Best way to clean boat covers?

[jandnrowe]

Evening all, can anyone suggest the best way to remove green staining/ mildew from canvas boat covers?
I don't wish to damage them by using something too abrasive.
Thanks all.

 

[Momac]

Laundry liquid and water. I use the biological type.
Warm water if possible .
Leave to soak if possible
Scrubbing likely to be necessary
Repeat as necessary to achieve a satisfactory result
Also works on ropes.
Don't expect miraculous results
Don't leave it too long before repeating cleaning

 

[markc]

Milton fluid good at getting rid of mould, Algon or similar good at getting rid of green stuff. Avoid jet wash on stitching

 

[wonkywinch]

Milton fluid good at getting rid of mould, Algon or similar good at getting rid of green stuff. Avoid jet wash on stitching

Milton Fluid's active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 1%. £5.30 a litre in Tesco.

Supermarket bleach is also sodium hypochlorite at 5% strength for 87p a litre. Dilute the bleach 5 to 1 and you've got the same thing but at a thirtieth of the price (3%).

 

[roa312]

Quick recommendation in case you don't already know about it:
Once you’ve got the canvas cleaned, I'd recommend applying a waterproofing spray (or fabric protector, I'm not sure of the English name). I usually do this once a year when I clean my covers, and I’ve found it helps restore the water repellency and also makes them resist dirt and grime better. I think there are both silicone and wax based products (either in spray or liquid form) - maybe check with you local supplier to make sure you get the right product for your type of fabric. If you go this route then also make sure the product is one that doesn't color or darken the fabric.

 

[jandnrowe]

Thanks all for the advice.

 

[NBs]

Hi, I have washed the hoods with regular laundry detergent and a soft brush with a long handle, using lukewarm water.

If you can't find indoor space, you can wash them outdoors on top of a new lightweight blanket.

Use colored laundry detergent without bleach. Do not scrub the windows!

Once they are dry, you should use a waterproofing agent to protect them against mold and mildew and also make them water-resistant.

 

[Sianna]

wash off let, it dry, then spray with Wet and Forget, works amazingly well even in GRP wet lockers.

 

[timbad]

wash off let, it dry, then spray with Wet and Forget, works amazingly well even in GRP wet lockers.

I’ve been using Fabsil Gold gold for reroofing covers and it works a treat if it weee me I wouldn’t be tempted by cheaper alternatives

 

[Hurricane]

I’ve been using Fabsil Gold gold for reroofing covers and it works a treat if it weee me I wouldn’t be tempted by cheaper alternatives

Or make new ones, Tim - you know you can do it.

 

[bowler]

Wet and forget/patio magic is good for killing the green but I find that a good scrub with daz bio laundry detergent and warm water cleans then up proper. Then protect with fabsil gold. Not regular fabsil. Fabsil gold is great stuff and worth the extra.

 

[Momac]

Patio magic (and the like) damages the windows in canvas covers so i have stopped using it .
But it works fine on a patio or roof tiles etc where.