I'm interested in hearing from all those who may have the secret to the best sail cleaner, professional paid services notwithstanding, whats your best kept secret? All suggestions appreciated!
- Status
Bath tub, Bleach, Simple Green
I just cleaned the most horrid mess I have ever seen on a set of sails. The jib was totally green, except teh thread, which was black. The mainsail was even worse. I soaked them over night in a full bath tub with a couple cups of bleach. Rotating them eveery hour or so, so I would not miss anything. The following day I laid out a worn out C-Scow sail on the ground, put the sails out and scrubbed them with a brush and simple green. Rinsed them off and hung them to dry. The result was very good.
I just cleaned the most horrid mess I have ever seen on a set of sails. The jib was totally green, except teh thread, which was black. The mainsail was even worse. I soaked them over night in a full bath tub with a couple cups of bleach. Rotating them eveery hour or so, so I would not miss anything. The following day I laid out a worn out C-Scow sail on the ground, put the sails out and scrubbed them with a brush and simple green. Rinsed them off and hung them to dry. The result was very good.
I just sent mine out to Sailcare
The did an excellent Job, cleaned the pure white, re-resin, repaired all the seams, numbers batten pockets, new luff, no complaints here. A lot cheaper than new sails
The did an excellent Job, cleaned the pure white, re-resin, repaired all the seams, numbers batten pockets, new luff, no complaints here. A lot cheaper than new sails
Secrets! We don't keep no secrets on this board.
I like muriatic acid for rust stains. Makes 'em go 'poof'
I like muriatic acid for rust stains. Makes 'em go 'poof'
True confessions...
I power washed my old sails in my drive way after hosing them down with basin/tub and tile cleaner and letting them soak for a while. Got all of the mildew off. I used water softner cleaner from Sears to get off the rust stains. You know... The stuff you are supposed to put in your softner once a year to clean it out. It will also get rust stains out of fabric (cushions) and carpet.
I power washed my old sails in my drive way after hosing them down with basin/tub and tile cleaner and letting them soak for a while. Got all of the mildew off. I used water softner cleaner from Sears to get off the rust stains. You know... The stuff you are supposed to put in your softner once a year to clean it out. It will also get rust stains out of fabric (cushions) and carpet.
rust stains
Most teak cleaners (liquid) contain oxalic acid and will readily remove rust stains from your sails. It's not overly strong or concentrated, either. I don't really know if this acid could eventually weaken the sailcloth; however, I cleaned a heavily rust-stained storm jib with teak cleaner five years ago, have used it many times. It shows no ill effects from the acid. Fred
Most teak cleaners (liquid) contain oxalic acid and will readily remove rust stains from your sails. It's not overly strong or concentrated, either. I don't really know if this acid could eventually weaken the sailcloth; however, I cleaned a heavily rust-stained storm jib with teak cleaner five years ago, have used it many times. It shows no ill effects from the acid. Fred
- Status