Sail stains
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13714
Printed Date: 21 Oct 21 at 2:35am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Sail stains
Posted By: Wetabix
Subject: Sail stains
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 12:24pm
| Does anyone know how to get rid of the small rust coloured stains that sometimes appear on sails, sailbags and the like during storage? |
Replies:
Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 2:04pm
|
Oxalic acid. ------------- Robert |
Posted By: Wetabix
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 9:21pm
| er... just remind me where I can find oxalic acid. (Oh - and thanks for the tip) |
Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 9:47pm
|
Ebay, amazon, I got mine from Wilko, years ago though. ------------- Robert |
Posted By: Wetabix
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 11:11pm
| I believe there's quite a lot of it in rhubarb stems! |
Posted By: 423zero
Date Posted: 18 Nov 20 at 11:26pm
Yes, plants contain a lot, red colour might cause an issue thoe  lemon supposed to be good. ------------- Robert |
Posted By: ColPrice2002
Date Posted: 19 Nov 20 at 9:51am
|
Hi,
If these are rust stains (eg from the luff wire), then either oxalic acid or citric acid will complex with the iron and you can then wash it out with plenty of fresh water. I'd prefer citric acid - oxalic acid is toxic (which is why you don't eat rhubarb leaves!). If it's a mold type stain, then use diluted bleach and a little scrub. In all cases rinse well. There are more effective chemical treatments, but the sailcloth may not like the ! |
Posted By: Wetabix
Date Posted: 19 Nov 20 at 10:16am
|
Thanks for that - the stain is tiny but it is right in my field of view (close to the mast by the third batten. I believe it to be fungal in origin caused by putting the sail away while damp. It is my storm sail and I haven't used it since the beginning of the season. I was going to try bleach but my wife says it will dissolve the sail. A tiny drop perhaps. Rgds George Morris Weta 117
|
Posted By: Sam.Spoons
Date Posted: 19 Nov 20 at 12:19pm
|
This article refers to mildew but does refer to using household bleach on sails so might be useful. https://www.northsails.com/sailing/en/2018/04/mildew-on-sails-what-to-do" rel="nofollow - https://www.northsails.com/sailing/en/2018/04/mildew-on-sails-what-to-do ------------- Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
Posted By: Wetabix
Date Posted: 19 Nov 20 at 12:30pm
| OK, it looks like I won't be using bleach! Thanks for that. |