cleaning inflatable PFD's?

[Roy J.]

Rode out Irene w no problem stripped of all windage in Salem Harbor, which is well protected from the mostly SSE winds we got. The only problem was somerainwater found it's way into the port settee locker, where it caused our inflatable PFDs to grow mold. ANy suggestions for the best way to clean 'em?

Many thanks, inlcuding special thanks that Katia seems to be getting pushed E by the Bermuda high.

Roy

[sgbernd]

I tried dish detergent (Palmolive) and a stiff brush with warm water which didn't work at all. Some of the dirt came out but the mildew stains (the real problem) remain. I am hesitant to try bleach for fear it will damage the bladder . A while ago I tried bleach on some cockpit cushions and it helped but not very well.

So I too am interested in learning from anyone who succeeded.

On a side note, I tried some of that 3M mildew preventer spray on my cushions and it seems to really work. They have gone about 6 years with not even a black spec. When I replace the inflatable PFDs, I think I will try it on them as well.

[moctrams]

Defender has dinghy cleaners.

[Roy J.]

http://www.876800.com/News/2011/0729/462.html This post says use a nylon brush to remove the mold or mildew -- outdoors so as not to spread it around -- then scrub w solution of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub w mild dish detergent and water solution. Sun dry. Haven't tried it yet, but will, and report results.

[Joe Myerson]

I've never tried this tried-and-true old cleaning recipe on my PFDs, but it works great for mildew inside the boat, and for sun-baked bird droppings on the brightwork:

1) moisten area with distilled white vinegar from spray bottle

2) sprinkle with baking soda

3) spray soda with vinegar -- it will fizz

4) scrub with sponge only

5) rinse with fresh water


You might just try scrubbing with a paste of baking soda first.

It's cheap, environmentally benign and it might work.

--Joe

[Roy J.]

The peroxide and baking soda solutions both seem to be used for the fizzing -- maybe to raise the spores from the weave. Now I have two things to try before expending boat units.

[Ken Cave]

There is a wonderful product out there called Marykate Silicone-Free Cleaner for Inflatable Boats, Tubes and Towables

I have an old inflatable that really got sticky as well as moldy and
I used this stuff to clean everything up. All one has to do is spray it on and use a soft brush. Also works great on bottoms getting the
growth off.

If one has the sticky issue, try using a rubber paint after you clean it with Marykate. I have had my inflatable since 1996, and it still works.

Ken Cave
Cape Dory 28
Dragon Tale
LaConner, WA