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Sailor Vee · 14-05-2009, 01:37

Our new (to us) Alwoplast Crowther 47' catamaran has badly stained and moldy sails from being left sealed up inside the roller furling in a humid climate. I will be scrubbing and treating them in the next few weeks. I was hoping to find a magic bullet cleanser that would make short work of this. I am planning to just use Resolve and Chlorine mixed in warm water, applied with a stiff brush and let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing but thought someone might have a better suggestion. I have also ordered a gallon of Mildew Stain Away from a company called Amazon which I plan to try. Other suggestions?

**GordMay** · 14-05-2009, 03:41

Greetings, and welcome aboard hang5.

You may be interested in the earlier discussions at:

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ils-17191.html

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...mold-4420.html

SailFastTri · 15-05-2009, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by hang5

Our new (to us) Alwoplast Crowther 47' catamaran has badly stained and moldy sails from being left sealed up inside the roller furling in a humid climate. I will be scrubbing and treating them in the next few weeks. I was hoping to find a magic bullet cleanser that would make short work of this. I am planning to just use Resolve and Chlorine mixed in warm water, applied with a stiff brush and let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing but thought someone might have a better suggestion. I have also ordered a gallon of Mildew Stain Away from a company called Amazon which I plan to try. Other suggestions?

Avoid Chlorine. It attacks polyester and can weaken your sails/stitching. You won't be able to clean all the mildew in seams, but use a sail cleaner that is safe. There are plenty of articles on sail cloth makers web sites and others. You might also get very good results from using a power washer, which I use on slimey mooring lines with great success (Caution: Don't get too close or you will certainly damage the cloth.)

SailFastTri · 17-05-2009, 03:15

One more thing: Chlorine can turn white Dacron Polyester to pink.

Lucky · 26-05-2009, 11:55

I have the same problem with the head sail, on a furler geting dirty with vertical streaks from polluted rainwater seeping in the sail while rolle in.

I would very much appreciated recommendation of any good remedy or specia mix that would help.

Happy lead free sailing!

Strygaldwir · 26-05-2009, 12:25

The complete DIYer and I think "send them to Sailcare". I must be loosing it or something.

Lucky · 26-05-2009, 13:38

Hi Strygaldwir,

When you live in Norway I found that beeing a survival techniqe! Cost of living means that you have to prioritise the money and if I can do it myself I will.

Another benefit of the DIY is that I know the condition of the boat and equippment.

Have also experienced that it can be expensive and anoying to let someone you don't know their capability do work for me.

So do it yourselves, save money and learn your boat!

Happy lead free sailing!

Cheechako · 26-05-2009, 15:37

I wonder if OXY Clean would do it? The best I found (years ago) was powdered Laundry detergent.... especially that super strong Amway stuff...... and a lot of elbow grease...

bill good · 26-05-2009, 16:27

Hang5,

When I had new sails made I was recommended to use "wet & Forget". After I bought it & read the chem. it was made of, I found the same product in by pool shed!! Applied once a year it is meant to keep the mold off. Maybe someone has use this type of product & can advise the result.

Regards Bill