Solution FOUND for Intrasigent Vinyl Molding Mold

[RRman]

Wow, finally after trying many different topical solutions over the past few years on my 05 to change now black vinyl molding (originally white, but tainted by mold)I recently applied several coats/passing over using a spray bottle of CLOROX OUTDOOR BLEACH. The next day I noticed my vinyl molding is now clear/completely or nearly completely white in some areas or mostly white with gray spots versus black. I will keep spraying on occasion to see if all mold residue can be eliminated and hope to seal the vinyl with Future Floor "polish"/wax as recommended by one RVer I know to fight back against recurrence (theoretically it may "seal" the vinyl pores).
I am so happy the grungy looking "Black" molding is now nearly gone and my Montana is looking good!

[racerjoe]

will the bleach dry out the caulking or discolor the finish or decals?

[sreigle]

I think I saw at Camping World a replacement molding that is not supposed to discolor like ours do. But I can't remember the details or even whether it really is supposed to resist mildew or mold or whatever is doing the discoloring. Anybody know? What I saw was not real expensive.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by RRman

Wow, finally after trying many different topical solutions over the past few years on my 05 to change now black vinyl molding (originally white, but tainted by mold)I recently applied several coats/passing over using a spray bottle of CLOROX OUTDOOR BLEACH. The next day I noticed my vinyl molding is now clear/completely or nearly completely white in some areas or mostly white with gray spots versus black.

We found that lacquer thinner works the best for us. This was pointed out to us by Truck Builders of Marion, IA when they rebuilt the front end of our Montana. They cleaned up the molding in record time merely by wetting a rag with the thinner and pulling the molding through the rag. It does require you to remove the molding from the rig, but that isn't such a big deal.

Orv

[DL N K]

I went another route and gave up on the battle to keep it white.
I ordered replacement molding from RV Surplus in black. Now, if it turns white I think I'll just give up!
Hopefully I'll get a chance to change it out over the weekend.