Removing smell from cabin

goodtimes132

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
3
We just recently purchased a 20 year old sail boat. There is a terrible mold and mildew odor in the cabin. Does anyone recommend a good technique to remove these smells. We have tried surface cleaning, air fresheners, and air purifiers but the smells come back over night when we close it back up. Thanks
 

Omega-1

Seaman
Joined
Jun 25, 2005
Messages
51
Re: Removing smell from cabin

goodtimes132,<br />The best way I have found to control mold and mildew in places exposed to dampness is to do the following:<br />Obtain some CONSAN liquid antifungal agent from your garden supply center or local agricultural feed store. Mix according to direction for disinfesting purposes. Remove any loose items from the area and wash or wipe down with the CONSAN mix. Then wipe down the entire cabin, all crevices, cracks, floor and walls with the CONSAN mix. Then direct an airfan into the area to dry and ventilate. You may need to repeat the treatment from time to time to control the growth of mildew/fungus. Additionally, you may need to install a ventilation port to circulate air in the cabin. If you cannot find CONSAN in your area, do a websearch for the company which produces it; you can order some on line and read on the uses of this product.
 

meat76head

Cadet
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
17
Re: Removing smell from cabin

Perhaps some kind of dessicant for the humidity and a carbon air filtration or ozone treatment for odor?
 

Pst76

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2002
Messages
220
Re: Removing smell from cabin

Another trick that works quite well. I've used in old cars as well as my cuddy cabin. Fill a glass with straight Pinsol cleaner and let sit uncovered inside for a few days with cabin all closed up. <br />After a day or two open everything up and air everything out. smell should get neutralized by cleaner and Pinsol smell will go away as well within a few days. Sounds quirky but it does work. I got it from a antique car restoration website.
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Removing smell from cabin

there's a spray sold in ACE & TRUE VALUE..<br /><br />removes all smells,, mildew, skunk, vomit, whatever... <br /><br />used it,, does work.. one bottle may not be enuff..
 

f_inscreenname

Commander
Joined
Aug 23, 2001
Messages
2,591
Re: Removing smell from cabin

Try a bag of plain charcoal (non lighter fluid kind). Charcoal absorbs odors. I used to do insurance damage, water restoration. Works every time.
 

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Removing smell from cabin

Hands down, the only solution is an ozone generator. It literally burns the smell out of the area. Everything else just tries to camouflage the smell.<br /><br />You let the generator run overnight and there will not be a trace of the smell. It'll smell as fresh as a thunderstorm.
 

i rowboat

Cadet
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Messages
18
Re: Removing smell from cabin

I thought we ruined my wife's car...put a drained cooler full of crabs and seaweed in her trunk, with an unclosed drain hole on the cooler, soaked the carpet, tire well, etc...Lordy, was it ripe. Next day, vacuumed the trunk at a car wash, and sprayed Febreze (tm) antimicrobial, available even in supermarkets, and even the scent of the Fabreze was gone the next day ( even I sprayed again to really be sure.) May well have saved a marriage....
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Removing smell from cabin

never underestimate vinegar.. i'd dose two gallons of the stuff..
 

Purebreed

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
34
Re: Removing smell from cabin

Leave a few fabric softner sheets in the cuddy when you are away.
 
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