Mildew on vinyl rubrails

[danielamartindm]

Okay, I've bought the standard West Marine and powers-that-be recommendations for removal of mildew and cleaning of vinyl-coated combings and rub rails. KLAXON! They don't work. I understand the need to avoid using cleaning products that will destroy the substrate, but it seems to me that we are being ripped off with cleaning products that will preserve the substrate, but fail to clean it and accomplish their mission statement. I can stare at mildew for nothing, no cover charge needed.

[JPA Cate]

Try acetone. Agreed, not ideal. But it is the only thing we've ever used that worked.

However, a chemist may come along with a good suggestion.

Stay tuned.

Ann

[mike d.]

Try a vinegar soaked rag, left on an area at a time! Cover the rag with plastic to slow evap.

[danielamartindm]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Try acetone. Agreed, not ideal. But it is the only thing we've ever used that worked.

However, a chemist may come along with a good suggestion.

Stay tuned.

Ann

Thank you, Ann. Lots of people seem to use acetone in this application, with the caveat to just dampen the applicator with it and avoid getting it on gelcoat. I've also seen a 5:1 dilution of bleach suggested.

[Cheechako]

Acetone, or Lacquer thinner. Test a spot. Some things get a bit tacky with the wrong one! Amazing how Lacquer thinner will clean up a poly fender for instance!

[jimbunyard]

Straight or slightly dilute 6% or greater sodium hypochlorite (bleach).

[tkeithlu]

As Jim Bunyard says, plain old ordinary cheap(!) bleach. Nothing lives in bleach solutions.Bleach is alkaline, and alkalines attack cell membranes, which are lipids (fats). The only need is that you choose a dilution that won't eat everything in sight.

The Admiral is a chemist.

[searoom]

We have had success with a wet paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Leave on for a few hours or more.
It’s non toxic and a little warm sunshine helps too.

[gonesail]

why bother with diluting the bleach? wipe it on full strength with a glove. might take a few tries. don't get any on you of course. toss the rag when you are done. forget vinegar.

[Ded reckoner]

There are a couple of recommendations for using bleach. Bleach should work because it contains chlorine which breaks chemical bonds. That's the mechanism for chlorine killing and disinfecting. Therefore, if you use bleach you should rinse the area thoroughly with fresh water after finishing any cleaning. You don't want to create a worse problem. An alternative to using chlorine-based products for mold and mildew is oil of clove which can be ordered from Amazon. My understanding is this is an Australian solution.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by danielamartindm

Thank you, Ann. Lots of people seem to use acetone in this application, with the caveat to just dampen the applicator with it and avoid getting it on gelcoat. I've also seen a 5:1 dilution of bleach suggested.

Acetone won't hurt gelcoat...

Jim

[rdempsey]

30 seconds outdoor cleaner.


Works great. Its used to clean off mold and mildew before painting a house.
Any decent home box store should carry it.

https://30secondscleaners.com/

[Andreas W]

Bleach works best for me. Vinegar is an alternative but not so powerful.

[redneckrob]

A pressure washer on a low setting or from several inches away works wonders as well.