Cleaning a floatation suit

[astra]

Hi all, I have a mustad viking floatation suit that is in need of a good scrub can any one recommend any good ideas as to the best way to approach this, I have tried some soapy water and a cloth but this does not seem to be so successful. thanks Ben

[willk]

I used Nikwax on my Fladen. It gave fair results - obviously won't shift oil stains but it certainly freshened it up.

[BogMonster]

My Fladen is starting to lose its waterproofing a bit so I might have to order some of that

[astra]

Yes that was one thing i was afraid of cleaning with soapy water would lose the waterproofing. But mine appears to have like mini mould spots on it and other grime i believe that putting it in the washing machine is a no no but what about a dry cleaners?.

[kerny]

The mould spots will more likely be mildew from either being packed away wet for a long period of time or being left in a damp place like a garage shed etc. You could try some anti mildew spray from somewhere like wilkinsons or B+Q that should kill the mould, then put it on rinse in the washing machine then when dry reproof it with fabsil or something similar.

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by astra

Yes that was one thing i was afraid of cleaning with soapy water would lose the waterproofing. But mine appears to have like mini mould spots on it and other grime i believe that putting it in the washing machine is a no no but what about a dry cleaners?.

I've put my Fladen in the washing machine before . The bouyancy wasn't damaged and it was never waterproof in the first place so I wasn't worried what Daz would do to it. I might try some of the Nikwax stuff at some point and see if it will add some proofing to it.

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

it was never waterproof in the first place

Really? Mine was excellent when new, water beaded up and ran off like a good expensive Goretex jacket would. It's had a lot of use now (must have had it about 3 yrs) so am not surprised it is starting to show signs of age (not to mention the fact that it smells like a pair of armoured trousers after the 100 years war) so I may just get a new one.