Bleach!
- Thread starter Before the Bell
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1% Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach
Although I don't recommend it - a 1% solution of household bleach and soap CAN be used effectively on DACRON sails. NEVER use bleach on Nylon or Kevlar sails. After treating/washing sails, rinse WELL with fresh water. Since most household bleaches are sold as a 5.25% solution * - mix 5 or 6 parts water to 1 part bleach. *Confirm actual strength of your bleach product. FWIW, Gord May
Although I don't recommend it - a 1% solution of household bleach and soap CAN be used effectively on DACRON sails. NEVER use bleach on Nylon or Kevlar sails. After treating/washing sails, rinse WELL with fresh water. Since most household bleaches are sold as a 5.25% solution * - mix 5 or 6 parts water to 1 part bleach. *Confirm actual strength of your bleach product. FWIW, Gord May
Spot Cleaning
Gord What about spot cleaning with the same strength solution. I am thinking if I have a bad mildew spot on a dacron sail and spray on some bleach water solution, let sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse off. What you think? Good Winds DaveM s/v DAMWEGAS
Gord What about spot cleaning with the same strength solution. I am thinking if I have a bad mildew spot on a dacron sail and spray on some bleach water solution, let sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse off. What you think? Good Winds DaveM s/v DAMWEGAS
Spot Clean and Isolate
DACRON ONLY: You can remove both blood and mildew by brushing the stained area with a stiff dry brush. Soak the remaining stain (stained area only) in a mild fresh water and bleach solution (<1%) for 1-2 hours, lightly scrubbing the spot occasionally. Rinse liberally with fresh cool water. Always rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no bleach residue left on the sail*. Mildew is a fungus growth, and you should stop the growth and clean the affected area immediately upon noticing it. Isolate the cleaned area from the rest of the sail (to prevent spread) until completely dry. Since preventing mildew is much easier than removing it, please follow proper storage recommendations. *I’ve been told (but cannot confirm of my own experience) that a 1% solution of sodium thiosolphate (photographer’s hypo) should remove/neutralize all chlorine traces. Here again rinse and dry well. FWIW, Gord
DACRON ONLY: You can remove both blood and mildew by brushing the stained area with a stiff dry brush. Soak the remaining stain (stained area only) in a mild fresh water and bleach solution (<1%) for 1-2 hours, lightly scrubbing the spot occasionally. Rinse liberally with fresh cool water. Always rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no bleach residue left on the sail*. Mildew is a fungus growth, and you should stop the growth and clean the affected area immediately upon noticing it. Isolate the cleaned area from the rest of the sail (to prevent spread) until completely dry. Since preventing mildew is much easier than removing it, please follow proper storage recommendations. *I’ve been told (but cannot confirm of my own experience) that a 1% solution of sodium thiosolphate (photographer’s hypo) should remove/neutralize all chlorine traces. Here again rinse and dry well. FWIW, Gord
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