Cleaning Dodgers

[beancounter]

Dumb newbie-type question.

Our cockpit dodgers are looking a bit grubby. Is it ok to wash the material in, say, a mild detergent? I assume they'd then need re-proofing?

Ta.

 

[AliM]

Yes, fine. But do they need to be re-proofed? If there's rain or spray, a lot more will come over and round them than through them. I'm pretty certain ours were never waterproof. Ours survived a low temperature wash in the washing machine.

I had to hand wash the sprayhood in the bath, and that can certainly do with reproofing.

 

[jonathankent]

And what do you do to reproof them? Use one of those spray type things?

 

[sarabande]

Nikwax Technical Wash does all kinds of canvas and terylene stuff brilliantly. And it doesn't need to be sprayed, so is likely to be kinder to the environment.

proof of cover

Usual disclaimer of no commercial interest.

 

[AliM]

I was going to go to the local camping shop and get one of the tent-proofing sprays but Nikwax has worked well on our waterproofs, so that's an option.

 

[Miker]

I do like these "Dumb newbie-type questions" as they are the questions I think of asking. If I may also ask, would a gentle washing machine wash cause any adhesive letters to come unstuck?

 

[tonyleigh]

Nah!!!!! Mine, like canvas sheet bags, sheets, halliards etc etc etc just go in washing machine with non-bio detergent, cool wash and short spin, hung up to dry, stored under eaves to emerge pristine and sweet smelling for the new season. Wish I could get the sprayhood in!!!!

 

[Lakesailor]

We have a little man who "does for us". So I don't know the answer.

 

[eastcoastbernie]

I bunged mine in the washing machine. 40 degrees. Non bio. Then put the in the tumble dryer. Read afterwards you shouldn't put acrylic canvas in the tumble dryer. Ooops! However, I don't see they have suffered any. Don't seem to have shrunk. I didn't re-proof either.

 

[Billjratt]

Beware! I washed the sprayhood then left it on the pontoon to dry.... and it shrank. Put it back and stretch it while it's wet !