Regulars of the Clean & Green corner might guess I’m a bit of a green pragmatist. Indeed, I strive to do my part, encouraging our club and all its members to embrace a greener lifestyle, whether on the water or on wheels. But let’s be clear, my love for all things green definitely draws the line at the unsolicited algae ensemble my boat dons each winter.
As we all know, keeping mould and mildew at bay is a constant battle (I really feel for those with boats on the west side of the marina) and it helps to know the enemy.
Since it’s impossible to eliminate mould and mildew spores entirely, controlling indoor conditions to prevent their growth is crucial. Mould doesn’t just damage boats; it poses a health risk as well. Numerous studies have linked exposure to mould and mildew to a range of health issues, particularly those affecting the respiratory system.
When a mould spore lands on something damp, it sticks like glue. And if that dampness hangs around for a day, the spore throws a growth party. Usually, by the time your nose twitches at that funky, musty odour, the mould’s already made itself quite at home.
We operate a dehumidifier on board and consistently keep a few windows slightly open for proper ventilation. During winter outings, we ignite the trusty diesel heater to warm up the interior and maintain dryness. After seven winters with our current boat, we’ve successfully avoided any mould inside. The exterior, however, tells a different story.
After our typical wet, shorter days, my rub rails, parts of the deck, some of the outdoor seating (despite being covered) and my dinghy are all sporting a new colour for spring.
I usually rely on my pressure washer for spring cleaning. A solid spray from the Karcher effectively removes the green buildup and last season’s grime, offering immediate results. This year, though, I was thinking of switching things up. I’ve been exploring eco-friendly cleaners, especially those targeting mould and mildew. After reviewing various products, I narrowed it down to three promising candidates.
- Wet & Forget,
- 30 Seconds (Green, not Blue), and
- Bio-Shield
Thay all use similar active ingredients, they’re all bio-degradable and marine friendly.
The only issue is that these solutions require time to be effective, and I’m someone who prefers immediate gratification. I’m not keen on spending hours on boat maintenance only to wait weeks for the results. However, the advantage of these products is their long-term effectiveness in killing and preventing growth, which is more than what my trusty Karcher can do. It tends to push spores further into the wood, and considering the 40-year-old gel coat on my boat isn’t impermeable, it’s challenging to get rid of them entirely despite my best efforts.
My game plan? Get ready for the symphony of my power washer in the coming weeks, followed by the sizzle of the hose’s spray attachment as I wage war on grime with my trusty cleaning potions. I’ll bask in the glory of clean looking decks and take some satisfaction that those pesky spores don’t dare stage a comeback.