paddle boat cover
WAYS TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF PADDLE BOAT COVERS
Paddleboats are fun ways to enjoy the water. They can be used on the beach, a lake, a pond or on a pool. It is enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Considering its durability and low maintenance paddleboats are also inexpensive. Price ranges from three hundred dollars to a thousand and five hundred dollars. The more expensive ones are equipped with a motor while the simple ones are paddled by foot. Since paddleboats are made of plastics, it will not rust, mold or get dented when it hits a solid object unlike steel or wood.
Paddleboats will comfortably seat one to two persons. Most paddleboats do not come with a cover. These are usually bought seperately. There are paddleboats though, that can be bought with a built-in bimini top.
But should one opt to have one installed, manufacturers also do custom made paddleboat covers. Since paddleboats are often used for long hours under the sun, most American manufacturers prefer the Sunbrella brand because it is fade-resistant and lasts longer than the other brands. It is available in many colors, but a darker hue is best because it does not fade as fast as pale-colored boat tops.
Sunbrella paddleboat covers require minimal caring instructions. If taken cared of properly, one can extend the life of mooring boat covers to as much as twenty-five years. The following are care tips for boat covers from Sunbrella.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean sail boat covers while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
· Brush off loose dirt.
· Hose down the cloth.
· Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never use detergents as the materials tend to be too harsh.
· Use a soft bristle brush to clean the fabric. Hard bristled will only weaken the fibers.
· Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry only. Never spin dry.
· May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach or soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains. However, this may result in fading of colors and thinning of the fabric if used regularly.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
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 20 minutes.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry.
· Repeat if necessary.
· Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not of the same brand may result to fading and wearing.
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 the fabric.
· Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Source: http://www.bloggedadvice.com