Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Have a customer with mildew on the white ultraleather in the cabin of a 2000 353. He has tried several cleaners,nothing works. We have had success with a bleach/water mixture,but doesn't seem to be working in this case. Boat is in CA so I can't actually look at it. Any suggestions as to what magic potion would work? Never had this issue with ultraleather before. Thanks,Robert

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Robert, I'd post this question over in the Fountain forum also, as there has to be a large knowledgebase due to the sheer # of boats, and Fountain's long time use of Ultraleather in cabins. 2nd...the sun...take the covers off the V-berth and the lounge cushions (or entirely out) and let them bake in the sun. UV is one strong bleaching agent, and has practically no chance of any negative effect of any kind. The customer not only needs to get rid of the mildew that can be seen, but also kill the growing organism responsible. The sun (UV) will do both! For the backrests (if effected) I'd start with mild products, as not knowing the exact chemical make-up of the Ultraleather...one could choose something on the harsh side, that is actually a solvent to one of the chemicals in the ultaleather...and poof...a discolored, or worse...eaten thru, or melted spot! Baking soda and a wet toothbrush on the areas that can't be removed. I speak from experience on the UV bit. It takes some exposure (time), but it will be gone and not come back!

Randy

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Tough one Robert. I have used warm water with a little bleach to clean the worst stains. I would probably do that and they clean really well with warm water and put out in the sun as rippem suggested. Good luck.

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Have you tried UltraLeather/Ultrsuede web site---I seem toremember that they have a section that talks about care issues-- found link in my hustory file-- http://www.tapiscorp.com/html/cleaning.html --

Poorsche

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Robert,

You might want to have him try BMW upolstery cleaner available at local BMW dealer. This stuff works better than anything I have found for auto interiors. I was going to try it on a spot on my 382 ultraleather but just haven't had time yet.

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

Just talked to Kevin and it looks like a stronger solution (50/50) of bleach and water with lots of elbow grease and a good dose of sunshine thrown in may do the trick. Thanks for the suggestions,I love this board. Robert

Re: Mildew on white ultraleather
 

That ultraleather has a dye in the mix no doubt. sneak up on that bleach concentration...it may leave it "yellowed"! Good luck.