neglected mould

[suse]

The previous owner or two of my new (old) boat installed a zipped cover for the main, and lazyjacks. Sadly, for what must have been quite an outlay, the zipped cover has been allowed to go mouldy, and it is that dingy gray where once it would have been white. I doubt that anything will get rid of the mould, although if anyone knows of anything, I'd like to hear.

I have been wondering whether it would be possible to dye the sail cover - blue, for example, which might hide the mould and grayness. I'd rather not buy a new sail cover, and anyway, cant afford a new zipped one. Suggestions, please?

Thanks in advance.

suse

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[Joe_Cole]

It may be worth trying a bit of Oxalic Acid. It's my first choice for stains etc and usually works. Try a small area first.

Joe

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[Davydine]

I did once hear someone suggest Milton sterilising fluid (the stuff for babies bottles) I have never tried it but it might do the job...


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[Cantata]

We've just had exactly the same problem to deal with.
First of all soaked it overnight in Bio detergent.
Then washed in machine, same stuff.
Came out looking pretty good, but still some mildew spots. Used a spray sold for mildew in showers etc, then scrubbed. Hey presto, looks really clean. Finished by spraying with a tent waterproofer.
The disappointing bit is that, for the same reason (leaving the thing on probably for 4 years!!) all the stitching has gone rotten, so we'll nurse it though the rest of this summer and get it restitched next winter.

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[tcm]

bleach is the thing that gets rid of mould.

I wd wipe over carefully, and see how you do with that, then proceed to soak the thing in diluite bleach overnight.


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[FullCircle]

Remember that Dettox and other mildew removers for showers have a mild bleach in them. This has a rotting effect on the stitching and the cloth just like your Levis in the bath all those years ago.
Lots of Vanish or Stain Devils and repeated washing in the machine. It wont all come out, but it leaves a lesser target for the seagulls to get at!!

Jim

<hr width=100% size=1>Second Chance - First Love. Engine fired up first time, launching next week now!!

 

[Rick]

Here in Queensland, we toss them into someones swimming pool overnight - either a chlorine or salt water pool - come out looking fab next day.


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[ScoutLeader]

Try a soaking overnight in BioTex. I use it for all sorts of things.

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[Vara]

Soak in Bio wash powder as long as you can.and then two or so long cold (30) cycles in wash machine with vanish or similar stain remover and nomal wash powder.Air dry and then proof with camping stuff(Gerbers?) rub zip with candle.
It worked for me./forums/images/icons/smile.gif Dying on any used fabric does not give satisfactory result.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can't be fixed with a lump hammer dont fit it!

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

yeah right, I would like to see what happens if he throws it in the public baths, mould stains would be the least of his worries.

I must try my hot tub though, is like a battery when I am shocking it with chlorine.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[extravert]

It is almost certaintly made from a synthetic fabric. Unfortunately these generally do not take up dyes. With synthetic fabrics the colour is a chemical part of the yarn used, rather than dyed in like wool or cotton. I expect you are stuck with the colour.

If buying a new one is too expensive, they are not difficult to make with a domestic sewing machine. You have got the old one as a pattern to follow, and does not have to be too precise for a sail cover. The fabrics and fittings are readily available mail order. Just ask here.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.