![\"Mold](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WTF-Mold-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
<\/div>\n Courtesy Xanigo Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n
New-boat vinyl has protective antimicrobials that tend to last a year or so. After that, the vinyl can begin to show signs of mildew growth\u2014a sign you\u2019ve waited too long to apply a preventer, because once it appears, removing it completely is pretty much impossible, even though many products, when properly applied, appear to do so. It\u2019s a management problem you\u2019ll have to stay on top of at all times. Here\u2019s how I effectively fight this battle aboard my own boat.<\/p>\n
Marine vinyl is treated with persistent antimicrobial disinfectants with a finite life span consisting of months. Frequent contact with sunscreen, sweat, and dirt damages polymers in vinyl and the microbial barriers in it. The best way to treat mildew is to prevent it by thoroughly washing your vinyl after boating to remove oil, sweat and grime. Then treat it with a mildew \u00adpreventer to restore its protective antimicrobial coating.<\/p>\n
If you allow mildew to \u00adappear, you\u2019ll have an ongoing \u00admaintenance issue of which you\u2019ll never be entirely free. You\u2019ll need to use mildew removers that are various derivatives of chlorine. Star brite\u2019s mildew remover is sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. The former you know as bleach; the latter is a common compound in spray cleaners. The chlorine or bleach is destructive to threads, fibers, and polymers of your upholstery. Safe use requires thorough flushing after application, though water might not be entirely effective at penetrating stitching to wash out the chlorine.<\/p>\n
Xanigo makes a system for mildew treatment that includes a remover, a waterless wash that neutralizes the remover, and a mold and mildew preventer that replaces the antimicrobial coating your vinyl was born with. We used it, and here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>\n
Remove the Mold<\/h2>\n
Xanigo\u2019s mildew remover<\/a> ($24.99) is a compound of chlorine bleach diluted to a safe handling level while maintaining its lethality to mold. Spray it on while wearing gloves, a mask and safety glasses. \u00adGoggles are best to ensure that spray doesn\u2019t drift into your eyes.<\/p>\n Once the mildew remover is \u00adapplied, rinse well with fresh water and dry, then follow up with Xanigo\u2019s waterless wash<\/a> ($34.99). Spray it on, paying special attention to seams and threads. Let it sit a minute or so, then wipe it in with a microfiber cloth.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> How to Wash a Boat the Right Way<\/a><\/p>\n We don\u2019t know the exact chemistry of Xanigo\u2019s mold and mildew preventer<\/a> ($39.99), but we do know that it works. My three-year-old Ranger bay boat began showing signs of mold at about 18 months of age. The battle is ongoing, but the preventer held off mold for about 90 days, a long life span in Florida\u2019s heat and humidity.\u00a0<\/p>\n The preventer comes in a spray bottle, but for the professional \u00addetailer, Xanigo has designed a 120-volt atomizer ($249.99) or a cordless model ($349.99), which turns its preventer from liquid to near vapor. The effect is to \u00adprovide an optimal coating of\u00a0the\u00a0\u00adpreventer that can penetrate the threads, seams, and pores of the vinyl. When left to dry in place, the coating effectively stops mold growth for up to three months. In humid climates, it is wise to reapply in about half that time.<\/p>\n The post How to Protect Your Boat\u2019s Vinyl From Mold and Mildew<\/a> appeared first on Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nNeutralize the Bleach<\/h2>\n
![\"Xanigo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WTF-Mold-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
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\n Courtesy Xanigo Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nStop Mold Growth<\/h2>\n