Ways to Eliminate Smelly Boat Consoles and Cabins

Does your cabin or console interior sometimes take on an odoriferous nature? I know that the small cabin on my boat does. It’s usually from mildew odors that originate in the bilge but somehow waft inside. Or, sometimes a crewmember forgets a smelly jacket that quickly ripens. It’s good to crack open a hatch or companionway to occasionally ventilate the interior (make sure there’s no rain in the forecast). In addition, I like to use dryer sheets, such as those from Bounce (about $2 for a 34-sheet box). I tuck a handful inside the cabin, and when I open the door after a few days, it smells fresh. You can also use Meguiar’s Boat/RV Air Refreshers. You set off these little aerosol bombs inside, then come back a few hours later to a sweet-smelling cabin. The refreshers cost about $20 for a twin pack.