Best Methods for Major Cleaning of Mildew/Mold

[ButterRide]

Looking for suggestions on the best means to clean the carpet and hull in hard to reach area like rear locker/engine compartment and under front playpen on 1997 Super Sport. I don't want to replace the carpet until after next season, so looking for a solution to clean the black grime in these areas. Have pressure washer but afraid that might be too strong for the carpet. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[charlesml3]

Photos would help, but I've cleaned a LOT of carpet in boats around this year (97-01) Air and Super Sports. Here's what you need to know:

- An Electric power washer is fine. Do NOT use the red "needle" nozzle. I usually use the Yellow one.

- 409 works really good for getting rid of mildew. Simple Green works great too, but some people don't like the smell. It is pretty strong.

- Often I just use a bucket with some Dawn and water. Pour it ALL over the carpet and scrub it with a brush.

- Start with your electric power washer and work from the front to the back.

This will really clean the carpet and you might make it through another season!

-Charles

[ButterRide]

Charles - thanks for the suggestions! My power washer is gas powered, but I do have the fan pattern nozzle. The mildew/mold isn't horrible, but it definitely needs addressed... previous owner neglected the boat but she's a diamond in the rough.

cant get photos to load for some reason.

[charlesml3]

OK, a gas powered washer might work if you can throttle it back some so it isn't so powerful. Take your time and don't let the washer tip get really close to the carpet. It will "gouge."

You'll be shocked at how dirty the water is coming out of the carpet.

-Charles

[ButterRide]

I'll give it a try and report back... just dropped the boat off for sand & buff gelcoat revitalization, so will be a few days. Thanks again!

[gome123]

I use LA's Totally Awesome... Just use caution with the pressure washer. You will be fine. a soft bristle brush can also help.

[swatguy]

Been using gas pressure washer for years. Just use the middle nozzles and don't get too close. Simple green , 409 , dawn dish soap. All work.

[ButterRide]

Thanks for the great suggestions guys! I'm planning to washer her out really good this weekend, will post some before and after pics.

[ButterRide]

Update: made the first pass at cleaning everything today. Started with resolve carpet foam and scrubbing with a soft bristle long handle tire/wheel brush. Rinsed, then went over everything with a mixture of dawn and warm water again scrubbing with the brush, and final rinse. Ended up taking all the seat bases out except for the driver's seat. Spent a lot of time scrubbing the hull under and around the power train. Made a huge improvement, but still shows a few stains and matted down in the traffic areas. I'm going to hit it all again tomorrow with some LA Awesome, rinse, and then hit it with the carpet steamer.