Cleaning Hypalon RIB

[rwappleton]

The RIB has been setting in Charleston and the cover blew off. It appears to have mildew spots all over and some black streaks running down the inside.

Tried Starbrite mildew stuff following the directions. Followed with pressure wash with a 900lb machine. It took about half of it.

I know nothing about the fabric can you use bleach? Or what works?

As always many thanks!

Russ:cool:

[oldboat]

3m general purpose adhesive cleaner works great on inflatables and fenders. it will not harm plastics. if you can't find it try xylene as that is what is in the cleaner. use outdoors only, it is highly aromatic.

[Colwyn D]

Had the same thing with a white/grey hypalon Novurania. Internet advice said use bleach and soft scrub mixed, rub it in then leave for 10 minutes and rinse off. Worked better than anything else we tried and four years later has not had any effect on the fabric.

[saltshaker]

Spray nine worked effortlessly on mine. Magic eraser also does a great job. Follow with 303 protectant and it will stay clean and look like new

[Dan Mapes]

Bleach and water, rinse. Then use acetone. The pro's use acetone to prep a used dink for the show room.
I've used it and it provides an amazing result.

I have not tried the "acetone replacement" on it yet. That stuff, ethyl lactate, sold by Worst cleans up power cords really well and does not affect the cover at all.

[bobk]

Hypalon(R) is a great rubber and will resist most cleaners. When using a solvent like toluene, xylene or a ketone like MEK or acetone, take great care to keep it off the glued joints . These solvents will soften the adhesive. Remember, the solvent mix for these contact cements is a MEK/toluene blend.

Also, do not use a silicone-containing material for shine. It too will soften the adhesive as the rubber boat builders found out.

Bobk

[Jim saco]

Use this amazon inflatable cleaner it's effortless. http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1%7C10918%7C2303285%7C2303293&id=96784

[bigbill]

jack, what brand is the 303 protectant you mentioned, and where do you get it? thanks

[saltshaker]

jack, what brand is the 303 protectant you mentioned, and where do you get it? thanks

303 aerospace is the brand name. They make a lot of excellent products for various materials. You can buy the stuff at auto supply stores, West Marine, Amazon even Walmart has it in some stores. I usually buy it when I'm placing an order with Defender.
http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1%7C10918%7C2303285%7C2303293&id=96798

[Hatt-Trick]

I have a 12AB that was not properly covered when stored in a boatyard.I used Krud Cutter from Lowes,followed by a few coats of dressing . Works great , rinses clean .

[rwappleton]

Tried the soft scrub and bleach routine today......not much improvement. Left it on for at least 10 minutes closer to 15.

Will try some of the other suggestions tomorrow.:confused:

[Colwyn D]

Ok. It was the harshest treatment I was prepared to try and after several applications I was happy with the outcome. It does seem though that after time the algae, bacteria, mildew whatever come back, mine was stored under trees. With the more informed advice appearing here I might try a more aggressive chemical next time, keeping away from glue lines will be a stretch though.