Removing mildew from cockpit canvas

D

dad123

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Apr 18, 2008
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29891
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We have had a fair amount of mildew show up on the underside of our canvas in the cockpit. What is the best way to remove this before storing the canvas for the winter? Are there favorite products out there to use? Do you do this while the canvas is still up to prevent shrinkage issues. It seems it would be easier to clean after removal but not sure if that is a good idea.
 
I have had really good success after the canvas has been removed using Captain Phab Mold and Mildew remover. Amazing stuff. Then followed up with Captain Phab Mold Preventer.

Shel
 
To clean my canvas: I remove it from the support poles; I take the canvas to the local laundromat and place it in the largest washer at the location; I use the cold water setting and add Woolite (as the detergent) and bleach according to the directions on the machine; I add more coins to run the cold water rinse a second time and remove the canvas after the spin dry cycle. I hang the canvas on a line/rope to air dry and then apply 303 water-repellant treatment to the canvas when it is dry. I put the canvas back on the bimini support poles. I keep the bimini up all year - I am in Southern CA. I use bleach as it does not effect the color of Sunbrella fabric.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sailboattraitor

............. I use bleach as it does not effect the color of Sunbrella fabric.

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No, but it could affect the thread used to stitch it. I suppose if you rinse really well you would be OK.
 
I made up a strong solution of Liquid Tide with Bleach (alternative). Applied with a scrub brush, let set a few minutes, and hosed off. Protect your eyes. Works inside & out.
 
Oxyclean, spray it on and let the sun do it's work, rinse after 30 minutes. I do this to my weatherboard surround canvas (Sunbrella) which is laced to the railings on my sundeack. Used to remove and washing washing machine until my wife suggestted Oxyclean. Now I simply spray it on and rinse real good with hose.
 
I used the Starbrite Mold/Mildew stain remover on the inside top of my Sunbrella camper canvas. You can use it while the canvas is on the poles and even on the boat but I would try and catch the over spray/excess with an old rag since I think it is mostly bleach. Saturate the fabric and rub it on pretty good to evenly distribute it but you DO NOT have to scrub. Let it sit and after about 10 minutes or so the stains disappear and you do not have to rinse. On the really stubborn stuff you might have to spray again.

I found it to be pretty amazing.
 
Just vacuum the underside of Sunbrella canvas a couple of times during the winter (or mildew season) with a stiff brush attachment.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sailboattraitor

To clean my canvas: I remove it from the support poles; I take the canvas to the local laundromat and place it in the largest washer at the location; I use the cold water setting and add Woolite (as the detergent) and bleach according to the directions on the machine;
Click to expand...


I did that to several pieces of boat canvas but at home in my front loading machine (it tumbles the fabric, there's no wringer).

Each time I did this, the stitching came undone and I had to have the piece re-stitched. You would have thought I would learn after the first time.

Actually, the pieces were several years old and while the canvas is fine, the stitching had weathered and needed to be redone anyway.

I can understand $85.00 per hour to design and construct a new piece, but it seems high for just following the existing stitching. I could do it myself with a better sewing machine.
 
ZEP bathroom and tile cleaner (spray bottle) from HD. spray on rough side of dish sponge and wipe on canvas, rinse off with hose. By doing it this way, you can keep away from the thread, and you can do it in place (attached to poles) if you wish.
Stuff is strong and works fast.
 
I've had success at the end of each season with a 50-50 bleach/water mix once the canvas is off the boat and on a flat surface. I hose it down afterwards and let it sun/air dry before storing. I do stay away from the stitching and have never had a problem. Never tried the mold preventer but Shel's suggestion has me considering it.
 
Mold/mildew is much easier to prevent then to get rid of. They need dirt, moisture and little light to thrive. Take away two of those and it will go doment; when the missing two are reintroduced, they will be back!
 
quote:
Originally posted by PursuitCapt

I made up a strong solution of Liquid Tide with Bleach (alternative). Applied with a scrub brush, let set a few minutes, and hosed off. Protect your eyes. Works inside & out.

Click to expand...


I do something similar, but apply the solution to the canvas on a clean drive way with a stiff push broom. Saves on your back as you are not down on your hands and knees.
 
We use a combination of water, bleach and Woolite...works like a charm.
 
Thanks everyone. One other thought.....do you need to be concerned with using bleach on the sections that have eisenglass? Would not specifically use the diluted bleach mixture on the eisenglass but some may splash. Any concerns with that?
 
Thanks everyone. One other thought.....do you need to be concerned with using bleach on the sections that have eisenglass? Would not specifically use the diluted bleach mixture on the eisenglass but some may splash. Any concerns with that?
 
Yes! I have no experience with bleach on isinglass, but I would not chance it. Also, the tread which was used to sew in the isinglass may be damaged by bleach. Only use plain water and products designed for isinglass on it.
 
FYI, for what it's worth; Sea Mark (Sunbrella, woven acrylic fabric, combined with a textured marine grade vinyl backing is totally resistant to straight laundry bleach. Took a piece and submerged it in bleach for over 24 hours. When compared to dry control sample. NO CHANGE what so ever !! Stiching is another matter.
 
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