Symptoms
- Black or green spots on the float's surface or seams
- Musty smell from stored inflatables
- Discoloration that doesn't wipe off easily
Likely causes
- CommonStoring items while still wetTrapped moisture in folded or stacked storage creates ideal mold conditions.
- CommonBody oils, sunscreen, and pool chemical residue left on the surfaceOrganic residue combined with moisture accelerates mold growth.
- PossibleStorage in a dark, humid area like a garage or shedPoor ventilation and humidity encourage mold to develop even on dry-looking items.
What to do
- Rinse the float thoroughly with clean water and a mild soap to remove residue before treating mold.
- Mix a diluted vinegar solution (roughly one part vinegar to three parts water) and scrub affected areas with a soft brush.
- For stubborn mold, a diluted bleach solution can be used on non-fabric vinyl surfaces, followed by a thorough rinse.
- Let the item dry completely in the sun, which also helps kill remaining mold spores, before folding or storing it.
- Store pool floats and inflatables fully dry in a well-ventilated area rather than a sealed bag while damp.
- Discard items with mold that has penetrated deep into seams or is causing the material to weaken, since it may not be fully removable.
Tools and parts
- Soft brush
- Mild soap or diluted vinegar/bleach solution
Vinyl cleaner for pool floatsSearch: “vinyl float cleaner mold remover”
When to call a pro
Not typically needed for this cleaning task; replacement is usually the simplest option for heavily molded, inexpensive inflatables.
Safety
Use caution
Never mix bleach and vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners together, since this creates dangerous fumes; use one method at a time in a ventilated area.