Black mildew

[Byram]

I left my orange stearns vest in the center console over the winter. Looks like black mildew all over it. I did a search and found an old thread recommending Marine 31, their application was on cushions though. I tried a few things but no luck. Any ideas ? I do wear it regularly.

 

[Fishtales]

Nautical One Xtreme Mildew Stain Remover

FREE 22 oz. with the purchase of 128 oz.! Retail Value of $24.99 - FREE! Gel formula clings for maximum mildew removal! Nautical One Xtreme Mildew Remover was voted #1 mildew remover 5 years in a row! This viscous cleaner is formulated to cut through years of mold and mildew, leaving your vinyl...

nautical1.com

 

[Byram]

Nautical One Xtreme Mildew Stain Remover

FREE 22 oz. with the purchase of 128 oz.! Retail Value of $24.99 - FREE! Gel formula clings for maximum mildew removal! Nautical One Xtreme Mildew Remover was voted #1 mildew remover 5 years in a row! This viscous cleaner is formulated to cut through years of mold and mildew, leaving your vinyl...

nautical1.com

Thanks Fish...

 

[Doc Stressor]

I used that Nautical One product for the first time this spring. It works great on vinyl and rubberized plastic trim. But while it doesn't seem to contain chlorine bleach, it has some other type of bleaching agent. I got some on my colored T-shirt and it left light-colored spots. So be sure to try it on a small area first before spraying it all over your orange vests.

 

[nuclear]

I used that Nautical One product for the first time this spring. It works great on vinyl and rubberized plastic trim. But while it doesn't seem to contain chlorine bleach, it has some other type of bleaching agent. I got some on my colored T-shirt and it left light-colored spots. So be sure to try it on a small area first before spraying it all over your orange vests.

I actually just used it for the first time as well on Sat. for my bolsters. It worked way better than I ever thought it would.

 

[Capt Tom]

Count me in as a believer. This stuff works great, where nothing else did. Expensive but my bolsters and cushions haven't looked this good in years.

 

[DennisG01]

Black mildew is called "mold"

Try any of the products available - or soak it in a mild solution of bleach/water for a while - then rinse and put it in the sun. That should at least get most of it.

 

[Legend]

Star Brite has an excellent mold and mildew remover

 

[seasick]

Star Brite has an excellent mold and mildew remover

I've used lots of products in the past and currently am using the Strabrite product. In many cases it works very well but in some. not so good. I have had good luck with Mold Away too but maybe not significantly better than Starbrite to justify the difference in cost. I use to swear by ZEP mold remover that I would get by the gallon at HD but somewhere along its history, it stopped working as well as it had. I don't know if the formula changed or they watered it down but I don't use it anymore.The mold removers with bleach work faster and better than those without bleach and on hard surfaces are fine but have to be used with caution on soft materials like upholstery and vinyl. They should be thoroughly rinsed off with water since the bleach can yellow some materials ( like gelcoat) or speed the deterioration of the thread on upholstery.

What I have experienced for the last several years is that placing desiccants like DampRid in the cabins really helps reduce mildew but you need to check and replace as needed over the seasons.
On my vinyl cushions, I typically clean them with a mild soap and water mix, dry them and apply some 303 Protectorant. That stuff is expensive buts works very well.
To be fair and upfront, I do not shrink wrap my boats. I use tarps and custom covers that breathe. If I were to use shrink wrap, the proper amount of venting is important. Small solar fans that are cut into the wrap in addition to passive vents can make a world of difference

 

[Capt Tom]

Part of my reply was, when the other stuff doesn't do the job the Nautical One does. I've tried the other products like Starbrite and 303.

 

[seasick]

I was referring to 303 Protectorant not the mold remover. Before using it, the cushions have to be washed and dried. It helps keep the vinyl from drying out and adds UV protection.