spray hood in the washing machine...

[ChattingLil]

... anyone tried this?

Mine is coated with green nastiness on the underside. I've scrubbed the outer and got it pretty clean, but am struggling with the inner and the inside seams. Was thinking of giving it a go on a gentle, cool wash and putting it back on the frame while still wet. Thoughts?

Alternatively, was thinking of taking it off and putting back on inside out so that I can scrub the inner now outer and give it plenty of sun and air for a week or so?

 

[Vara]

I did exactly that with mine, treated with mould cleaner, left for a couple of days, then washed at quite a high heat. Needed reproofing, Fabsil ( avoid getting on clear panel) and 2 years on it is fine.

I was warned by people who know about these things that such actions were fraught with danger, so at your own risk.

 

[VicS]

Beware of mould cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, although if the material is Ok with bleach a very dilute solution will kill algae.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If it's Sunbrella fabric, go to their website and find out how to clean it based on their instructions.

 

[ChattingLil]

If it's Sunbrella fabric, go to their website and find out how to clean it based on their instructions.

unfortuantely, I would not have a clue - it came with boat with no details.

 

[Ruffles]

A good start is to close the hatch and drench it with sea water using a bucket. This seems to kill the mould but you will still have to scrub it at some point. It works on the outside too but eventually the English Summer washes the salt out...

 

[Stu Jackson]

unfortuantely, I would not have a clue - it came with boat with no details.

Even if it is not, there are good cleaning instructions for dodgers/sprayhoods.

 

[jwilson]

... anyone tried this?

Mine is coated with green nastiness on the underside. I've scrubbed the outer and got it pretty clean, but am struggling with the inner and the inside seams. Was thinking of giving it a go on a gentle, cool wash and putting it back on the frame while still wet. Thoughts?

Alternatively, was thinking of taking it off and putting back on inside out so that I can scrub the inner now outer and give it plenty of sun and air for a week or so?

Each November I take my sprayhood off and treat the greener corners and the stitching round the windows with dilute Milton. First time I did this I obviously tested a tiny corner first. Doesn't seem to hurt the fabric, and gets the green out quite well. Then wash and dry and pack away over winter.

Milton also good for de-greening ropes.

 

[ChattingLil]

thanks for that: here's the link for others' info:


http://www.sunbrella.com/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php


the pertinent bit:

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 dockside. 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.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.


Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildewSunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
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.
View the Sunbrella fabric Stain chart.

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.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Sprayhoods usually have windows, right? Not good in washing machines. Looks like you'll have to do it by hand.

 

[BAtoo]

Sprayhoods usually have windows, right? Not good in washing machines.

I've washed my sprayhoods several times in the washing machine; coolish wash; normal washing powder. The windows came out a bit cloudy which cleared on drying.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Dye the sprayhood green??

 

[single]

Steam cleaner worked amazingly on dodgers but not sure on the window bits.

 

[ffiill]

Just a warning-do not be tempted to put it on a hot wash-I did and the webbing edges surrounding the acrylic shrank!
Also flexible clear cut outs can loose their clarity if water is too hot.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Gladys wheelhouse cover suffers because the water runs off it. Was at Dauntless Chandlery and they were selling a cleaaner for mould and algae, suitable for decks and canvas work. It was knocked down from 20 quid to a fiver. It plugs onto a hose and you spray it over and leave it. A week later the green ahd turned white and't has now gone. Can't remeber the name of the product as it's aboard....

 

[davidwf]

Filled up a wheelie bin with water and Ariel Biological washing powder and left the sprayhood in it over night, came up clean but still with a bit of green. Sprayed that with something from a caravan shop think it was called Ever Clear, after a few hours all the green had gone.

Warning, friend did similar but kept sprayhood in for over a week, the windows took up the water and went all milky, however after a few weeks in the air they became clear again. So don't panic if the windows go milky they might clear on their own.