mildew on vinyl

[William F.]

I have white powdery substance, presumably mildew on vinvl seats in my '57 T Bird (forgive me, my only non Corvette car). I've tried the Concrobium that was previously suggest but to no lasting help. Car is in a garage. AC unit keeps things reasonably cool but I know compressor is bad and humidity stays relatively high. My '62 Corvette in same garage doesn't have this problem. What to do?
Thanks

[David R.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

Try white vinegar. I have used a 50/50 mix with water with good results, you may need to go stronger for stubborn residue but be sure to test it first in an inconspicuous area. The vinegar smell may linger for a day or two but it does go away. Good luck.

[Ed S.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

William, Get a box fan - they are not expensive, usually around $25 or less. Just let it run continuously - don't have to have it on the highest setting. Moving air is usually sufficient to prevent mold or mildew from establishing itself on surfaces. Do you ever see the large fans on golf course greens? They run them during damp weather to prevent mold from forming on the very expensive putting greens. Can't guarantee it will work for you but on the list of possible remedies, it is probably the least expensive. I keep a fan running under my '64 during the winter when it is damp in the garage - that will keep surface rust from forming.

[Steven B.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

'Agree with David. White Vinegar. I have used it many times and it works well and a small amount of residue remaining on the surface (just don't rinse it off, but wipe dry) prevents growth for long time.

[Richard F.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

Go to the experts, find a local marine supply store, they have a product by 3M, Marine Mildew Stain Remover & Mildew Block. There are other brand products 2 in 1, that are non aggressive and safe, follow up with your favorite not so shiny dressing.

Rich

[David R.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

Also good advice, a local marine supply store can be a great resource. Just check the contents of whatever they want to sell you, don't pay ten bucks for what's mostly a bottle of white vinegar.

[Daniel S.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

I used Megs (see attached) on the interior of 4-Star Bowtie '67 L36 Convertible and it did a wonderful job of cleaning and preserving the interior. I'd consider that interior to have basic-to-light mildew and dust from sitting. I used a micro fiber towel with warm water and hand soup before the Megs. I also used it on the heavily soiled interior of our '62 big tank find and the interior was restored to near new on 1 pass. We will be using brushes and product for a second pass but for a spray product, results were fantastic.

Dan

[Mike K.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

I have used both the 3M Marine product and the Meguiars product and both work great. No wonder since 3M bought Meguiars a few years ago.

[William F.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

When I ask for help with a problem , I like to give a followup with hopes it will help others.
Didn't have much luck with the concorbium mildew "killer" product suggested in another thread about mildew and it Will stain, maybe pit brightwork.
White vinegar and box fan blowing through open doors seems to be working.

[Steven B.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

Glad something worked! I've never used the fan. Good idea! Thanks

[Paul J.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

William, you don't need AC, if you want to lower humidity you need a dehumidifier. Not really cheap to operate, but very effective if placed beside of the car.

Otherwise, do what I do. The white mildew will not penetrate or otherwise harm the vinyl. Just wipe it off.

Paul

[William F.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

Will make ugly black stains if left.

[Jeff W.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

For those who get stains, I've had great success using Starbrite Mildew Stain Remover to get black stains our of or substantially lightened from white vinyl. Does not harm the surface. Walmart - Marine aisle.

[Ron G.]

Re: mildew on vinyl

I am quite confident that all the aforementioned methods to clean and prevent mildew work fine. However, I prefer using simple green with a 50/50 mix I am quite confident that all the aforementioned Waste to clean and prevent mildew work fine. However, I prefer using simple green with a 50/50 mix with hot water and maybe repeat applications with a cotton towel and he fine my alarm for us to get in all the nooks and crannies may just remove the existing mildew. Simple green is also environmental friendly and will not hurt the die color of the interior.