How Do I Remove Mold Stains from My Inflatable Tubes?

Skipper March 3, 2005 Ask The Skipper

Mo Alton asked:

Hello – wondering if you have any experience with stains on a white OMC inflatable. The boat was on davits under a gray cover made of the same stuff sail covers are made of and had some ventilation, but it would appear we acquired a purple mold along with the usual gray mildew. The purple is there to stay – bleach doesn’t touch it. The gray stuff washes off no problem. Do you have any idea how to get rid of it, or is there a spray coating that would cover it – doesn’t have to be white?

Thanks for your help

Answer:

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Harsh cleaners like bleach, toluene, acetone, etc. can harm the fabric by making it sticky, porous or yellow and should be considered cleaners of last resort as you may destroy your boat.

Your best bet is to try using Aurora Speed Clean with Hypexine. Hypexine is a leaching agent that will not damage the fabric.

I would suggest rubbing the Speed Clean into the stained spots with a sponge or scrub brush.
Let it sit until it dries.
Add more Speed Clean and give it a good scrub. You may wish to clean the rest of the boat at the same time.
The next step is to expose the boat to sunlight. Over time it will bleach the stain out. This may take weeks or even months, but it won’t damage the boat.

During the sun bleach period, do not put any protection on the tubes and do not cover it. You can clean it periodically with Speed Clean. When the stain has faded to your satisfaction, apply 2 coats of Poly Guard to protect the fabric. Poly Guard will also protect the substrate against future staining from mold or mildew.

I would not recommend painting the inflatable. I have yet to see good results from painting PVC or Hypalon. The boat looks like it was painted and often will peel and flake. Not pretty.

Thanks for you question.
Captain Aurora