Sprayhood cleaning

[tjm]

any particularly good products for cleaning mouldy canvas type sprayhood and sail cover?
thanks in advance

 

[l'escargot]

I soaked mine in a hot (initially), strong mix of a good biological wash powder in the bath for 24 hours. With a bit of light scrubbing and a lot of rinsing, it came up like new.

 

[dickh]

I gave my (white) one a good scrub in the hot bath using bio washing powder, had 2 goes at it and it came up a treat - got rid of all the green bits and most of the mould; I then treated it wit a waterproofer - but don't use the spray cans - very expensive and doesn't go far enough, get teh liquid type, Grangers from a camping shop.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Guest]

I brush hardly the very dirty sections with a Chlor-mixed wash powder ( in Germany named Chlorix), then get them in the washmachine by 30 grad. At least, in the machine I fill a special fluidity make it waterproof.
Sorry, for my bad english knowledge.
Gerd

 

[pvb]

This is good stuff...

The best stuff I've found is any product which contains benzalkonium chloride, ideally together with disodium octaborate. You need to read the fine print on the labels very carefully. The most readily available product is Polycell 3-in-1 mould killer (which seems to be carried by most B&Q stores). It's a clear liquid. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Apply the undiluted liquid (generously) to your sprayhood using a paint brush, and just let the sprayhood dry. Don't rinse it off. Choose a day when it's likely to be dry weather for at least 24 hours. Don't wash the sprayhood for about 5 days after application.

The active ingredients apparently break down the mechanism which allows algae to attach to the surface, and they have a residual effect which lasts for several months.

Other products which have these ingredients are Cuprinol mould killer and Phostrogen Algae killer, but they're both quite difficult to find in shops.

Don't use other "mould killer" or "algae killer" products unless they contain these ingredients - they'll probably only be bleach-based and will damage your sprayhood.

 

[Guest]

After trying to clean my sprayhood with expensive "boat canvas cleaner" at £7 per bottle, I read a tip about using vinegar... Works a treat! The cheapest vinegar will do - no need for balsamic. Sponge or spray it onto the canvas, then a gentle agitation with a soft brush, rinse with plenty of fresh water and it's good as new. Two seasons on, and there has been no regrowth.

Good luck,
Ruth