End of season cleaning and winterizing

[snowman]

What do you do to clean the interior and exterior of the boat to prepare for winterizing?

Anyone use a mold/mildew preventative? If so where do you use it?

Also what products do you use for regular cleaning throughout the summer to keep you boat looking brand new?

Any other helpful tips to keep my boat looking like the day I took it off the showroom floor (preventative cleaning/maintenance ) ?

[VitaBene]

I like to give it a good cleaning in the fall, then have it shrinkwrapped. If they do a good job, it will breath but stay dry. A half box of dryer sheets here and there to keep rodents away and you should be set.

Having written that, its too early to start thinking about!!

[sum-r breeze]

I got this idea from a friend (Fodolo on this forum) I get a cardboard box, line it with a large plastic trash bag. I get a 25lb of kingsford charcoal, set it in the box and slice the bag open (like a baked potato) on the floor of the cabin. The charcoal absorbs all the moisture and any odors associated with the Winter lay up season. Works like a charm to keep the cabin smelling fresh.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

PS this IS too early to be having to think Winter storage;)

[snowman]

bump...

Also what do you do to prevent mildew and mold build up. Im going to do indoor cold storage.

Anyone use dehumidifier or an antimold/mildew product? Just worried that the dehumidifier won't last that long and then just be a bucket full of water in the boat.

Also if storing inside, do I keep my bow and stern covers on?

[SAB1]

After winterizing and washing I back it into the garage and close the door. Do not put your cover on or you will have mold and mildew in the spring. I prop open all my fish wells and storage hatches and leave the cabin door ajar. I have a regular fan hanging from the ceiling at the stern and have it on a timer to circulate air 3 times a day for 10 minutes at a time. I run that until end of October.