefits of Cleaning with Vinegar
* inexpensive
* no harsh chemicals
* natural mold and mildew remover and growth inhibitor"
"Store-bought mold and mildew removers aren't good for your lungs or your pocket book; so skip them, and make your own highly-effective tub and tile cleaner. To do so, simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, zap that mold or mildew wherever it lurks.
Another cleaning option: Soak a sponge in the vinegar/water solution, and wipe down any areas with mold or mildew growth.
Why This Works
The acetic acid in vinegar kills mold and mildew, and also inhibits the growth of future mold and mildew.
Benefits of Cleaning with Vinegar
* inexpensive
* no harsh chemicals
* natural mold and mildew remover and growth inhibitor"
White distilled vinegar is an essential part of any boat maintenance cupboard or locker. In addition to the above, cleans bronze and copper very nicely. Pour some down your heads and drains regularly to keep your hoses and sumps clean. Does a good job on heat exchangers and after coolers too. Excellent on glass windows. I have come to believe that most boaters don't use it because it doesn't cost very much.
My personal observation has been that the commercial "purpose made" products usually work better than "homebrew" solutions. That's not to say that you can't clean windows with vinegar, it's just faster and easier to use "window cleaner".
I have found that "Marine Spray Nine" works very well on appropriate surfaces as a cleaner and mildew/mold cleaner and deterrant. I don't know the difference between the "marine" product and regular Spray Nine. I wouldn't use it on wood, however.
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Ditto, I am always amazed at the number of boaters that don't know the plethera of uses for vinegar.
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There are two parts to the process:
1) Kill the mildew
2) Remove the mildew stains
I've found that most commercial mildew products are stain removers and don't kill the mildew - it gets "bleached" out but keeps coming back. This is where the vinegar is highly useful to actually kill the stuff.
But the vinegar doesn't always remove the stains. This is where the commercial mildew stain removers are useful. Take your pick - they all tend to work.
1) Kill the mildew
2) Remove the mildew stains
I've found that most commercial mildew products are stain removers and don't kill the mildew - it gets "bleached" out but keeps coming back. This is where the vinegar is highly useful to actually kill the stuff.
But the vinegar doesn't always remove the stains. This is where the commercial mildew stain removers are useful. Take your pick - they all tend to work.
Vinegar is good for salad dressing and marinade. It's really too weak for cleaning and it smells like vinegar. If you really want a cheap weak cleaning product, use water. May be add a drop of detergent. If you want an acid based cleaning product use CLR or most places carry a generic version. Works like vinegar on steroids, costs about the same and doesn't smell.
Lark, you are100% wrong; what have you tested your theory with, Balsamic? Vinegar is more benign than CLR. And if you are sensitive about it, dilute the vinegar with water. I always start with spit before bringing in any chemicals myself. But what do I know, I just have lived aboard and cruised a 60' LOA boat full-time for 4 years. And that Capt Bill1 is a real rookie too. We are always learning!
Ron, the marine chemical and miracle product industry thanks you. I too once supported them as witnessed by the many half used bottles of stuff aging in various lockers around the boat
Ron, the marine chemical and miracle product industry thanks you. I too once supported them as witnessed by the many half used bottles of stuff aging in various lockers around the boat
Well I did stray from the OP's question so yes I'm 100% wrong on that. But anything that you can clean with vinegar, you can clean with soap and water, without the smell of vinegar. Do you really suggest that someone clean the inside of a boat with vinegar, when simpler, cleaner smelling solutions are readily available. What does it matter how long you've boated, vinegar still stinks.
Now any serious cleaning where you need an acid, like metal, yes vinegar will work, but very slowly. Why not buy a real acid, it's cheap, it's fast and it doesn't smell like salad dressing. Do you clean rust with Coke too? Research this, very few of these home remedies work better than soap and water.
Now any serious cleaning where you need an acid, like metal, yes vinegar will work, but very slowly. Why not buy a real acid, it's cheap, it's fast and it doesn't smell like salad dressing. Do you clean rust with Coke too? Research this, very few of these home remedies work better than soap and water.