Steam clean for mould

[Andy Bav]

Our canopies have been up since July and the fabric next to the zips are showing signs of mould - only spots less than the size of a full stop but I want to nip it in the bud. Have read that Vinegar and diluted Milton Fluid may help, but we are getting one of those hand held steam cleaners and wondered if anyone has used them - or if the steam would be too harsh on the nylon zips ?

 

[kashurst]

I use a steam cleaner on canopies - works really well. it gets the window panels really clean and is fine on the zips etc as well as killing all the bugs.

 

[Firefly625]

Our canopies have been up since July and the fabric next to the zips are showing signs of mould - only spots less than the size of a full stop but I want to nip it in the bud. Have read that Vinegar and diluted Milton Fluid may help, but we are getting one of those hand held steam cleaners and wondered if anyone has used them - or if the steam would be too harsh on the nylon zips ?

I too have just ordered one of those steam cleaner things, my OCD side of me can't wait! As for your canopy, I would firstly treat with some patio magic. Pretty harmless stuff, dilute in one of those plant sprayers and I am sure that will do the trick (not instant).

Just a word of caution with the steam cleaner, don't get near the acyclic windows!

edited bit.... interested to see kashurst say the steam cleaner gets the window panels clean.... ? I would have thought they may damage them?

 

[kashurst]

The steam comes out at 100 degress, the melting point of the pvc is a fair bit higher @ 160 degrees. Obviously you don't want to just keep it blasting on one small spot. Use the wide blade attachment and keep it moving downwards. It gets all the grit out of the surface and makes them all supple again. The zips are usually made from nylon and that melts @ 200 degrees so no probs there.

 

[Andy Bav]

The steam comes out at 100 degress, the melting point of the pvc is a fair bit higher @ 160 degrees. Obviously you don't want to just keep it blasting on one small spot. Use the wide blade attachment and keep it moving downwards. It gets all the grit out of the surface and makes them all supple again. The zips are usually made from nylon and that melts @ 200 degrees so no probs there.

Many thanks indeed.

Any tips for incontinent gulls ?@!

 

[Firefly625]

Good info, thanks !

 

[mersey]

The steam cleaning sounds interesting, I've pressure washed in the past, but needed to re-nikwax afterwards.

Can anyone who has steam cleaned before, confirm if they needed to re-waterproof after or not?

 

[sailorman]

Our canopies have been up since July and the fabric next to the zips are showing signs of mould - only spots less than the size of a full stop but I want to nip it in the bud. Have read that Vinegar and diluted Milton Fluid may help, but we are getting one of those hand held steam cleaners and wondered if anyone has used them - or if the steam would be too harsh on the nylon zips ?

Brinton`s MMC (mould & mildew cleaner ) or Patio magic should do the trick

 

[rafiki_]

The steam cleaning sounds interesting, I've pressure washed in the past, but needed to re-nikwax afterwards.

Can anyone who has steam cleaned before, confirm if they needed to re-waterproof after or not?

Can't comment on the post steaming situation, but canopy suppliers say you should re-proof annually in any case. Fabsil recommended.

 

[NGM]

what model of steam cleaner do you have/recommend ?

 

[Andy Bav]

what model of steam cleaner do you have/recommend ?

We have a big Polti at home, but the wife has decided that a small hoover handheld will do the job on the boat... havent seen it yet though .......

 

[Bandit]

On my screen covers ( blue canvas) green slime at the bottom where they stay wet in the winter is always a problem as is the wifes fiat 500 soft top roof, Boracol is the answer it works a treat, a straight biocide.

 

[Vara]

Patio magic works to keep my canopies free of mould, and doesn't harm the proofing.

Domestic steam cleaners IMO are greatly overrated tools.