Every boater knows that condensation is an ongoing issue onboard any boat. In this blog, we’ll help you spot the early signs of mould and excess moisture, how to prevent further mould growth on your boat mattress and when to take action.
Why is my boat mattress prone to mould?
Wherever you are in the world, marine conditions can often leave your boat damp and humid. As we head out of winter into the warmer weather, you may have started to prepare your boat for the season ahead, and unfortunately, some may have even discovered mould on board. And this isn’t uncommon; due to the moisture-prone environment, many come face-to-face with this issue every year.
Why would you get mould on your boat mattress?
The last place you want to find mould is on your bed, but on boats, with solid bed bases and mattresses pressed against the hull, this can create the perfect condition for condensation and mould growth. With the combination of body heat and moisture occurring while you sleep and no ventilation on board, it’s no wonder this can create a humid environment.
Whilst our mattresses are designed and manufactured to be breathable, we always recommend a layer of DRY-Mat® anti-condensation beneath your bed. This is a cost effective and effective method of allowing air to circulate beneath your mattress, avoiding any possible moisture the mattress could absorb from its base.
How to spot the signs of mould
Whilst the majority of the time, mould is identifiable by appearance, here are some earlier tell-tale signs that moisture is present on your boat and around your bed:
- Bad (foisty) smell
- Increased condensation on windows
- Discolouration on the mattress or other areas of the cabin
- Water stains on soft furnishings and fabrics
- Peeling paint
If any of these signs are present, it could be worth checking your soft furnishings and mattress for any present mould, before taking action to prevent the problem further.
How to prevent mould on board
There are a few tips and tricks to prevent mould on your boat, but first things first, ventilation is key! Make sure all existing vents are functioning properly, and consider installing additional vents if airflow is limited.
Our DRY-Mat® underlay stops condensation build-ups under your mattress by instantly creating a permanent layer of air-flow under your mattress. Simply cut to the shape of your bed and place it under your mattress (no need to fix down) and let it do its job!
For an all-in-one solution, our range of Airflow Marine+ mattresses include an in-built layer of DRY-Mat® to provide maximum air-flow to maximise breathability. This not only helps prevent damp and mould but also regulates temperature to reduce overheating, supporting a deeper, more restful sleep.
Dehumidifiers are an ideal way to get rid of moisture in the air. Single-use dehumidifiers are ideal for absorbing small amounts of water, but in the long term, you might want to consider investing in a marine-friendly dehumidifier.
Other ways to use DRY-Mat Anti-Condensation Underlay
DRY-Mat® is a great solution for your mattress and can also offer ventilation for other soft furnishings in your saloon. Simply cut the fabric to size and lay it underneath any saloon cushions. You can even add it inside your decorative cushions to prevent moisture absorption.
If you’ve been left with some offcuts, these can be used in the base of your boat’s kitchen cupboards, or wrapped around any fragile glasses and crockery whilst on the water.
Another nifty use for your offcuts can be in dog beds, encouraging air to circulate beneath and avoiding damp and bad odour.
Picking the right fabric
Our wide range of marine-grade fabrics offers water-resistant choices for interior and exterior boat upholstery, making them ideal for marine conditions. By not letting moisture into the cushion padding, we severely reduce the risk of trapped water, warmth, and bacteria, which can spur mould growth.
Planning ahead
When preparing your boat for storage, here are a few precautions to take to avoid returning to a mouldy mess:
- Remove all bedding, quilts, pillows and throws from your boat throughout the winter months if the boat is not in use.
- Pull your mattress slightly away from the hull, ensuring that it is not directly snug against the exterior. Alternatively, you can also remove your mattress from your boat altogether during the colder months.
- Ensure carpets, interior upholstery and other soft furnishings are completely dry before storage.
- Scatter moisture absorber traps throughout your boat when not in use.
- Leave kitchen, storage and clothes cupboard doors ajar to promote airflow.
The same applies when preparing your boat to set sail for the season ahead, make sure to check thoroughly for signs of mould and give all soft furnishings a proper inspection before bringing them back on board.
In Summary
Mould on your boat, or even worse, under your mattress isn’t just unpleasant, it can be unhealthy and lead to lasting damage when ignored. By staying proactive with ventilation, moisture control, and using proven solutions like DRY-Mat®, you can protect your boat and yourself.
Think DRY-Mat© might be just what you’ve been looking for? Order online today, with next day delivery available you can start enjoying a mould-free cabin immediately.
