Mold is a common problem on inflatable boats. If not cleaned off, it can cause extensive damage to the PVC boats. In this blog post, we will teach you how to clean mold off inflatable boats without damaging it!
If you have an inflatable boat, it’s important to know how to dry it properly. Otherwise, you risk damaging the boat or leaving it vulnerable to mold and mildew.
Mold can be damaging to inflatable boats, and it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Mold and mildew are two of the most common problems that inflatable boats owners face. Mold can cause your inflatable boat to deteriorate with time. Not to mention, it has a distinctively unpleasant odor.
How to dry inflatable boats properly?
It is important to dry inflatable boats thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place – out of direct sunlight – to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
However, we have a step-by-step guide on how to dry it correctly, as well as some basic pointers on how to make the whole process go more quickly and painlessly:
- Remove seats, bags, and other items from your dinghy first. Dry the outside of inflatable boats with a towel. To drain any water remaining in the PVC boat, turn it upside down or sideways and deflation the floor.
- Wipe the boat clean of any remaining water. Clean any debris, sand, or gravel out of the boat using the towel.
- When you finish drying up the boat, use a different towel to continue drying it. Check for damp spots while you’re at it. Roll it and wipe while rolling it. You may now put everything away.
Always bring more than two towels to dry out inflatable boats, depending on the size of your craft. Using another dry towel while drying your vessel will help to avoid moisture accumulation.
If you can’t get rid of all the sand and gravel, there won’t be a problem. There will be no difficulties as long as your dinghy is dry.
If it’s a nice day, you can leave inflatable boats outside to air for a short while. Inflatable boats tend to dry up rapidly, especially those made of PVC.
Simply leave it inflated to dry the hull. After a while, turn it over to allow any extra water to run out and the outer surface to dry. But be sure to clean hard in case there are any difficult-to-reach spots since only the sun will not enough.
How to avoid mold on inflatable boats?
One of the best ways to avoid mold on inflatable boats is to keep it clean. This means regularly washing and drying the boat, as well as storing it in a cool, dry place.
Another way to prevent mold is to treat the boat with a mold-resistant coating. This will create a barrier between the boat and any moisture that could lead to mold growth.
Finally, you can take steps to control the humidity in your storage area. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air around your boat dry.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your boat stays mold-free for years to come!
Wash your boat
It’s important to clean your boat regularly to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Mold can cause serious damage to your boat and is difficult to remove once it’s established.
The first step is to bathe your SIB with a mild soap. Use car wash soap or even dishwashing detergent if necessary. MEK and Toulene are harsh chemicals that can damage the top coat of both Hypalon and PVC, so use them as seldom as possible.
Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner is a hidden treasure you may utilize to clean your boat. It’s a degreaser and disinfectant all in one bottle. Here are some stores where you can purchase it.
Homemade inflatable boat cleaning solution. If you don’t have access to a professional cleaning solution or simply want to save money, make your own homemade boat cleaner.
To do this, mix one part water with one part white vinegar in a clean spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to help mask the vinegar smell.
Once you’ve mixed the solution, use it to wipe down your inflatable boat. Pay special attention to any areas that are prone to mold growth, such as storage compartments or under seats.
Rinse the boat thoroughly with clean water after cleaning it with the vinegar solution. Make sure to remove all traces of soap or cleaner from the surface of your boat.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash your inflatable boat:
- Remove all seats, bags, and other items from the boat.
- Use a hose or pressure washer to wet down the entire surface of the boat.
- Apply a generous amount of soap or cleaning solution and scrub the boat with a brush.
- Rinse the soap off with clean water.
- Dry the outside of the boat with a towel.
- To drain any water remaining in the boat, turn it upside down or sideways and deflation the floor.
- Wipe the boat clean of any remaining water.
- Clean any debris, sand, or gravel out of the boat using the towel.
- When you finish drying up the boat, use a different towel to continue drying it.
- Check for damp spots while you’re at it.
- Roll it and wipe while rolling it. You may now put everything away.
Dry your inflatable boat
Always bring more than two towels to dry out your inflatable boat, depending on the size of your craft. Using another dry towel while drying your vessel will help to avoid moisture accumulation.
If it’s a nice day, you can leave your boat outside to air for a short while.
Inflatable boats tend to dry up rapidly, especially those made of PVC and hypalon. Simply leave it inflated to dry the hull. After a while, turn it over to allow any extra water to run out and the outer surface to dry. But be sure to clean hard in case there are any difficult-to-reach spots since only the sun will not enough.
Fold your boat properly
If you’re storing your inflatable boat for more than a few days, it’s important to fold it properly to prevent creases and wrinkles.
Here’s how to fold your inflatable boat:
- Start by deflation the floor of the boat.
- Fold the boat in half lengthwise.
- Roll up the boat from one end to the other.
- Tie or Velcro the rolled-up boat in place.
- Put the rolled-up boat in its storage bag.
- Store the storage bag in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Where to store your deflated inflatable?
Once you’ve deflated your inflatable boat, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Storing your boat in a humid environment can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, so it’s important to take steps to prevent this.
One option is to store your boat in a storage bag with a dehumidifier pack. This will help keep the air around your boat dry and prevent mold from growing.
Another option is to store your boat in a temperature-controlled garage or shed. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier in your storage space to keep the air around your boat dry.
By taking these simple steps, you can extend the life of your inflatable boat and keep it looking like new for years to come. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is It Possible to Use Cleaning Solvents on Pvc and Hypalon Boats?
No. Cleaning solvents such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide tend to damage PVC, Hypalon, and other man-made materials.
How do you remove mold and mildew from a boat cover?
To remove mold and mildew from a boat cover, use a mild soap and water solution. Scrub the affected areas with a brush, then rinse the soap off with clean water. You can also use a commercial mold and mildew remover, but be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Can you pressure wash an inflatable boat?
Yes, you can pressure wash inflatable boats. However, be sure to use a low-pressure setting and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface of the boat. High-pressure washing can damage the fabric of inflatable boats.
How do you remove black mold from a boat cover?
If spots of mold or mildew persist after regular cleaning, combine a gallon of water, a cup of bleach, and a quarter-cup of mild soap. Treatment any mold or mildew areas with this solution and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes. Sponge off the mildew and cleaning inflatable boats areas thoroughly.
You can also use a commercial mold and mildew remover, but be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Can you use bleach on vinyl boat seats?
Yes, you can use bleach on vinyl boat seats. However, be sure to dilute the bleach with water and test it on a small area of the seat first. Bleach can damage some fabrics, so it’s always best to test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Can you use vinegar on vinyl boat seats?
Yes, you can use vinegar on vinyl boat seats. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help to remove mold and mildew from the surface of the seat. Be sure to dilute the vinegar with water and test it on a small area of the seat first. Some fabrics can be damaged by vinegar, so it’s always best to test it on an inconspicuous area first.
What is best inflatable boat cleaners?
There are a number of different cleaners that can be used on inflatable boats. Some boat owners prefer to use a mild soap and water solution, while others opt for a commercial mold and mildew remover.
Conclusion
Do you have any tips on how to clean mold off an inflatable boat? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog post on how to prevent mold and mildew from growing on your inflatable boat. Thanks for reading!
Last updated: 23/03/2022
