Cleaning canopy - anyone got any tips?

alt

alt

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 Oct 2006
Messages
4,137
Location
Éire
Visit site
Folks,
Canopy is generally dirty/grimey with a lot of green on it... anyone got any tips on how to clean it up a bit?

It's a cream canopy that comes with the Cranchi Zaffiro 34.

The canopy has had new 'windows' fitted last season so want to be careful not to damage them.

Thanks :)
 
I used Starbrite boat canopy cleaner scrubbed on in the bath first, then pressure washed them over the clothes line to rinse them off.


Finally I used 303 fabric protector to re proof it again. If acrylic /sunbrella type fabric DO NOT use silicone based re proofing agents. It must be poly flouro whatsit based stuff or it will leak. This is because it is not compatible with the original proofing chemical.
 
IF it's sunbrella, here are the manufacturer's cleaning instructions...



One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics
looking good and to delay the need for deep or
vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly
basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent
dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric
and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous
cleaning. 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 a boat or, size
permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in
a washing machine or dock side. When cleaning
Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the
following:
• Always use a mild soap such as
Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
• Water should be cold to lukewarm
(Never more than 100°F/38°C.)
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry only. Never apply heat
to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or light cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these
simple steps:
• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of water
and mild soap such as Ivory Snow,
Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to
soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap
residue is removed.
• Air dry.
• May not require re-treatment
depending on the age of the fabric.
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).
Heavy cleaning for Applying 303 High Tech
stubborn stains and mildew Fabric Guard
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, 303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after
however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign each thorough cleaning, which typically removes
substances that are not removed from the fabric. To the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water
clean mildew, or other stubborn stains: repellency.
• Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach. • Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one
• Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild
soap and/or detergent.
• One gallon of water.
• Clean with soft bristle brush.
• Allow mixture to soak into the
fabric for up to 15 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap
residue is removed.
• Air dry.
• Repeat if necessary.
• Re-treatment of fabric for water and
stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your
Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet
or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an
adverse reaction to the bleach. If a boat cover is
suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps
should be followed:
• Use mild soap and/or detergent.
• For heavier stains add 1 cup
of bleach to wash.
• Wash and rinse in cold water.
• Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
• Re-treatment for water and stain resistance
will be necessary after machine washing.
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
GuardTM as the preferred re-treatment product for
Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after
thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
For more information on re-treatment products,
please visit www.303products.com.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not
exceed 150°F/66°C.
of the cleaning methods.
• Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated
area following instructions on the container.
• Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and
allow fabric to dry completely.
• 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 fabric.)
For more information,
please visit www.303products.com.
Professional cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaning firms.
In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you
should inquire about a firm’s experience in working
with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning
and re-treatment requirements.
DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
Helpful hints
Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when
using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-
Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly
to completely remove bleach.
Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not
necessary.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary,
but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons
exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature
on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous
area before ironing entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric
application may impact the deterioration of the
sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.
 
alt said:
Do you mean a power-wash?!

Thanks for the other tips above btw, all taken on board :)
Click to expand...

We had exactly the same problem with our canopy from SPL (who I am more than happy to recommend). Green mould on the outside and white on the inside. SPL specifically advise against jetwashing, but it got to the point where I had no choice. The material that our canopy is made from is laminated, as I understand it, with a waterproof layer between 2 pieces of canvas.

I took the canopy off and laid it on a large piece of plywood so's not to blow through it. Jet wash did exactly what it was supposed to and in fact I did it again last year. No after treatment used and still 100% waterproof.

NOTE: From a fellow forumite. Do not use Fabsil as it apparently 'digests' plastic windows. :eek:
 
stuhaynes said:
NOTE: From a fellow forumite. Do not use Fabsil as it apparently 'digests' plastic windows. :eek:
Click to expand...

I've read this a week too late then!

I used Renovo Canvas cleaner followed by a couple of coats of dark blue restorer and then topped off with Fabsil after recommendation. I've still got the Renovo proofer that came in the kit and didnt use it.

I dont have any pics but our canopy seemed ready for replacement but after £80 quid of products and several hours of labour most of our boating neighbours think we have had new covers this year (helped by the white winter ones being on for last 4 months!)
 
My neighbour at the marina told me he had just to fix for cleaning his canopy. He showed my his wife on her hands and knees on the pontoon with a scrubbing brush and bar of soap. He reckoned on this being a painless and cost effective solution.

He didn't see the expression on his wife's face.............................
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top