StarBrite Mildew Remover

L

Liquid Diet 2

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2006
RO Number
19955
Messages
262
I cut a hole in my shrink wrap to hop on the boat and noticed alot of mildew on the vinyl seats in the cockpit, especially around the threads in the seats. I haven't unwrapped yet but did vent better. I just bought some StarBrite Mildew Remover(spray bottle) and was wondering if anyone has used this product and if it worked without damaging/discoloring the vinyl. thx
 
My experience was that it did no damage to the vinyl, threads or mildew!

I suggest you make a thick paste of Bon Ami and water. Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste to all the mildew areas. Let it sit for awhile. Cover with damp towels if necessary to keep it moist. Then clean it all off with lots of water---use a hose if you can. Then let everything dry out [in the sun if possible]. And you need to figure out how to prevent mildew for the next year. Since I've never had to use shrinkwrap, I can't help you there.

Remember avoiding mildew takes clean surfaces, dry surfaces and air circulation. Since I use my boat 12 months a year, I make sure all condensation is gone before I close it up to go home. Heat and a fan with a couple of slightly open windows usually does the trick.
 
StarBrite Mildew Stain Remover is sodium hypochlorite - aka chlorine bleach. It's about the same as Tilex. It won't be good for the threads if left on for more than a few minutes. It should be followed with a lot of rinsing - chlorine bleach can be very corrosive.

You might try what was recommended to me by a very reputable local sailmaker and canvas shop - a warm water solution of Woolite and a powdered oxygen bleach such as OxiClean or Clorox OxiMagic found in the laundry aisle of any mega mart. Use 1/4 cup Woolite per gallon of warm water and add the oxygen bleach powder according to the directions. I was told that for really soiled and mildewed fabrics they will let them soak overnight then rinse well without any damage to threads or fabric.
 
CP was recommended here a while ago. Next time i will try that too to avoid bleach if possible.
 
We don't have vinyl or canvas enclosures anywhere on our current boat, but have tried just about everything with our past boats.

The best product we found was IOSSO , bleach-free and safe for fabrics. Worked wonders on Sunbrella & seat stitching.
 
Thx. Once I unwrap I'll clean first to see how much that gets off then use the recommendations given. I might even try some diluted soft scrub with bleach.
 
Just be certain anything use which has bleach will rot away threads, etc, unless you rinse, rinse, rinse with plenty of water! Vinegar is less caustic and works very well on mildew.
 
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