Shells on my inflatable

[erikjwe]

I'm now the lucky owner of an elderly inflatable Bombard! However the former owner seems to have forgotten to remove algae, and more important, shells from the hull before he stored for the winter. These shells, or white circular chalk spots, are really stuck to the PVC. Anyone know how to get rid of them without ruining the material?

 

[bazobeleza]

Its barnacle spit, and basically calcium so any mildly acidic cleaner should shift it. I used dilute oxalic acid, it didn't harm my avon.

 

[VicS]

Yes if its calcareous dilute acid will remove it. Acetic acid, in the form of vinegar might do it slowly but if you have any hydrochloric acid in the form of brick cleaner dilute some and use that. Being a stronger acid it will work much more quickly. Rinse off with water when the job is done.