Home Page ] [Photo Gallery] [Custom Sail Covers] [Sail Cover Measurement form] [Sail Construction Details] [Sail Cleaning] [Sailmakers Terms]  [Links we Like]

Sail Cleaning and Canvas Cleaning

We provide canvas and sail cleaning services that will safely clean and get rid of almost all stains if not all. The sail cleaning and canvas cleaning process consists of temperature controlled soaking, hand washing and hang drying.  We do not use mechanical brushes, laundry machines or dryers.  For stubborn stains, and severe mildew, extra treatments may have to applied.

• 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 dirt or caked-on salt - 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.
• 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.
• For blood stains - Soak stained portion in a solution of  ten parts water to one part bleach. Scrub and rinse with lots of fresh water.
• For rust and metallic stains - Scrub with soap and water, and then apply acetone. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
• 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 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.  
  
• For paint and varnish - Remove with acetone or alcohol. Use with caution..  Rinse well.
  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.
  
  
  Storage
  
  Once you have cleaned your sails, it is essential to properly stow them away.
  
• Store sails dry - Thoroughly drying your sails before stowing them will help to deter mildew. Dampness can also make heavily resinated sails softer over time and can make nylon sails bleed. To dry roller furling sails, roll them up loosely.
• Fold or roll sails - Especially important for racing sails, it is best to roll or fold your sails: never stuff them into the bag. You want to avoid creasing, which can break down the resin finish and greatly decrease the life of the sail.
•  Avoid sunlight - Continuous exposure to ultra-violet radiation will decrease the strength of your sails. Always store sails in bags or under covers. Roller furling sails must have a sacrificial UV protection cover applied to the leech and foot.  Sunbrella® or other acrylic fabrics will last longer than UV protected Dacron panels . The disadvantage of Sunbrella® is that it adds weight that will effect sail shape in light air. Particularly on small boat head sails
• Avoid heat - When storing your sails, keep them away from heat sources, such as engines, heaters, lights, etc. Also, never store sails in the trunk of your car.
• Avoid petroleum-based products - These products can break down the adhesives on laminated sails.
• Avoid storing near boat batteries - Battery acid can degrade the strength of the sails.

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

Sunbrella® 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.

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.

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.

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

·        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.

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

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

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 be retreated

after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.

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

Back to Home Page

Sail cleaning and sail washing service