boat tops canvas cover
MAKE YOUR BOAT TOPS CANVAS COVER LAST
Boat tops canvas covers serve to protect passengers from the sun’s harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. Boat tops canvas covers are known for being water-repellant and fade-resistant. The drawback is that it will also dry up and crumble easily. The sun’s heat will cause the canvas to crack. Another drawback is that it is suscpetible to mildew as it traps heat and moisture compared to other materials such as the Sunbrella. The solution to prolonging the lives of boat tops canvas covers is regular care and maintenance.
When cleaning boat tops canvas covers, it is important to observe the following general rules:
· Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
· Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100°F.
· Air dry only. Never apply heat nor subject fabric to spin-drying.
General or Light Cleaning
· 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.
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.
· Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Helpful Hints to Preserve Boat Cover fabrics
· Protect the area around the range boat cover fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor other fabrics. Always rinse thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
· Air dry to preserve the fabric. Spin srying 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 one hundred degrees fahrenheit temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
· Never use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
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 boat cover fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean.
Source: http://www.bloggedadvice.com