Canopy washing. Experiences?

[FlyingDutchman]

I plan to have the canopy of our boat washed by a professional company that washes sails, canopies, tents etc.
I will have that done here in the Netherlands, so I don't expect anybody here can recommend a dutch company, but does anybody have a general experience with this?
The canopy is dark blue and does have windows in it. It is used only in the summer and it is 3 years old. It is a bit dirty and on the inside are spider web threads that can not be brushed off or remove with a vacuum cleaner.
I am a bit reluctant to give it a try with the pressure washer myself.
Cost is about € 250,-.

 

[jimi]

I've pressure washed mine, no problem

 

[Twister_Ken]

Laid mine on a flat surface and scrubbed it with a medium hard brush, and water with washing powder in it. Then rinsed it off with a hose. Dried it on a washing line. Then sprayed it with Nikwax reproofer. Did the trick and didn't seem to do any damage.

 

[Cloven]

Lots of products available from Renovo - cleaner & proofer. Originally designed for soft-top cars but now in the marine market.

I do mine in situ on the boat as you can keep it in tension and its easier to dry afterwards.

Here's one supplier:

http://www.vertar.com/renovo/?gclid=CNTn2djrz48CFQFeQgod7XYe-Q

Hope this helps.

 

[MoodySabre]

Pressure wash and reproof has worked well for mine. The windows should be polished with car polish - brings them up a treat.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Now you make me doubt again!!!

 

[DAKA]

Ive tried almost everything but agree you cant beat a jet wash.

Not too fine a jet, 2.-3 inch spread and comes up like new (mine was white and even looked new).

leave it on the boat, trying to co it on a flat surface is very hard as ceases form and dirt is picked up from the floor. a pool of water forms that you can not jet through.

 

[nigelhudson]

It's worth a look at the Renovo site - they sell products for cleaning and reproofing covers/hoods etc. Renovo cleaning instructions
The interesting point is that they state...........
"Never use pressure washers on boat covers."

 

[damo]

Rub in some detergent, pressure wash, slop on some proofing stuff. No need to pay a pro IMO /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[moody1]

Automatic washing nachine
Economy cycle
30 C temp setting
Medium speed spin
1/4 to 1/2 normal amount of wash powder only, no pre-wash

Remove loose buckles, lines, lashings.

Place in machine.
Switch on
Return approx. 1.5 hrs later.

Hang neatly to dry.

Done this for number of years, no re-proofing, no other work needed as I determine.