Cleaning Sails

[Apex]

We had a successful trip North to Elk Rapids from Muskegon (31hrs). Once we turned into the bay though, we ran through hatches of Midges, small black flies that were EVERYWHERE. It was an epic battle that in the end saw a slaughter on the boat including the new mainsail.

The fabric is Dacron, Challenge Warp-Drive. I would like to perform a light cleaning early-season to get me through the rest of this season.

I have looked at the info sent with sails, and rinsing was discussed for salt removal, but nothing more on cleaning. I have also reached out to the mfr, but of course while I wait for a response.... what would this forum be without general questions spewed out to the general public. :O)

 

[dlochner]

Have you tried just hosing them off?
Mild dishwashing detergent would be my second choice.

 

[jssailem]

On the mild dish washing soap and lots of water. Rinse soap off with lots of water. Hang to dry, preferably on the mast - no wind.
I was in Michigan one summer when a cloud of no-seeum’s descended on our picnic table. I battled against these blood sucking black winged pests, swatting here and there, was left battle scared and bleeding.

I wish you hope and congrats on your sailing accomplishment.

 

[RoyS]

Once tried to wash my sails myself. Put them in a clean rubbish barrel with some soapy water and pushed them around a bit. Then spread them out on the back lawn, hosed them off, and left them to dry. Came back about an hour later and found them covered with inch worms that had fallen out of the trees. Each inch worm left a dark red stain. A total disaster, that exercise.
I had to pack them off to the sail maker for the costly cleaning I had tried to avoid. The cleaning did not remove all of the stains, only faded them somewhat. The following season I sailed off with spotted sails.
The happy ending to this story is that the rain and sun eventually bleached out the stains completely. You may find this problem only requires patience.

 

[DougM]

Rule #1, don’t swat the flies on the sail.
If they are just stuck to the sail without being imbedded in the fabric, they will dry up an mostly fall off.
Otherwise, just mild soap and water, followed by thorough rinsing.

Those flies are cannibals, every one killed attracts two more to a potential feast.
They love bare ankles when both hands are otherwise in use and cannot swat them.
The black flies draw blood and leave scars.

 

[Apex]

no biters, they were more of a kamikaze the back of your throat, ears and nose type of varmint. We shook them off the sail, flaked loosely and covered. They still found their way under the cover, and there was no way to get them all off. every square inch of the sail was covered....I am still scrubbing decks.

Thanks for the hints, I was thinking carwash soap as more gentle.....

 

[pateco]

Thanks for the hints, I was thinking carwash soap as more gentle.....

I use Meguiar's® Gold Class™ Car Wash for my boat simply because "The premium formula gently foams away tough dirt, road grime and contaminants without compromising wax protection." This allows my finish on the gell-coat to last longer and does not strip away the waxes and oils that may be present. I feel this would be a good option on the sails as well, but have not tried it.

 

[Gunni]

The Dacron can handle most anything, the resin coating and stitching not so much. Avoid the urge to get obsessed with clean. The sun fades everything, sail more.