Rubber Seal/Gaskets

[Jperry]

Our 2009 Forester has developed an ugly look to the white gaskets that seal the cab portion of the E450 to the wall of the unit itself. At first it was just a little discoloration, but now it seems to be expanding and getting worse by the day. We thought it was just mold and would come off, but nothing removes it - even bleach. Any ideas other than replacing the rubber gasket itself?

[Jperry]

Just got back from 3 days camping and noticed that my pictures posted sideways - sorry about that! To be clear, these gaskets are the ones that run upright between the cab and the coach. They are white except for the painted bottom portions down near the bottom where they meet the running board. Whatever is happening to them seems to get worse by the day. Guess I’ll need to just replace them!

[xgarys]

If all else fails short of replacing you might try painting them. Back in the 70s I had a Volkswagon beetle with really ugly vinyl seats. I found a paint like product specifically for vinyl in a rattle can. It worked well and was pretty durable.

[mwdilday]

I got some of this for vinyl boat seats and it worked pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-09067-Mild...+remover+vinyl

[5picker]

Many posts on R/V forums (including this site) are recommending this product...
Home Armor

I have no personal experience with it but it's getting glowing reviews from R/V'ers.

[Jperry]

Thanks for the responses! I’ve ordered some of the Home Armour product and will try one last time to get the mildew/mold off. If that goes to work, I may try the paint suggestion!

[clr]

I had the same type of problem with a 5th wheel that I stored in a metal shed in south Texas. I used Tilex mold and mildew root destroyer ( i think ) plus a Scots bright pad and some elbow grease. I would spray and let it sit on the mold for a minute or so and then scrub it off. It was a lot of work but most products will not even dent the problem. I have not used the home armor product so I can not comment.

[Rich5117]

A lot of times the spots on vinyl and pvc is a type of yeast and not mold, but the removal is the same. House hold bleach is typically around 6 % and depending how old it is can be very weak. I would recommend the outdoor bleach it is a little stronger usually at 9%. The best type to use is pool bleach, Walmart carries it and it is around 12% to 15%. A 50/50 mix with water should remove the spots. Mold Armor's primary stain removing ingredient is Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) at less than 5%.

Another option is Corteclean it is a very highly concentrated Sodium Percarbonate when mixed with water it makes a very strong hydrogen peroxide. Using this may require a little scrubbing to agitate the solution.

Please make sure you use proper protective equipment with any concentrations this strong. Safety glasses, good kitchen type rubber gloves and old clothes as it will bleach most clothing. Good ventilation is a must.