How to remove black mold from white PVC inflatable tubes.

Skipper June 6, 2018 Ask The Skipper

Steve Shockley asked:

Which cleaner is best for getting the black mildew/mold off of white PVC inflatable tubes?

Answer :

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Speed Clean will remove black mold from your PVC tube (mildew is white and only grows on plants) however, it will not remove indelible mold stains. If the mold is recent, you can remove it. If it has been on for a while and its penetrated into the fabric and become indelible, the stains cannot be removed without damaging the fabric.

After you clean the mold off, I highly recommend that you protect the tube with Poly Guard. This will prevent mold from penetrating into the tube (within reason) and allow you to simply wash it off if it becomes a problem in future. It will also protect your tube against UV, suntan lotion, pollutants, food and beverage stains, etc. Suntan lotion and sunlight can cause breakdown of the PVC tube and turn it brown and sticky, in which case the tube will have to be replaced.

If the boat will be in the water for more than 1 day at a time, I recommend applying 2 coats of Repelin below the waterline, on the tube as well as the hull to give you resistance to bio-fouling and if you have a fiberglass hull, it will seal the pores in the gelcoat to prevent osmosis blisters or boat pox.

You should clean and protect your boat using these products twice a year. Once in the spring before using your boat and again in the fall prior to storing it for the winter. If you’re in a tropical or sub-tropical climate, then I recommend every 3 months. This will keep your boat pristine and looking new for many years. Without a proper maintenance regime, you can ruin your boat in as little as one or two years.

All three products, plus a Marine Power Mitt is available in a convenient Inflatable Boat Care Kit.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar