How to Remove Mildew From Terylene Sails

Even with diligent care, it's almost unavoidable that terylene sails will at some point end up with mildew or stains that need to be removed. The good news is that it doesn't take a lot of scrubbing or elbow grease to get those stains out. In fact, the hardest work will be moving the sail to and from the tub.

Things You'll Need

  • Large tub
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Large stones, bricks or non-metal weight
  • Hose with sprayer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a large tub about 2/3 of the way full with lukewarm water. Leave enough of the tub unfilled that it won't overflow when you put the sails in. You can always add more water after the sails have been added.

    • 2

      Add 1/2 cup of bleach for every gallon of water in the tub.

    • 3

      Place the sails in the tub. They can be loosely folded or rolled, but it's best if they are not tightly folded or tightly rolled.

    • 4

      Push out air bubbles. Push down on the sails, releasing any air bubbles and making sure all of the sails are wet and under water.

    • 5

      Place clean stones, bricks or other non-metal weights on top of the sails to hold them under water. Don't allow any of the sails to stick out of the water.

    • 6

      Soak the sails for two or three full days. The soaking process allows the bleach to kill and remove the mildew. If you check the sails after 48 hours and the mildew, or traces of it remain, allow the sails to continue to soak.

    • 7

      Drain the tub.

    • 8

      Rinse the sails thoroughly by filling the water with clean water, swishing, pushing on and moving the sails around and then draining the tub. Repeat two or three times.

    • 9

      Remove the sails from the tub.

    • 10

      Lay out or hang the sails in a clean area.

    • 11

      Spray the sails with water to make sure all of the bleach cleaning solution has been rinsed out.

    • 12

      Hang the sails to dry.