[C320-list] Washing Sail Cover

[Richard A. Walker]

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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