Clean green algae from dodger

[MichaelStacy]

I get a green algae on the top of my dodger that faces north (minimal sun).

Sunbrella recommends a 1 cup bleach per gallon of water mix.

eHow.com recommends a mixture of 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part baking soda. I have tried both - a lot of work.

Anyone found anything more effective (or easier)?

Michael

 

[Steve Dion]

It is not going to get any easier than bleach and water. I would also use some soap (like Woolite as recommended on the Sunbrella site) mixed with the bleach water.

You will need a soft brush to help loosen the dirt & algae too.

If the Sunbrella recommendation does not work, then you may want to try to vinegar & baking soda. Remember that this mixture is going to froth all over the place.

You may also want to consider turning the boat around in the winter so you get more sun on the material.

 

[Don12364]

I just use my pressure washer. Fabric seems to survive okay.
By this I mean any parts I do not subject to the watery blast are no better after several years than those I do.
The waterproofing is not affected because this works by virtue of the material being very close woven rather than relying on any proofing coating.

 

[larryw]

Once you get it clean a good coating of Scotch Guard will inhibit algae.

 

[RichH]

Once you get it clean a good coating of Scotch Guard will inhibit algae.

I think I remember that 3M removed (original formulation) Scotchguard from the marketplace in 2000-2001 due to 'grave environmental concerns'.
Apseal 303 Fabric Guard (NOT 303 'Fabric Protector') is what Sunbrella recommends for restoration of water repellency ... after cleaning of the fabric.

Diluted bleach solution works well on Sunbrella to remove/kill mildew, etc.

 

[Photo Bug]

Just use the powerwasher, It works and it is easy. Now I have one of the smallest powerwashers that they make and that is what you want. And keep the darn thing away from the windows and stanchon bases. Turn it off when the fabric is clean and take it home.