Mildew - Help

Carol · 02-17-2018, 06:03 PM

Last week while camping, I pulled out my Carefree patio mat. I immediately could smell the mildew and saw a few light colored spots on one edge. I have scrubbed it thoroughly with Dawn and a bristle brush. It's better, but not good. Bleach is supposed to kill mildew, but I hesitate to use it for fear it will weaken fabric or change the color (burgundy). Do you have any suggestions on how I can get rid of the mildew without damaging the patio mat? Thanks.

Bob Denman · 02-17-2018, 06:29 PM

Try a bit of diluted Chlorox on a teeny-tiny out of the way spot...
Good luck!

nosticks · 02-17-2018, 08:12 PM

Vinegar. Then wash and sun dry.

captmetal · 02-17-2018, 10:45 PM

wd-40

Steve70605 · 02-19-2018, 08:20 PM

I have used Tilex mold and mildew bathroom cleaner and have not had any issues with fading or damage to material. I would try in an inconspicuous spot to verify. It has ~2.28% bleach by volume and kills mold and mildew very well (use it on boat vinyl and canvas). Clorox makes a product with a slightly lower bleach content ~1.89% i believe.

Miramar Owner · 02-19-2018, 10:26 PM

Believe it or not, vinegar is your best bet. As was previously suggested, wash with vinegar, rinse and air dry. Obviously in the future NEVER put any thing away until fully dried.

Carol · 02-20-2018, 06:12 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. Two others that I've picked up on the Internet are Borax and alcohol. Now, I'll start working my way through the suggestions until one works well. Again, many thanks.

Justuskids3738 · 02-20-2018, 12:46 PM

Just don't mix them all together.[emoji41]

Funhog · 02-20-2018, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol

Thanks for all the suggestions. Two others that I've picked up on the Internet are Borax and alcohol. Now, I'll start working my way through the suggestions until one works well. Again, many thanks.

Is the alcohol for you or the mat? Just curious

Bob Denman · 02-20-2018, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funhog

Is the alcohol for you or the mat? Just curious

I'll drink to that!

saddlesore · 02-20-2018, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funhog

Is the alcohol for you or the mat? Just curious

For the poster me thinks...make a TALL Mi-Tie with ice, sit outside and contemplate the options....After the drink is consumed...Use Vinegar as suggested....then return to the bar and repeat the Mi-Tie process to celebrate the successful project...

blw2 · 02-21-2018, 03:41 PM

I was just talking with my sister recently about this very thing. She mentioned a facebook cleaning group she follows. Someone steered her to this product....specifically their "Control" product
Mold Control Spray - Concrobium

ever notice that when you "kill" mold with bleach, it'll come back? that's apparently because the water in the bleach will create a bloom, that follows the kill.

This product apparently works. I haven't personally used it but my research points to it being plausible. I plan to pick up some my next trip to lowes or a store that has it. I want to try it on the gutters and soffits of my house. If it works i plan on buying a few gallons.

Carol · 02-22-2018, 06:17 AM

Good recommendation to have a tall, cool one while working on my patio mat--especially in Florida's 80+ degrees in February no less. blw2, thanks for the heads up on the Mold Control product; I'll check it out. I will probably get back to this mat cleaning project this weekend. I've had this mat for about 16 or 17 years and it still looks like new. Guess a seam was damp when I put it away last time. I'm usually so careful about such things, but obviously goofed on that one. Thanks again to everyone.

Bob Denman · 02-22-2018, 01:13 PM

Good luck!

Please let us know what does the trick!

blw2 · 02-22-2018, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol

Good recommendation to have a tall, cool one while working on my patio mat--especially in Florida's 80+ degrees in February no less. blw2, thanks for the heads up on the Mold Control product; I'll check it out. I will probably get back to this mat cleaning project this weekend. I've had this mat for about 16 or 17 years and it still looks like new. Guess a seam was damp when I put it away last time. I'm usually so careful about such things, but obviously goofed on that one. Thanks again to everyone.

I should point out that the same company also sells a stain removal product. Again, no idea if it works.....

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