Cover Stains

[manykids]

Does anyone know how to get mold stains out of a cover? I don't want to use a bleach/detergent in a washing machine for fear of fading it.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Cover Stains

It really depends how bad they are.You can try saturating the stains in white vinegar and putting in a plastic bag and sealing it and let sit overnight so it stays wet.Wash with a natural soap and let it air dry.If the stains are not gone, test a spot with a cup to a half gallon solution of water and regular bleach.If it does not change the color,Let it soak for 15-20 minutes and wash again.If the fabric is sunbrella,you can use a stronger solution and do it in a few minutes w/o damaging the fabric.Always when washing with a bleach solution start with a wet canvas.I have had to do this many times because my boat slip is partially shaded.Charlie

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Cover Stains

And rinse it real well afterward or the material will degrade from the bleach...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Cover Stains

Sunlight kills mold & mildew. Scrub the cover using a mild dish soap. Rinse well and let the cover lay in the sun. If the cover is on the boat and stored in a shady location you will likely experience this problem again as shade and moisture contribute to both mold and mildew.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Cover Stains

Colorsafe bleach should not harm the color...

 

[manykids]

Re: Cover Stains

I had tried washing with a soft brush and soap, but no help. I will try the vinegar. I worry about trying the bleach for fear of having a worse problem than I started with.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Cover Stains

Originally posted by Upinsmoke:<br /> Sunlight kills mold & mildew.

Incorrect my friend !! Sunlight will help prevent mold and mildew if the surface is mold and mildew free.Once mildew is in the fabric the only thing the sun will do is slow the progress of it but it WILL grow and grow unless it is totally ,100% killed ,dead and GONE.I know this because I have had to deal with this almost every year that I have boated.I have a great boat slip but it is shaded for the entire morning and the inside of my canvas gets some spotty growth within 2 months and if left, it grows and grows.Been there--done that..

 

[scottatwork]

Re: Cover Stains

Simple green.

 

[BOBPELL]

Re: Cover Stains

One part bleach (regular) 6 parts water PLUS<br />1/4 teaspoon Dawn detergent - <br /><br />Won't harm the fabric - spray it on, let it work, rinse off well. Do it all the time.<br /><br />Sunlight will NOT kill it! Either will color safe bleach!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Cover Stains

Manykids,how bad is the mildew????If the entire canvas is spotted or covered with it then you will have no choice other than to use the bleach solution.Dont use any detergent!!! all manufacturers of quality canvas recommend using natural soap and not to use detergent.The vinegar will work if the condition is not too bad.You can buy it by the gallon at Walmart but like bleach....you get what you pay for.I bought some bleach at the .99 store and it worked like an extremely diluted clorox.It took about 1/2 hour to kill the mildew.Maybe thats what you need to calm your nerves about using bleach.Buy some real crap!!!If you go that route(and you probably should)dont buy a store brand .Most store brands are made by a major company.Buy something you have never heard of before like "Pride" brand or some crap like that.Charlie