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Message board > Care & maintenance > Cleaning Mould and Seagull Stuff from Canvas Canopy

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Posted by member Clive ffitch on Wednesday 1 January 2014

Hi all, By end of last season we ended up with quite a bad case of mould growth inside the canvas cocpit cover of our Pilot 20, with some seriously grotty areas! The cause has been identified and solution being sorted (see separate post "Pilot 20 Sun Roof"), but I thought it might be useful to post how we got rid of the mould. We also had a degree of seagull droppings kindly left for us on the outside. After trawling the internet, and perusing loads of very pretty looking and expensive mould removal solutions, we remembered a book we had about all those old-fashioned uses for vinegar... A litre of White Vinegar (white malt vinegar is fine) from any well-known supermarket is all we had to spend. First step, make sure the canopy is well dried out. Don't touch the mould. We hung the cover and detached side panels in our garage. Second step, lay each cover section over an old table, or on a cheap tarp on the ground, outside on a good day. Bit of sun and wind is a great bonus. Brush off as much dried mould as possible with a stiff brush (that's why you're outside, and don't use a wire brush!) Third step, with a standard scouring sponge, briskly apply undiluted white vinegar, and use a bit of good solid elbow grease to well rub in. We did all areas to ensure all unseen mould was put safely out of action. Repeat both sides if necessary, and over all areas of seagull visitations. You will likely need a few scouring sponges by the time you have done all cover sections. Fourth step, rinse off thoroughly with hose both sides. Another good reason to be outside. Fifth step, with a fresh scouring sponge, thoroughly rub and wash each side with warm soapy washing-up liquid water. Sixth step, rinse off thoroughly with the hose again, and hang up to drip-dry. That's where the sun and wind help. We rigged a couple of ropes up and also used the rotary line! Seventh step, bring inside and VERY thoroughly and completely dry, prior to dry storage. Repeat for all cover sections, one at a time. When all was dry, all mould and seagull droppings were gone! The blue canvas finish was unaffected, and now looks as good as new, except for a couple of small areas that had acquired a heavier dose of green mould and other various grotty looking growths, and had just paled a little. We may cure that with a proprietary canvas colouring as recommended by the cover manufacturer. For good measure, before the start of next season, we will probably also apply a silicone based re-waterproofing spray. Hope that helps, and we look forward to hearing any other tips or recommendations, or best re-proofing spray to use! Clive and Julie (Adele)

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