[C320-list] cleaning sunbrella

Sat Apr 1 23:32:33 PST 2006

The manufacturer recommends non-detergent soap in
order to maintain water repellancy. I would be leary
of using anything sronger. 

FWIW all of the canvas on our 320 will fit in our
Sears Kenmore washer (not in one load though).

--- John Van Vessem <jvanvessem at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Chris,
>    
>   I read somewhere, don't remember where, that
> Fels-Naptha was the best for cleaning awings and
> stuff.  What do you think?
>    
>> > Here is the Sunbrella information:
> > 
> > Awning/Marine 
> > One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella brand
> 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 mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or
> > Woolite. Never detergent. 
> > Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than
> > 100 degrees. 
> > Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella
> fabrics.
> > 
> > If you are cleaning Sunbrella while still on an
> > awning frame or a boat,
> > follow these simple steps:
> > 
> > Brush off loose dirt. 
> > Hose down. 
> > Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild soap
> > (no detergents). 
> > Use a soft bristle brush to clean. 
> > Allow soap to soak in. 
> > Rinse thoroughly. 
> > Air dry. 
> > If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted
> > chlorine bleach/soap
> > mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off
> or
> > other similar stains
> > (see our Stain Chart for specific
> recommendations).
> > 
> > Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
> > 
> > Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach. 
> > Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild 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. 
> > Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella
> > if using a bleach
> > solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not
> > Sunbrella may have an adverse
> > reaction to the bleach.
> > 
> > If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for
> a
> > washing machine, these
> > steps should be followed:
> > 
> > Use only mild soaps. No detergent. 
> > Wash and rinse in cold water. 
> > Air dry. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in your
> dryer. 
> > 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
> > GuardT as the preferred re-treatment product for
> > Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics
> > should be retreated after thorough cleaning or
> after
> > five years of use.
> > Check with your local Sunbrella dealer or
> > distributor for more information.
> > 
> > Applying 303 High Tech Fabric GuardT 
> > 303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after
> > each thorough cleaning,
> > which typically removes the original fluorocarbon
> > finish and reduces the
> > fabric's water repellency. 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 heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides
> > coverage of up to 50 square
> > feet of lightweight fabric. Always apply 303 to
> > clean fabric.
> > 
> > 
> > Cheers,
> > 
> > Dick Walker
> > C-320 (687) WindWalker II
> > 740 Olive Ave.
> > Coronado, CA 92118-2136
> > 619.435.8986-----Original Message-----
> > From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
> > [mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On
> Behalf
> > Of Chris Holt
> > Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 8:32 AM
> > To: c320
> > Subject: [C320-list] Washing Sail Cover
> > 
> > I would like to give my sail cover a nice wash and
> > then add use Fabric Guard
> > to add some protection back to it like was
> suggested
> > on a prior thread. My
> > question is what is safe to use to wash the sail
> > cover?
> > I'm assuming you can't throw it in the washing
> > machine. :-)
> > On a more serious note, do detergents cause any
> > problems with the fabric if
> > used to wash it?
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > Chris Holt
> > Wine Down #447
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> 
> 
> Chris Burti
> "Commitment"
> Catalina 320, #867, 
> Farmville, NC
> 
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=== message truncated ===

Chris Burti
"Commitment"
Catalina 320, #867, 
Farmville, NC

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