davidfox
New member
Any ideas on how to remove mildew on oilies, there was an article on oiley servicing this month in one of the mags, but it didnt say what to do with mildew other than to say it was a bad thing.
mildew spots on oilies
- Thread starter davidfox
- Start date
BlueChip
Active member
Oxyclean is a stain remover that works wonders on most boaty items including teak decks
Probably will get mould off. We always keep a tub on board
Tesco sell it
Probably will get mould off. We always keep a tub on board
Tesco sell it
davidfox
New member
Thanks I will try it on the teak in my cockpit, any one tried it on oilies though?
FWB
N/A
The article says 'mildew is irreversible'. If anyone knows this not to be the case then I'd like to know too.
Vara
Active member
Linen table cloth put into washing machine damp and left for 6 days(don't ask, suffice it to say that I accepted full responsibility and will no doubt be punished in due course)developed mildew.
Treatment to get rid of stain: <ul type="square"> [*]Soaked in "Glo White" ,washed. [*]Treated with "Vanish" and rewashed. [*]Treated with "Domestos" rewashed. [*]Treated with Hydrogen Peroxide,rewashed. [*]Boiled for 2 hours with mixture of Persil and Bleach. [/list]
Net result;Sparkling white table cloth with very noticeable grey mildew stains.
Conclusion;I don't think you can get rid of mildew stains!
Treatment to get rid of stain: <ul type="square"> [*]Soaked in "Glo White" ,washed. [*]Treated with "Vanish" and rewashed. [*]Treated with "Domestos" rewashed. [*]Treated with Hydrogen Peroxide,rewashed. [*]Boiled for 2 hours with mixture of Persil and Bleach. [/list]
Net result;Sparkling white table cloth with very noticeable grey mildew stains.
Conclusion;I don't think you can get rid of mildew stains!
Thistle
Well-known member
Does anyone really know what caused mildew? I'm hoping for an answer beyond "leaving cloth in damp places for long periods".
What organism causes it? What actually happens to the cloth? What IS the black mark? What causes it to be so firmly attached to the cloth? Do common cleaning methods somehow fix the mark?
PhD anyone?
What organism causes it? What actually happens to the cloth? What IS the black mark? What causes it to be so firmly attached to the cloth? Do common cleaning methods somehow fix the mark?
PhD anyone?
Vara
Active member
Further Info here:
http://www.northsails.co.uk/media/articles/mildew.html
Not very encouraging either!
http://www.northsails.co.uk/media/articles/mildew.html
Not very encouraging either!
jerryat
Active member
Thanks Colmce, that's a very useful link, but as you rightly say, ain't that cheering!!
Cheers
Jerry
Cheers
Jerry
aitchw
New member
Beyond the fact that it is a fungus and that the marks caused by it are there for good I can't help you.
BrendanS
Well-known member
The mildew is caused by a variety of fungal molds, so I won't bore you with the names. The damage is caused by the molds actually 'eating' into the fibres of the fabric, so the damage is permanent I'm afraid, and apart from leaving permanent marks, can substantially weaken the fabric.
One old time rememdy is to rub fresh lemon juice into the stain, and then put out to dry in direct sunlight. Bit difficult with the current weather though. Bleach is one of the most effective, and I've used it successfully in the past, but might be too harsh if the fabric is already damaged.
One old time rememdy is to rub fresh lemon juice into the stain, and then put out to dry in direct sunlight. Bit difficult with the current weather though. Bleach is one of the most effective, and I've used it successfully in the past, but might be too harsh if the fabric is already damaged.
Thistle
Well-known member
Thanks.
Given that prevention is better than cure, are there any anti-fungal preparations which are effective in preventing mildew? Inside the boat where it isn't going to get washed off I'd hope a single treatment might be possible; on sails having to repeat the treatment might be acceptable but what about treating the sailcloth at the manufacturing stage?
Given that prevention is better than cure, are there any anti-fungal preparations which are effective in preventing mildew? Inside the boat where it isn't going to get washed off I'd hope a single treatment might be possible; on sails having to repeat the treatment might be acceptable but what about treating the sailcloth at the manufacturing stage?
BrendanS
Well-known member
I'd use Dettol, perfectly good fungal inhibitor,but it's not going to last long on sails. Can't think of anything you could use at manufacturing stage, that wouldn't soon loose it's effectiveness. The most effective form of control is keeping things well ventilated and dry.
Vara
Active member
From the North site [ QUOTE ]
Dettol®, a commonly available household disinfectant, is the most powerful and effective fungicide and inhibitor you can use to prevent recurrence and spread of mildew. Various health and environmental agencies prohibit the use of stronger fungicides since the same thing that kills fungus has similar effects on higher life forms, as most of us would like to picture ourselves.
Anything you use on a sail to kill or remove mildew and stains, will wash or wear away in a relatively short time. This is directly analogous to anti-fouling bottom paints. North NorLam fabrics are treated with the most powerful commercial fungicide we can use without jeopardizing the health of employees and customers. It is 100% effective in preventing mildew in laboratory conditions, and demonstrably less effective in the real world.
[/ QUOTE ]
As you may gather I'm on a mission to sort this mildew problem out.
Dettol®, a commonly available household disinfectant, is the most powerful and effective fungicide and inhibitor you can use to prevent recurrence and spread of mildew. Various health and environmental agencies prohibit the use of stronger fungicides since the same thing that kills fungus has similar effects on higher life forms, as most of us would like to picture ourselves.
Anything you use on a sail to kill or remove mildew and stains, will wash or wear away in a relatively short time. This is directly analogous to anti-fouling bottom paints. North NorLam fabrics are treated with the most powerful commercial fungicide we can use without jeopardizing the health of employees and customers. It is 100% effective in preventing mildew in laboratory conditions, and demonstrably less effective in the real world.
[/ QUOTE ]
As you may gather I'm on a mission to sort this mildew problem out.
BrendanS
Well-known member
Nice to see they have the same view and advice as a biologist (well, ex-biologist)
longjohnsilver
Well-known member
I have very successfully removed mildew with Detox, a spray available from supermarkets. Excellent stuff IMHO.
Vara
Active member
And the residual stains? Or are we talking tiles or similar impermeable surfaces?
longjohnsilver
Well-known member
I have used it on diving stab jackets both completely covered with mildew, in both cases they were like new only 20 mins later. Have also used it on boat upholstery with similar results. I think it's great!
BrendanS
Well-known member
It depends on the fabric. On most things man made, you can remove the stains with bleach. On natural materials, if the mold has eaten into the threads, they are there to stay. That said, molds can eat into man made materials given enough chance. This is the short version, as ever, there are many variables
abdiel
New member
Hi David, I had some midew stains on a bright yellow life preserver so they were realy noticable , my wife recomended Dettox mould and mildew remover (she might not sail but she is a gold mine of information) Just leave it on long enough to remove the stain and then rinse WELL so that it doesnt do any damage to the fabric. Good luck. Abdiel
