How to Prevent Mildew on Your Boat Cover

How-to Avoid Mold and Mildew Build-up

Marine environments attract mold and mildew. You can do everything right, like investing in a quality boat cover, yet still have a continuous fight with mold and mildew. These fungal infestations will wreak havoc by eating through the boat cover and expose the boat's interior. Fabric experts recommend to clean mildew upon first sighting, since it can multiply and ruin the cover, which will have an adverse effect on boat protection.

Boats easily get damaged during storage or trailering when they do not have a quality cover to protect them. Westland® Covers effectively protect boats, but they require a little TLC too. Prevent mildew and mold buildup by choosing a quality boat cover, an ideal pooling prevention system, and committing to regular cleanings.

Do you have boat cover stains? Identify your stain with this more in-depth guide to cleaning your boat cover.

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Can a boat cover prevent mildew?

Mildew Resistant Fabric

Westland® boat covers are crafted with Sharkskin® and Sunbrella® fabrics, which are naturally mildew resistant. Even though they are mildew resistant, dirt and other substances can attach to the canvas, which is a common breeding ground for bacteria. Since mildew and mold thrive on dirt that is not properly cleaned from fabric, this is often a reason for a damaged boat cover. Dirt that gets embedded in fabric will easily be removed with water; however, dirt can hide in crevasses on excess fabric in the seams. Westland® fabric experts trim this excess fabric from the hard to reach seams to cut down on places for dirt to hide. Covers that are carefully crafted will help prevent mildew and mold, while keeping your boat protected for longer.

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How do I prevent water pooling on my boat cover?

Water pooling is the top culprit when it comes to mildew buildup. Choosing a support system for your boat cover will aid in mildew prevention during storage. Certain boat styles work with different support systems, so make sure to find the easiest one to use. Getting frustrated with a support system can cause you to abandon the practice all together, leading to water pooling and boat cover damage.

How often should I clean my cover to prevent mildew?

It is inevitable for your marine fabric to get wet, but this does not mean you have to succumb to a boat cover infested with mold or mildew. Westland® recommends you rinse your boat cover once a month with clear water and then air dry. Monthly maintenance will prevent dirt and other substances from getting deep into the crevices of the fabric, which can be a breeding ground for mildew. To save time and trouble in the future, make sure you prevent mold and mildew from spreading the moment you start to see spots forming. This will help make sure your cover lasts for years to come, but don’t panic if you have spotted some mildew. Reverse these effects by mixing a gallon of water and bleach with some mild soap. Let this solution soak and rinse thoroughly. Westland® boat covers will keep their color even after a bleach treatment.

During monthly maintenance, it is important to remember, the elements can erode water-repellant finish overtime. Water-repellant finish adds a powerful coating that causes the water to cascade over the cover instead of soaking the canvas. Overtime water beading may diminish, which will signal it is time to invest in a new fabric guard. Adding this extra coat will ensure that the boat cover lets excess moisture roll off of the cover, instead of absorbing into the fabric, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria on the boat’s interior.

Investing in a solid boat cover is a no-brainer. Proper cleaning and needed support will protect your investment from the inside out. Westland® has over 100 years of combined experience in the marine fabric industry, so you know we have you covered with our quality boat covers.