Disinfecting With Diluted Bleach

5 posts / 0 new
Last post
Jim
Offline
Joined: 10/15/22
Posts: 1
Disinfecting With Diluted Bleach

I have a question regarding using diluted bleach to disinfect and get rid of odors on my sailboat. I typically use a 10 to 1 water/bleach solution to disinfect. Typically what I do is dip the rag in the solution, completely ring out the rag until it just damp, and then wash all surfaces on the boat and let it evaporate. It's a very simple home remedy we've used for years, however It was recently brought to my attention that if I do that on teak, even though it is varnish, he could damage it. Does anybody have thoughts on this?

Thanks! 

KevinLenard's picture
KevinLenard
Offline
Joined: 1/28/15
Posts: 209

I have found that using the commercial bleach spray that contains some detergent in it is more effective at both killing and removing mold stains then just diluted bleach on its own. It also works on unvarnished teak and other wood. I don't think that it would have any effect on varnished teak as long as you are just making the surface damp and not soaking it.

Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada

Siler Starum's picture
Siler Starum
Offline
Joined: 4/20/18
Posts: 113

We have the best results for proper cleaning and getting rid of odors using the old fashioned method with water and mild green soap. For bad areas additional use of soda or ordinary acid is working well. Better results than the fancy cleaning products....and much cheaper too and not harming the surfaces.
also for the cleaning of the upholstery we rub with dry soda cristals, leave it for a night and clean next day with vacuum cleaner. Simple and effective.

Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland

Siler Starum's picture
Siler Starum
Offline
Joined: 4/20/18
Posts: 113

Acid.... I mean vinegar :-)
 

Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland

Jgreagori's picture
Jgreagori
Offline
Joined: 1/20/18
Posts: 3

I don't know if you got your answer for your drinking water but I'll let you know how I've solve the issue for our 1996 C36 SV Serenity. The ACUVA water purification system. Not very pricey and gives you the an in line filter a pressure reducer UV light and a Shepard hook style spigot for your galley counter top. The system removes any smell from bleach or well water as well as bacteria. I replace the filter every season. Also on board I've install a whole boat filter 3m Aqua pure. When filling the tank I use an inline filter and add a couple ounces of West Marine water treatment, or a capful of bleach. Drink away it's pretty nice.

Serenity C36 MKII 1996 #1583

Log in or register to post comments