mildew stains

[ssobol]

I have not been able to use my boat much this summer. It was covered but sat outside in the No. VA summer humidity. When I uncovered it today I found that it a lot of the exterior horizontal surfaces were covered with little black dots (particularly the roof). There was some on the vertical surfaces but not nearly as much.

I take it that this stuff is mildew or mold. With a little scrubbing the black spots come off the smooth FG pretty readily (SimpleGreen and microfiber rags). It is more difficult to get off the textured non skid surface.

I was wondering if anyone knew of an easy way to get this stuff off the textured surfaces?

FYI, this only occurs on the outside of the boat. The inside is clean and there is no odor indicating that things have gotten damp inside.

Thanks.

[srbaum]

It happens to my boat as well on the side that faces north, when on the lift... I use a bucket of warm water with boat soap and a cup of bleach. Magically the dots go away, just by washing. I do ware gloves and I also ensure the clothes that I have on isn't the best stuff in the house, as a bit of splatter will leave bleach stains in the fabric.
The down side of a washing like this is that the wax is usually removed with the cleaning, so plan on re-waxing once the scrubbing is done.

[localboy]

Non skid deck cleaner and a stiff deck brush?

[Valkyrie]

Clorox II and a warm, soapy rag. Be sure it take out the cushions and cover the helm seat.

Nick

[Sea Angel]

Is there something other than a bleach product I could use? I need to clean some mold that just formed on the underside of my camperback rear snap panel. The canvas guy said NOT to use any bleach product because of the fabric makeup.

I just spent $$ to add zippers and when I reviewed the work a week later, mold. I never had it before on the top. So, Thursday will be a cleaning day and checkout of vent hoses.

Art

[BrentB]

What fabric was used?



One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

Download the Marine interior fabric cleaning (pdf)
For removable cushion covers and slipcovers:
Hand washing

Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild detergent, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid, per gallon of lukewarm water.
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Air dry.

Machine washing

Machine was in cold water with mild laundry detergent.
Allow Sunbrella to air dry, or tumble dry on “no heat” setting.

Spot cleaning upholstered pieces

Apply a light mist of mild detergent and water using a spray bottle.
Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Air dry, blot, or wet-vacuum excess water.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all detergent residue is removed.

For stubborn stains and/or mildew

Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.

Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild detergent per gallon of clean water.*
Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Air dry.

*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our Stain chart for removal of specific stains.
Re-treating the fabric

Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency.

Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)

For more information, please visit www.303products.com.
Professional cleaners

In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm’s experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella.
Helpful hints

Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and detergent.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. We do not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected.

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary for Sunbrella fabrics.

DO NOT use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If the fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.

[Lucky Day]

I sent you a pm.

[ssobol]

Just to reiterate, the spots I found are on the outside fiberglass. There is no mildew on the fabric or on the inside of the boat.

I will try the bleach thing next time.

[Foggy]

Bleach (and water) is good to remove mildew and mold on hard surfaces, not fabrics you don't want to 'bleach'.

Vinegar (3:2 w/water) is good to prevent mildew and mold from forming on hard surfaces. Can't say enough about this underused product. Try it.

Aye.

[Pacificcoast101]

I recently learned about these on C-Brats. They really do work like magic.

[BrentB]

My mistake

Bar Keeper Friend and soft bristle brush

Wet, apply BKF, brush gently and soak for several minutes
rinse thoroughly
Allow to dry
repeat as needed
then completed, apply Woody Wax for non skid sparingly
polish with dry towel
go boating

[pat.jack]

'ssbol",

I just read your post. I had the same experience with my boat this past weekend. Small black dots on primarily on the roof. I cleaned it off with a product similar to 'simple green'. I washed right off the roof--along with what I would describe as some 'chalking' with the wash water. My boat is back in my driveway now-getting ready for winter storage. Sounds like I should add further cleaning and waxing to the list before storing the boat.
Regards,
Jack Howell

[ccflyer]

In the past I'd spray on Clorox, work it in with a soft brush and wait for the black to fade away. This seemed to work best on mildew inside the cabin.

Recently I tried this on some white vinyl that had been outside during the Florida summer but this mildew was particularly stubborn. At the suggestion of my neighbor I tried spraying with some pool chlorine and WOW the mildew was gone instantly. I immediately rinsed and the vinyl is whiter than white.

[Foggy]

Anyone have a preventative/cure for spiders and their aftermath aboard around cockpit canvas?

Aye.

[C-Nile]