Sail Cleaning and
Canvas Cleaning

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We do not believe in the practice of re-conditioning sails by re-resinating.  Sails that are old and have distorted shapes will still be old and distorted after the resin wears away in a few seasons.  The heat process that is employed tends to shrink boltropes and leech lines compounding the problem.  The cost of a new sail is by far a much better value.  We can provide professional sail cleaning without using heat processes

Sail Cleaning

Caution: Solvents can break down the adhesives and finish of sails if used incorrectly. It is important to rinse and dry sails thoroughly after cleaning them.   The following cleaning techniques are to be applied at your own risk.  We cannot be responsible for any damaged caused to your sails by improper cleaning.

There are several methods of cleaning your sails and getting rid of or at least reducing the amount of stains.

For Paint

For paint and varnish

Remove with mild detergent or soap. and a soft bristle brush. Rinse sails with plenty of fresh water. Lay your sail out on a soft surface. Avoid concrete or asphalt.

Never place sails in a commercial washing machine or dryer since the creasing and folding necessary to get them in the machine and the abrasion during the washing and spin cycles will significantly reduce the life of the sail. Heat from the washer and dryer will delaminate and break down the coating as well as shrink bolt ropes and sail cloth.

Mildew

For Mildew

Prevention is the best tactic, but if mildew has attacked the sail, treat it immediately, and isolate the area from the rest of the sail to prevent spreading.
Do not use bleach on Kevlar or nylon. All other laminates and coatings can take a weak chlorine bleach solution of one percent or less. Most bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solutions off the shelf, like Clorox, are a 5.25 percent solution and will need to be diluted. Some commercial brands of mildew cleaners like Tilex have three percent or less solution of bleach and can be used with dilution and a little extra care.

Lysol

Lysol

Lysol is a fungicide that when sprayed on the sail will kill existing spores and inhibit any additional growth. After the organism is killed, most of the stain can be removed by soaking (not scrubbing) in a fungicide for 12 or more hours. Always rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no bleach residue left on the sail.

 

Oil

For oil, grease, tar and wax

Remove with warm water and soap. For hard stains, a mix of household bleach and soap can be used on Dacron sails. Do not use bleach on nylon or kevlar sails. Rinse well with fresh water.

 

Rust

For rust and metallic stains

Scrub with soap and water, and then apply acetone. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

 

Blood

For blood stains

Soak stained portion in a solution of ten parts water to one part bleach. Scrub and rinse with lots of freshwater.

 

For Paint

For paint and varnish

Remove with acetone or alcohol. Use with caution.. Rinse well.

 

Storage

Once you have cleaned your sails, it is essential to properly stow them away.
Whether you own racing or cruising sails, proper sail maintenance and a little extra effort on your part will increase the life of your sails and help them keep their shape longer
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Sunbrela

Care and Cleaning Instructions

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Sunbrella® fabrics concern care and cleaning. The good news is that Sunbrella® is designed to be easy to maintain. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will maintain its good looks for many years.  

Important Background

  • Sunbrella® fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella® fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.
  • Because Sunbrella® fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.
  • Sunbrella® fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric can lead to mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.
  • Sunbrella® awning and marine fabrics carry a five-year limited warranty and Sunbrella® furniture fabrics are warranted for three years. With proper care and cleaning, you can expect excellent service from Sunbrella® fabrics far beyond warranty periods.
Canvas Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella® fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.

When cleaning Sunbrella® fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

  • Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.
  • Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
  • Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella® fabrics.
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If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine (gentle cycle only) , these steps should be followed:

  • Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
  • Wash and rinse in cold water.
  • Air dry. Never put Sunbrella® fabrics in your dryer
  • Clean with soft bristle brush.
  • Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Air dry.
  • Repeat if necessary.

If you are cleaning Sunbrella® while still on a frame or on a boat, follow these simple steps:

  • Brush off loose dirt
  • Hose down.
  • Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
  • Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
  • Allow soap to soak in.
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Air dry.

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.

  • Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach
  • Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap
  • One gallon of water
  • Clean with soft bristle brush.
  • Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Air dry.
  • Repeat if necessary.

STAINS

For those occasions when stains may occur below are the recommended cleaning methods for Sunbrella for some of the most common and toughest stains.

Caution:  You must rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all solvents, soaps,etc.

STAINRecommended Cleaning Solutions
BEERLiquid detergent, white vinegar
BERRYLiquid detergent/ammonia(3-6% water)
BLOOD(DRIED)Detergent/ammonia(3-6% water)
BUTTERVolatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution,rinse well
CHARCOAL, PENCIL, MARKSvacuum solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
CATSUP OR MUSTARDLiquid detergent
CHEWING GUMVolatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution,rinse well
CHOCOLATELiquid detergent, ammonia water
COFFEEDetergent, white vinegar, volatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
STAINRecommended Cleaning Solutions
SHOE POLISH (LIQUID)Volatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
SHOE POLISH (WAX)Apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
SUNTAN LOTIONPine Power® or pine oil detergent
TEALiquid detergent
TOMATO JUICELiquid detergent
TREE SAPturpentine, liquid detergent
URINELiquid detergent, white vinegar
VOMITdetergent, water, white vinegar
WATER COLORliquid detergent, water, white vinegar
STAINRecommended Cleaning Solutions
MASCARAPaint Remover, volatile solvent(acetone), detergent, water
MILDEW1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup natural soap per gallon of water
MILKLiquid detergent
NAIL POLISHVolatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution,rinse well
OILVolatite solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
ORANGE DRINKLiquid detergent, water
PAINT(LATEX) WETLiquid detergent, water
PAINT(LATEX) DRIEDPaint, oil or grease remover
PAINT (OIL OR LACQUER)Paint, oil or grease remover
STAINRecommended Cleaning Solutions
COLALiquid detergent
CRAYONPaint, oil or grease remover
EGG(RAW)Liquid detergent
GRAPE JUICELiquid detergent
GRAVYLiquid detergent
GREASE(CAR)Volatile solvent(acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
INK (Permanent, India, Ballpoint)Paint remover, volatile solvent(acetone), detergent
IRON RUSTOxalic or citrus acids, water
LIPSTICKPaint, oil or grease remover
WAX (CANDLE)apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) use with extreme caution, rinse well
WINELiquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar use with extreme caution, rinse well
01.

Re-treating the Fabric

As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years but must be replenished. After a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella® fabrics. Fabrics should retreat. After thorough cleaning or after five years of use.

02.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™

303 should be applied to Sunbrella® fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric’s water resistance. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single