My recently purchased 1995 390 Carver has severe mildew stains on the interior fabric. Repeat cleanings, first with a standard upholstery cleaner and later using a water and bleach combo has helped, but it's still quite stained. Anyone have suggestions as to what might work (other than ripping it out)? Thanks!
If the stain goes through the fabric you may well be looking at ripping it out. That fabric is 20 years old. Too much cleaning will probably cause the fabric to give out. If you're able, pull the panels and bring them to an upholsterer on land. Don't even mention boat. If they think it's from a home or RV it might be a lot cheaper.
Thanks, but there are no panels to pull, it's the fabric that covers the interior hull, believe it's glued to a foam backing and then the hull. Carver went to a smooth, vinyl like hull covering in newer models--and I can see why!
Rip it out, you can buy the vinyl with the thin foam backing already part of the vinyl. Clean hull with a good solvent, then spray 3m spray adhesive and put the new vinyl on and work out the bubbles. You're not going to clean the fabric as the mold is probably in the foam behind it as well.
Thanks, that's probably the only solution. I see lots of vinyl/foam options online that are suitable for marine applications. Looks like another project...but that mold/mildew has to go. Appreciate the help!