Help! I need to clean my sail

[richardh10]

What is the best way of removing rust stains from a sail? And while we are at it, mould as well!!

Thanks

 

[hornblower]

That is a very good question. Ours has been at a professional loft and they have failed to fully clean the sail.

 

[mdonnelly]

What is the best way of removing rust stains from a sail? And while we are at it, mould as well!!

Thanks

This months Yachting Monthly has an article on this.

 

[upcountry2]

X

What is the best way of removing rust stains from a sail? And while we are at it, mould as well!!

Thanks

Oxalic acid for rust, patio magic, Boracol etc for mould....

 

[VicS]

What is the best way of removing rust stains from a sail? And while we are at it, mould as well!!

Thanks

You dont say what material the sail is!

Oxalic acid solution should remove the rust from polyester ( eg Terylene , Dacron etc) Citric acid solution might also if the staining is light. In either case rinse first with a very dilute solution then with water.

Mold stains are more problematical.

Try a peroxide ( "oxy-action") based bleach such as Vanish or a proprietary mould remover but avoid any chlorine/hypochlorite based bleaches and other products as they can turn polyester sail cloth permanently yellow.

 

[Tim Good]

This months Yachting Monthly has an article on this.

Indeed. Oxalic acid worked a treat after being left for 10-12 minutes. Lemon juice also worked after repeated applications. Acetone did bugger all as did bicarb. I'd try the Oxalic and if you haven't got that then crack the lemon out.

 

[richardh10]

Thanks all.

I'll
Give the oxalis acid a go

 

[Spyro]

This months Yachting Monthly has an article on this.

What did it say?

 

[mdonnelly]

What did it say?

Oxalic acid is best. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid so a stalk could be used! Acetone and baking soda ineffective. Lemon juice works. Whink rust stain remover, available from Amazon, was effective.