Stains on sails

[Nicholas123]

I have got horrible black stains all over my foresail where it was left abandoned on the foil which I suppose is from the black anodising.
Anybody know of some sort of miracle cleaner that will remove them? I have tried scrubbing them with washing up type liquid & no joy

 

[Tranona]

Try soaking in Vanish or a weak Oxalic acid solution. However be prepared for it not to work as some stains just will not shift from sailcloth.

 

[KellysEye]

Black stains on sails are usuaully mould. The problem with getting it off is damaging the stitching which bleach or acid will do. Sailmakers recommend Dettol to kill the mould but it won't remove the black stains. Or use bleach but expect the sail to have to be restitched.

 

[nigelmercier]

Black stains on sails are usuaully mould. The problem with getting it off is damaging the stitching which bleach or acid will do...

Bleach-free mould remover: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0052XOEBG/dolcetto-21

 

[Nicholas123]

It definitely ai'nt mould.I shall try Vanish (thankyou Tranona) but I don't want to take any risks because though the stains look unsightly they ar'nt impairing the performance & I have just restitched goodness knows how many feet of stitching.

 

[Gargleblaster]

Black stains on sails are usuaully mould.

Mould is often easily removed with white vinegar. Doesn't damage the sail as it is such a weak acid. There is a side effect however: you will probably want fish and chips after using it.

 

[gerryraby1]

I used Oxalic Acid on a stain on my sails. Also on some rust stains on my upholstery. Brilliant result!

Gerry www.sadler32forsale.com

 

[wilkinsonsails]

If its from the anodising you may have a real job on your hands.
Swarfega gets the top layer off , but there is usually a residual stain ingrained into the weave.
Try a nail brush and washing powder with a drop of water .
.Last resort would be a solvent such as percloro ethelene or white spirit but be sure to rinse it again.
Cindy

 

[Nicholas123]

Looks like I have got Vanish white vinegar & white spirit to try.I don't like the sound of anything with acid in the title because I don't want all my hard work restitching this sail put in jeopardy.The stains go through several layers of cloth & are over a pretty big area so it could well be that I shall have to continue looking like a Zebra.