MOLDY CARPET

[TNFL]

I'm buying a boat from a guy. His new ranger got the garage, the crestliner went outside, the cover leaked and the carpeted storage compartments did not get aired out.

I took out the two pieces of floor about 2ft x 3ft each. They are mostly covered with a white mold, not too fuzzy but more of a skin coat. Does anyone know a way to treat and get rid of the mold without it coming back (with proper maintanence)? Or am I better off just replacing it, I was thinking just stained, treated plywood, no carpet, since it is the just the bottom of the storage area.

Thanks

[Valv]

A good wash with a pressure washer will remove any mold and dirt that's on the carpet, it will look as good as new, it will also fluff-it-up a little.

To avoid a repeat of this you can add a small venting plate, it's just a round cover with vents on it, it will help air flow in the bow area, usually it's installed in the vertical section right next to console (tough to explain, easier to see)

[BobT]

Related to this Valv has pointed out a great way to clean and renew your boat carpeting. I do this at least once or twice a year. If you don't have your own pressure washer you can take it to a self-serve car wash. Be careful about how much soap you use though. My first experience took me a long time to get the soap out of the carpet.

Bob

[TNFL]

Thanks for the info.

[Pat K]

Zinsser makes a product called JO MAX. It's made for siding, and interior & exterior trim. I've used it on mildew on a fish house carpet with good resuts. It mixes with water and a small amount of bleach. Took out the stains and the mildew hasn't come back. Should be in the paint dept of any of the big box home improvement stores.

You mention treated plywood, not a good idea in an aluminum boat. The ACQ treatment is very corrosive and reactive with aluminum. It will eat any aluminum it is in contact with.

[Valv]

Quote:

---

You mention treated plywood, not a good idea in an aluminum boat. The ACQ treatment is very corrosive and reactive with aluminum. It will eat any aluminum it is in contact with.

---

Thank you for catching this Pat, I missed it.

Yes DO NOT use treated plywood, in need use standard type, it will last a long time, or you can coat it with some fiberglass resin to make it waterproof.

[Sifty]

Take a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% water in a spray bottle and spray the area. DO A TEST AREA FIRST TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY EFFECT ON THE COLORING OF THE SURROUNDIND AREAS.I.E CARPET OR PAINT. This will kill the mold and also help with the regrowth of it. Check the area often. Once mold has a food it will continue to try to grow.

Sifty