mildew stains on white rubber window trim/molding

[staudend 14]

Anybody know how to get rid of these? I don't have a pic, but I'm sure other people have seen them. I have to wash a house saturday that has some black mildew streaks on the bottom of the white window trim that's kind of rubber/plastic material. I've had a problem before with them before but have never known how to get them out. Thanks, Nick

P.S. Application of 6% bleach and Emulsifier with an Xjet won't touch it. Hmmmmm

Edited May 28, 2008 by staudend
additional info

[814jeffw 71]

I have never had any good luck removing mildew from any type of silicone around windows or whatever. I think if you could get bleach to stay long enough it may work, but it's still tough I think. Being silicone it naturally repels liquid. Probably be faster to replace the silicone. Maybe someone will have an answer for both of us. I give up long ago trying to get it out. I always just hope it works "this" time. But really don't pay attention to it and just wash it like the the rest of the building.

Jeff

[big mike 14]

Try whatever you use for gutters (butyl), for the black streaks. Not sure, just a suggestion.

[James 625]

Use the solution out of the bucket with a brush. You need a much stronger solution and its not 100%.

[staudend 14]

Thanks guys, I ended up going with strait bleach on a rag and using a little elbow grease. Not all of it came up but the customer was happy so therefore so was I. Thanks again.

[douseahouse 21]

i've run across the same on garage door rubber molding. i usually hit it with the house wash first and if that does not work hit it a few times with household bleach. most of the time you can get all or most of it out but we have all run into this one i am sure.

good luck,

rando

[slightmold 64]

I've had the problem before also..... I say strong bleach but watch it..If it doesn't change... You will have to remove the silicone.cause the mildew is under the 1st base of silicone..................good luck...... Marvin

[the_GUNN_man 14]

For the moldings, dryer vents, and other rubber/plastic I use 12.5% SH straight. I use a spray bottle to apply it. It only takes about 2 minutes. It works about 90% of the time. Not always does it completely get rid of the discoloration.

I am very careful with some of the streaks on the window panes. I have gotten them to come up sometimes but a large majority of the time if I use a gutter cleaner or something similar what happens is the black streak lightens but the area that was white is now even whiter and it enhances the streaks.