How to Clean Mildew from a Life Jacket

How to Clean Mildew from a Life Jacket

www.usps.org/.../mobjackbay/boatsafenews.htm

Life jackets sometimes become mildew because of their frequent exposure to moisture. This can especially happen if you store one while it is still wet. The best way to avoid this, of course, is to make sure it is thoroughly dried before putting it away. But if you haven't been diligent and can't quite afford a new one, you can get rid of the mildew with a little work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Tips on Removing Mildew from a Life Jacket

Things You’ll Need:
  • Nylon scrubber Plastic container 35% hydrogen peroxide Water Cloth Bucket Mild dish-washing soap
  • Nylon scrubber
  • Plastic container
  • 35% hydrogen peroxide
  • Water
  • Cloth
  • Bucket
  • Mild dish-washing soap
Step 1
Scrub off mildew with the nylon scrubber. You might prefer doing this outdoors because it is somewhat messy, and sunshine and fresh air will help the process.
Step 2
Fill a plastic container with a 50/50 solution of 35% hydrogen peroxide and water.
Step 3
Pour the solution onto the affected areas of the life jacket, allowing the liquid to remain there for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, preferably in a sunny location.
Step 4
Scrub the mildew-stained areas with the cloth. If mildew still remains, use the nylon scrubber to lightly scrub these spots some more. Rinse the jacket off with clean water.
Step 5
Fill a small bucket with a solution of mild dish-washing detergent and water. Rewash the areas affected by mildew as well as the entire life jacket. Rinse the life jacket off with clean water again.
Step 6
Hang the life jacket to dry in a sunny area and don't pack it away until it has completely dried.

Tips & Warnings

 
Rinse your life jacket off after every use, especially if it has been used in saltwater. Don't use harsh chemical products on your life jacket as these can damage it.
 
Rinse your life jacket off after every use, especially if it has been used in saltwater.
 
Don't use harsh chemical products on your life jacket as these can damage it.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com
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