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Mildewed Cabin cushions

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James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/11/2008 : 09:01:14

I am in the process of purchasing a 1980's Model Catalina 25. Seems to be in pretty good shape but has been sitting without TLC for some time. The cushions have been refurbished a couple of years ago but all exhibit a mildew smell. I left them in the sun for an afternoon which helped but I am going to have to do more.
Anyone have any experience with solving this problem? I can remove the covers but the underlying foam smells like mildew as well.

Thanks!

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 12:50:50

Jim,
It will probably take more then an afternoon in the sun. Maybe a week or so but sunlight is mildews major enemy. I have used Fabreeze in the past to overcome mildew smells.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 14:46:01

We use a light bleach solution to combat mildew as well as it's smell. I don't recall the exact percentages to make it up, but I had pretty good success with it, sunlight, and time. We also use both Febreze some cedar oil in the boat to keep it smelling fresh.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 16:09:02

...and going forward, the best prevention in my book is a solar vent. It pulls the damp daytime air out overnight, virtually eliminating condensation and dampness inside. Mine runs 365-1/4 days per year.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 18:21:24

Take the cushion covers off the foam and throw them in the washing machine.
Lay the foam parts in the driveway and flood them with a light bleach and water solution.
Wring them out and let them dry, good to go.
Put them in the swimming pool maybe?
That's what I'd try.
Dan

Edited by - Happy D on 08/11/2008 18:22:53

James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 19:38:26

Thanks!

Lots of good information! Closer inspection has revealed leaks in several of the side windows which surely caused the mildew as the boat sat idle for some time.

I guess my next problem will be trying to figure out how to dismount and re-caulk the windows. Are there resources available to instruct me on how to do this?

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 20:00:39

I just pulled my "windows" last week for a slight leak in two of them. The plan was to inspect to see if I needed the repair kit (I do) and either reseal the glazing channel with silicone and reseat the frames with silicone II as a temporary fix (which I did) or, if the seals were in good shape, reseat the frames with polysufide. So now I will order the kit and do the proper repair this fall. Removal is straight forward - remove the screws and slowly pry the outer frames away from the cabin and the sticky stuff with two flexible putty knives. Be patient and slide one of the knives under the frame to cut the non-hardening bedding. I did mask everything with the windows positioned properly, then I applied the silicone, seated the frames, taped them in place, and went below and re-installed the interior frames. Tightened up later that evening. The sticky bedding is easily removed with a putty knife and then final cleanup with toluene. Be sure to remove the two screws in each end of the frames to separate the halves.

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 20:58:41

I had mildew smell from the cushions - - when I purchased the boat last September. I took every foam cushion out from the cover, and washed the cushions in the tub with soap and water. I then let them dry for a long time during the winter months. I also washed the covers in the tub with soap and water. I used the same soap my wife used for clothes.

I performed all the washing of cushions and covers during the winter months.

The key to preventing mildew is to keep it dry and have a well ventilated boat.

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 20:11:20

If you're lucky your foam is not mildewed, the original covers have a polymer coating to prevent water getting into them when wet people sit on them. Toss the covers in the washing machine, add soap and run through for a cycle, then do over, but leave on presoak for a day or two. Turn on and finish wash cycle, then air dry, in the sun if possible, this should get rid of any mouldy smell.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.