Rust stains on sails

[drh1965]

Has anyone been successful getting old rust stains off sails? Oxi-clean removed all but the rust.

Thanks!

[Hud3]

Rust is tough to remove from anything.

Try mixing the OxyClean powder with Lemon Joy and a little water. Rub it in to the stained area and let it sit for a while before thoroughly rinsing. If that doesn't work, you should try using a chelating agent, an organic compound which binds with the iron, and then can be washed out of the fabric. Citric acid is the mildest--squeeze some lemon juice directly on the stain, let sit for 15-20 and rinse. As a last resort, you might try a diluted mixture (5%) of oxalic acid and soak 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Be very careful with the oxalic acid--use gloves and guard your eyes. Don't allow it to get on your skin.

[svHyLyte]

If its available in your area, saturate a piece of paper towel with "WinK" and let it sit on the stain for awhile. "OxyClean" is an oxidizing agent, like bleach, and will merely aggrevate the rusting problem by oxidizing (i.e. rusting) any free iron that may be part of the stain.

s/v HyLyte

[ckgreenman]

Thanks for starting this thread. I've got the same problem but I wasn't worried about it just yet as the boat to which the sails belong is currently being restored.

I'll give those suggestions a try Hud.

[drh1965]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

If its available in your area, saturate a piece of paper towel with "WinK" and let it sit on the stain for awhile. "OxyClean" is an oxidizing agent, like bleach, and will merely aggrevate the rusting problem by oxidizing (i.e. rusting) any free iron that may be part of the stain.

s/v HyLyte

Do you mean this stuff? Whink Products Company - America's #1 Specialty Cleaner Company

I saw a recommendation in a magazine a while back but hadn't tried it yet.

[drh1965]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Rust is tough to remove from anything.

Try mixing the OxyClean powder with Lemon Joy and a little water. Rub it in to the stained area and let it sit for a while before thoroughly rinsing. If that doesn't work, you should try using a chelating agent, an organic compound which binds with the iron, and then can be washed out of the fabric. Citric acid is the mildest--squeeze some lemon juice directly on the stain, let sit for 15-20 and rinse. As a last resort, you might try a diluted mixture (5%) of oxalic acid and soak 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Be very careful with the oxalic acid--use gloves and guard your eyes. Don't allow it to get on your skin.

Thanks Hud. I did exactly what you said i.e. Oxy-clean and lemon joy(apparently my wife does this for stains on clothes as well). I think the stains are so "set-in" I need something more drastic.

I just hate the way those rust stains look. Apparently, the POs weren't as concerned

[svHyLyte]

Do you mean this stuff? Whink Products Company - America's #1 Specialty Cleaner Company

Yep-- It worked like a charm for us. It's best to wear disposable gloves while you're handling the wet paper towels. Have patience, it needs time to work. In our case I left it on a stain over night and it was all but completely gone by the AM. Then wash the area of the sail with a little baking soda and water.

Good Luck!
s/v HyLyte

[AnchorageGuy]

we used a product from Home Depot called Rust-Aid that is not caustic and it worked great. Just spray it on, let it sit then rinse thoroughly.

[svHyLyte]

Rust-Aid and Wink seem to be about the same. We've used both and they are inexpensive. Both are good for removing rust stains on the deck-top sides as well.

Cheers,

s/v HyLyte