Vinegar and sun are all you need.

White vinegar and direct sunlight will kill mildew and fade mold stains from a pool float without bleach or harsh chemicals. No scrubbing your lungs out required.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the stained areas generously. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes — the acetic acid in vinegar kills the mold and loosens the stain. Then scrub with a soft brush or sponge using a paste of baking soda and water if the stain is stubborn. Rinse with a hose.

Here’s the real trick: leave the float in full sun for a few hours after cleaning. UV light bleaches what vinegar misses and dries out any remaining mildew. Vinyl pool floats take direct sun fine for a day, just flip it halfway through.

If the stain is years old or really set in, you might need two rounds. But for normal pool-season mildew, this will handle it.

Skip the bleach — it breaks down vinyl over time. Vinegar and sun are cheap, effective, and your float won’t turn into a brittle mess by August.