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Old 09-26-2022, 02:31 PM   #1
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How to remove algae or fungus from fiberglass, awning, etc.

I am getting small red spots on the fiberglass, awning and propane covering. I have tried a number of solutions and some work marginally with a lot of effort. I assume I am not using the right chemical. I'm not sure of the cause, perhaps, algae or fungus or Note: I live in NW Washington and have covered the trailer in winter but the previous owner did not.

What might it be?
What chemical to remove it from the fiberglass?
What chemical to remove it from the awning?
What chemical to remove it from the propane cover?

Thanks,
Bob
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Old 09-26-2022, 03:03 PM   #2
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It almost looks like the bits of "rust" one sees on cars after a winter. The rust is not rust from the car itself, rather it is from stuff thrown up from the road. I use IRON-X and that takes the rust of the car in no time, no effort etc. Unlikely what you are seeing is the same as I don't know how it would get up in the awning, but might we worth a shot
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Old 09-26-2022, 03:21 PM   #3
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The spots on the awning are on the very top, the exposed rolled-up section where it attaches to the trailer.

There red spots on the fiberglass are most common on the roof about in the middle of the trailer where water seems to pool more than elsewhere. That is, mostly on horizontal surfaces.
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Old 09-26-2022, 03:42 PM   #4
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Could it be tree sap? That stuff can be pretty hard to get off. I’m not a fan of barkeepers friend on the gelcoat though some use it. I do not like any abrasive on a high polish surface.
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Old 09-26-2022, 04:58 PM   #5
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Thanks for the suggestion. I'm guessing not tree sap.

Possibly tree pollen?

If pollen, any tips on how to remove?

Starbrite Hull Cleaner and ArmorAll Cleaning Wipes don't work.

Bob
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Old 09-26-2022, 05:27 PM   #6
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If it is a fungus, it should come off with Tilex or good ol' bleach, along with a bit of scrubbling.
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Old 09-26-2022, 06:02 PM   #7
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Scrubbing really hard with:
Clorox bleach - didn't work, nothing removed.
CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust) - didn't work either.

Keep the suggestions coming.

I'll have to buy a bottle of Iron-X before I can try the first suggestion though CLR did not work.

Bob
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Old 09-26-2022, 07:53 PM   #8
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When all else fails I use "Citrol 266". Has worked on pollen for me in the past. Not cheap but can get via Walmart or amazon
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Old 09-26-2022, 10:03 PM   #9
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If the Iron-X doesn't work for the trailer, you can still use it on your car. Spray it on, rust marks turn purple then hose it off. Done. But it smells awful!!
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Old 09-26-2022, 10:35 PM   #10
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Hmm. It's not fungus, then.

You could try (on a very small test spot to start with) a strong solvent such as carburetor cleaner. I have no idea if it would affect the gelcoat, which is why I mention a small test spot.
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Old 09-27-2022, 11:05 AM   #11
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Try Collinite 920 Fiberglass Boat Cleaner. It's worked pretty good for me on the roof and the top of our storage box.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 09-27-2022, 02:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike G View Post
Hmm. It's not fungus, then.

You could try (on a very small test spot to start with) a strong solvent such as carburetor cleaner. I have no idea if it would affect the gelcoat, which is why I mention a small test spot.
I've used a lot of chemicals on a lot of gelcoat but never carb cleaner. I wouldn't try it unless you're prepared for the test area to look ugly. Tried an unknown chemical once that puckered up the gelcoat something awful.

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Old 10-05-2022, 10:42 AM   #13
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I was a technical rep for a resin and gelcoat manufacturer for 30 yrs. There is no iron in gelcoat so the red spots would not be rust. If only on the front forward surfaces then it could be from bugs. Hot soapy water and a scrub brush would remove them. If tree sap, then a solvent such as WD40 or paint thinner would slowly dissolve it. Scrubbing would be required if the sap has hardened with time. None of these solvents will hurt the gelcoat when used for cleaning durations.
Regarding mold spots on the awning, I have used a diluted bleach (eg 5:1), wipe on and leave for 30 minutes then wash off.
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Old 10-05-2022, 11:16 AM   #14
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Maybe Bartenders Friend could be your friend?
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Old 10-05-2022, 12:03 PM   #15
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The rust spots I was referring to on a car, where Iron-X works extremely well is not rust from the actual car itself, but from bits of stuff thrown up from the road. When these "rust" spots appear on a car, they appear on the plastic bumpers as well as the side panels etc. Whether the car is aluminum as in my Audi, or my GMC Canyon, the "rust spots appear". I could be wrong calling them rust spots, but they look like rust and you can rub them out. The Iron-X eats the spots very quickly turning purple in the process. Then you hose it off and the "rust" spots are gone
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Old 10-05-2022, 12:04 PM   #16
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meant to say you CAN'T rub out the spots without the Iron-X at least
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Old 10-05-2022, 05:06 PM   #17
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Stain spot remover

I’ve found that Magic white sponges, made of melamine will remove impossible stained from awnings, gel coat, etc.
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Old 10-06-2022, 11:43 AM   #18
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This looks like “pink mold” and it is actually called by a bacterial colony, not a fungus. We live in the PNW and our Escape suffers from this as well. This is a good article about the bacteria and cleaning methods. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-rem...k-mold-5115056
Basically, either a baking soda/dishsoap paste or a 50:50 white vinegar/water spray both followed by vigorous scrubbing and a diluted bleach spray to kill off any remaining bacteria.
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Old 10-08-2022, 01:14 PM   #19
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Have you tried Mr. Clean Magic Eraser?
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Old 10-08-2022, 06:29 PM   #20
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Magic Erasers are an abrasive, they should not be used on Gelcoat. Same would be true for Barkeepers Friend.
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