Mold Question

[Gofirstclass]

Yesterday I found an area in the forward stateroom where some mold has grown and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. It's about a 6" circle on the fabric between the mattress and the adjacent walls on the sides of the v-berth.

Since it's on a fabric I'm hesitant to use bleach to get rid of it because I don't want to discolor the fabric.

Anyone ever deal with this and have any recommendations on what to use and how to get rid of it?

 

[techmitch]

Most supermarkets/grocery stores have color safe bleach. That should take care of the mold while still preserving your fabric.

 

[Bob & Sue]

A couple years ago in the winter I had a pipe break in the garage that had a leaking shut off valve so I didn't notice it till the water was turned on in the spring had an area of black mold about 3' x 8' along the wall. I had a mold remediation company come out to make sure it was killed they told me never to use bleach just soap and water. On the boat I had a couple spots like you described I used a Bissle spot bot lightweight and easy to carry, it cleaned and killed the mold area, found the leak by a loose window gasket. This fall I'm going to clean the whole interior with a Rug Doctor and run a de-humidifier. If you google mold most sites will tell you never use bleach it does more harm than good in a confined space.

Edit
Always cover area with mold with some kind of enclosure like a garbage bag to stop any mold spores from floating to another area.

 

[moparlvr4406]

Lysol

 

[MaddyDean]

if you put any liquid on the fabric--including bleach--be sure to dry it thoroughly. once the chemicals dry what is left is water and that needs to be dried.

 

[northern]

Any one ever use a portable steamer to clean off mold?

 

[toddh]

I used ammonia on mine. 1 cup per gallon of warm water. Takes it right off.

 

[David Paul]

Many of the interior fabrics on Sea Rays are made by Sunbrella. This is the page from their site that talks about mildew on their fabrics and how to clean it. http://www.sunbrella.com/cleaning/marine-interiors.php

 

[dpmulvey]

What was the source of the water intrusion that caused it?

 

[Gofirstclass]

What was the source of the water intrusion that caused it?

The mold formed over the winter when I had heat in the boat but the dock power shut down for a couple of days and nobody noticed. The mold came from condensation that formed between the mattress and the fabric next to it.

The Sunbrella webssite gave this recipe. Since this is in an area that can't be seen, I think I'll give it a try. We're in a desert area so the humidity is usually around 25%-35%. I'll leave the cleaned area open to the air and put a fan down there for a couple of days to make sure it's completely dry.

Thanks for the help everybody!

GFC

1. Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
2. Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
3. Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
5. Air dry.