Dust or Someting worse?

[Dave_E]

Hi All,

When we were looking at the boat during the buying phase, we saw what appeared to be a "dusty" interior that had not been used for 2 years. We've been reading about Mold and mildew... and are kind of concerned. Here's what we have. All the woodwork inside, but ONLY the woodwork has a film on it that wipes right off. The appliances, the walls, the table, the windows... nothing. The surveyor tried to tell me we had a mildew problem, but I didn't buy it. The boat was in a covered slip, seagulls everywhere. Did I mention feathers and birds everywhere? I can't explain why this "dusting" was just on the shiny woodwork. Ideas?

Dave

[CaptSteve53]

Hope it wasn't dust from BORER eating away and having a nice day? or maybe because it was on all the surfaces but only really visible the bright finished area's ?

[koliver]

Why not just treat it as if it is mildew. Wipe every surface, not just the shiny parts, with a bleach soaked rag, or use one of the bathroom mold & Mildew treatments. Then you know you have killed it if it is mildew, and if not, no harm done.

[diver dave]

sounds like my basement varnish work when the dehumidifier was not running. MILDEW.

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. DE. I suspect the surveyor was correct. On a previous vessel we had a brief mold/mildew problem which manifested itself as you describe (light film of "dust" on wood surfaces) and we corrected with the technique Mr. k suggests.

To prevent a repeat of above mentioned condition, we now leave fans running 24/7 to circulate air inside. No problems since.

It confuses me that you didn't take the surveyor's word for it. That's his job isn't it?

[psneeld]

Sounds like the beginning of mildew..not sure technically what to call it.

.....common to start on the wood first as it might have the right moisture content or hold dirt/oils that the mildew does best on.

Probably not dust as it is described.

[Dave_E]

Thanks for the replies! We'll give the entire interior a wipe down this week.

Just perplexed me how it was only on shiny wood surfaces.

Dave

[bayview]

since it is very fine and not yet thick you probably cant see it on other surfaces. Wipe them down as well and do leave a fan running.

Make sure the bilge is dry

[Spottsville]

Why don't you google Mildew Test like I did and invest in the mold test kit that meets your need. The the test kits come in various prices so a little research will likely pay off.

https://www.westsidewholesale.com/ki...EaAtG2EALw_wcB

[diver dave]

50/50 white vinegar and water appear to be the internets fav for killing white mold on wood. Repeated warnings about bleach, only for a last resort.

[sbu22]

How about using EPA's advice and damp wipe with dilute detegent solution, then wipe dry? Same thing we specify for remediation contractors in healthcare facilities.

Here in the moldy south, I do not leave the AC running or dehumidifiers - just have a strong air mover ($60 carpet dryer) running 24/7 on low speed, aimed to provide max air movement within boat. My layout is such that one does it. Completely effective at min $.

[JDCAVE]

Does it smell? Mildew has a stale odour.

Jim

[Dave_E]

Originally Posted by JDCAVE

Does it smell? Mildew has a stale odour.

Jim

No smell. Now my sailboat had a smell that got into any clothes or towels left on the boat. We had some jackets we left on board for a couple years... no amount of washing could remove that smell. Tossed them.

[Pgitug]

Plastic pan(s) of white vinegar in the bilges keeps the mold and ANY smells away!

[FF]

In an attempt to make the interior pretty the PO may have used a wax polish on the wood.

Wax is food , so will attract hungry living dust.