Sail Stains

[Talisker]

I have noticed a couple of small rust coloured stains on my my main. I think were caused by water slow leaking through one of my hatches while the main was rolled up and stored in the forward cabin.

OK, never mind how it happened, but I heard or read somewhere that oxalic acid is a good stain remover and particularly for rust. Anybody tried it? If yes, what % in solution is recommended?

[Chesapeake]

I saw this article on the web.
I have not tried this on sails.
I have used oxalic acid on wood (oak, maple, mahogany) and it works,
note it also lightens the wood color so you have to be careful on time.
Sailing Skipper Secrets - Five Sail Cleaning Tips For Longer Sail Life
By John N. Jamieson

Sailing Skipper Secrets - Five Sail Cleaning Tips For Longer Sail Life


Here is anoyther interesting use :

Cure for Rusting Water Tanks: Q: We have steel tanks on our trawler. During winterization, I discovered surface rust on the interior of tanks. Is there a DIY solution for this condition?
Jack Wohlgamuth, "Hoist," Cleveland, Ohio

DIY-BOAT.COM - Cure for Rusting Water Tanks

-- Have a g'day mate ;-)
-- Chesapeake

[Solitude]

I would question the use of bleach at least for soaking. Bleach is not good for nylon stiching.

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Talisker

I have noticed a couple of small rust coloured stains on my my main.

Try lemon juice (or hydrogen peroxide) and sunlight first. It's usually a good idea to work up the scale of oxidation.

[barnakiel]

Nothing strong - a rusty sail better than a torn one.

b.