Nasty sails

[nathaniel]

Anyone have any suggestions for getting rid of nasty rust/mildew stains on a set of neglected but otherwise serviceable sails?

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Oxalic acid. DILUTE! and CAREFULLY!

Works a treat.

[Todd Bradshaw]

The formula is one ounce Oxalic acid to one pint of hot water. Then rinse it really well and try not to get the stuff on your hands, etc.

[Ed Nye]

How big are the sails? Can you soak them in a bathtub? Don't use really "HOT" water. If you can't stick your finger in it without getting hurt it is too hot. Don't do it on your lawn, borrow someone else's. Don't do it on concrete, too hard on the sails. Ed

[Todd Bradshaw]

Hot water will not damage sailcloth or the thread that it is sewn together with. During the finishing process, the fabric is subjected to much more heat than you're going to generate with hot water.