CANVAS SAILS & MOLD STAINS

[SteveMack]

What do you use to get mold stains out of canvas sails?

The real question is, how do you get mold stains out of canvas sails without destroying the canvas sail in the process!?

 

[BrendanS]

The real answer is you will never totally remove stains from any natural fabric material, as the mould 'eats' the fibres and damages them. On manmade materials, bleach is one of the best (but that depends on the type of manmade material, bleach can damage some)

The old remedy was to rub a cut lemon on the affected area and lay out in sunshine. I'd try this after a good wash. Then use a fairly concentrated dettol solution. It won't remove the stains, but will kill the spores and last for a while to stop the mould growing further.

 

[ColinHuggins]

Since I cut off my mast and installed an old tractor engine (really?) I've discarded notes on topics like this. Dilute bleach featured I recall - but switch off the PC and ring a few sailmakers for advice. Problem solved.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Give them to your sailmaker for a valeting. Impress upon him the fact that they are cotton and you want the mold stains removed. When they come back all out of shape, and with holes bleached in them, get him to make you a new set for free.
Simple really.

 

[Mirelle]

Er, that's why most sailmakers won't touch them! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I have a diferent problem - a big light cotton jib that got used as a dust cloth for painting the sitting room...But I still fly it...once a year or so.

There is no way to get the mildew stains out, the black is carbon, but a cautious experiment with a dilute solution of oxalic acid may do some good.

 

[citibhoy]

Have just taken our canvas bimini covers out of storage ( some mold/mildew spotting) used a solution made up of Skippers Choice - a natural enzyme and water has come up beautifully - www.evergreentrading.co.uk - no connection just a happy punter

 

[mrswigglestick]

Well, coming in late, and at the risk of trying to suck eggs, and shutting the stable door after the horse has long gone- make sure any natural fibre sails or covers (or rope for that matter) is not stored wet for more than a few days. That's why we have all those nice old photos of ships drying their sails... Other than that try and find a sailmaker who's got a clue about traditional sails to get it cleaned. At my works the other day someone brought in a flax sail which looked like a whole swarm of moths had been at it- it was old and had been washed by someone ignorant who knocked the stuffing (and half the cloth) completely out of it.

 

[mrswigglestick]

By the way, clear Cuprinol wood preservative is good for splashing on mold and mildew to stop it spreading any further (though it won't remove the stains).