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[MadBadTrad]

Greetings all!   


I would like to clean these sails - they are a bit mildew and somewhat discolored.  The photos make them look cleaner than they are.  It's from a 1960s pond yacht I'm restoring.  I'm not very experienced in these things but I think they are cotton or linen. 


Any advice on how to clean these?


Thanks!   

[tobyker]

They look slightly mildewed. You could try a VERY weak bleach solution?
Otherwise find a sensible lady and ask her advice- they tend to be good at things like that, cleaning delicate fabrics.(as well as all the other things they are good at)

[MadBadTrad]

They look slightly mildewed. You could try a VERY weak bleach solution?

I wouldn't soak it very long would I?  I'd like to do it without taking it off the mast & boom.  Probably will have to be very careful not to have the wood or metal eyeholes soaking in whatever I use?   


How about oxyclean - does that stuff work on mildew? 

Otherwise find a sensible lady and ask her advice- they tend to be good at things like that, cleaning delicate fabrics. (as well as all the other things they are good at)

Very sensible advice indeed.  Other things they are good at?  You mean like making cakes?  LOL.   

[MadBadTrad]

Actually, come to think of it - I might try just laying them out in direct sunlight.  Might that help?










BTW, regarding proving I'm not a Bot:  1984 was NOT written in 1984.  I at least know that much, lol.   

[TailUK]

Try soaking the sails in White Vinegar.  About half a cup to a gallon of cold water for around an hour then wash as normal.  Repeat if necessary. You can also use the vinegar as a pickling agent for soldered brass parts.

 An alternative is one of the specialist detergents such as Vanish or Oxyclean, used as directed.

[tigertiger]

The danger with washing as normal is that you could harm the logo.
But there are tips here http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-mildew-stains2.htm

[MadBadTrad]

The danger with washing as normal is that you could harm the logo.

Exactly right.  I had one of these boats as a kid and that little logo itself (and the lines of the boat, etc.) still makes my heart go pitter patter.     

But there are tips here http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-mildew-stains2.htm

Thanks - that makes sense - a paste!  Cheers! 

[tigertiger]

Thinking about this a little more.


I would not want to try to clean these sails in-situ. I would take them off. Washed on a flat surface you can sponge the sails lightly, and it is easier to flush off the excess cleaning agent, and rinse. Additionally, if you choose not to clean all of the sails, it is easier to feather the edges of the treated area, into the untreated area.


There is also a vintage model boat club, that is referenced on here a lot. Some of their members may have advice to share. Sorry, I don't have a link.

[Brooks22]

These vintage model yacht folks should be able to help:
 http://www.vmyg.org.uk/
 http://pages.swcp.com/usvmyg/index.html

I might say that if you plan to sell the boat as an antique, then the sails should probably be left alone.