What is the recommened procedure to wash covers. Main, Wheel, Winch, & Dodger. Anyway better than the other and what should I stay away from??
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Sunbrella is tough
I've washed Sunbrella covers in regular washing machines for years. Normally I use regular laundry soap but have even used bleach on the mildewed ones. Never had a problem with either. Do not dry them however, they will shrink. The dodger may be too big for a washer though. Maybe use a bathtub for that. Scotchguard or similar water repellant will bring back the waterproof qualities on old canvas.
I've washed Sunbrella covers in regular washing machines for years. Normally I use regular laundry soap but have even used bleach on the mildewed ones. Never had a problem with either. Do not dry them however, they will shrink. The dodger may be too big for a washer though. Maybe use a bathtub for that. Scotchguard or similar water repellant will bring back the waterproof qualities on old canvas.
Mild Deterent
I think Sunbrella suggests a mild detergent such as Ivory or Woollite. When it's new I try to be very careful but after a few years I'll put anything on it. It's pretty tough. Once it loses the waterproofing I get the stuff for tents from Walmart, makes it a little darker but works really well and it's less than ten bucks a quart. Think it's called "World Famous".
I think Sunbrella suggests a mild detergent such as Ivory or Woollite. When it's new I try to be very careful but after a few years I'll put anything on it. It's pretty tough. Once it loses the waterproofing I get the stuff for tents from Walmart, makes it a little darker but works really well and it's less than ten bucks a quart. Think it's called "World Famous".
Non detergent, but soaps are okay.
You are not supposed to use detergents to wash Sunbrella. I believe that a mixture of bleach/water is okay for mold/mildew spots is fine. 303 makes a protectant. Check out this site.
You are not supposed to use detergents to wash Sunbrella. I believe that a mixture of bleach/water is okay for mold/mildew spots is fine. 303 makes a protectant. Check out this site.
303 Products Aerospace Cleaner
is the only officially Sunbrella sanctioned cleaner for Sunbrella fabrics, as it says on its label. Available at West Marine (product# 5358569) and other fine chandleries.
is the only officially Sunbrella sanctioned cleaner for Sunbrella fabrics, as it says on its label. Available at West Marine (product# 5358569) and other fine chandleries.
How about using Slimy Grimy?
I have never used SG on Sunbrella, but it should work, since you can use it on clothing.
I have never used SG on Sunbrella, but it should work, since you can use it on clothing.
Apseal 303 Repellent is recommended by Sunbrella
Apseal 303 "Protectant" is a UV shield and should NOT be used on Sunbrella; use only the 303 fabric 'water repellant'. Sunbrella is made water resistant by application of a product similar to 3M Scotchguard. Unfortunately most of the 'fluoro-Phosphene' products are rapidly becoming 'removed from the marketplace - unavailable' due to very alarming environmental concerns. The message here is that if you need to restore water repelliency, you'd better hurry as many of these products will no longer be available (in the UK and USA). Washing Sunbrella should be done with cool water and Ivory or other 'mild' soaps/detergents ... so that you dont release the water repellants. The Sunbrella detailed cleaning instructions are found at: www.sunbrella.com/usa/stainchart.shtml
Apseal 303 "Protectant" is a UV shield and should NOT be used on Sunbrella; use only the 303 fabric 'water repellant'. Sunbrella is made water resistant by application of a product similar to 3M Scotchguard. Unfortunately most of the 'fluoro-Phosphene' products are rapidly becoming 'removed from the marketplace - unavailable' due to very alarming environmental concerns. The message here is that if you need to restore water repelliency, you'd better hurry as many of these products will no longer be available (in the UK and USA). Washing Sunbrella should be done with cool water and Ivory or other 'mild' soaps/detergents ... so that you dont release the water repellants. The Sunbrella detailed cleaning instructions are found at: www.sunbrella.com/usa/stainchart.shtml
sunbrella
I take mine to the laundrymat. Use Ivory soap, use the big tumbleling washer. Then hang out to dry. Then I use tomson weather seal on it with a uv in it.
I take mine to the laundrymat. Use Ivory soap, use the big tumbleling washer. Then hang out to dry. Then I use tomson weather seal on it with a uv in it.
Check your stiching first
BEFORE you wash it, check the stiching. I ended up with 2 mini helm covers when I checked the dryer. Sunbrella is tough but the stiching may not be acrylic (the stuff sunbrella is made of) and will go first. If the stiching does go don't dispair it is pretty easy to "follow the stiches" and repair it. Bill
BEFORE you wash it, check the stiching. I ended up with 2 mini helm covers when I checked the dryer. Sunbrella is tough but the stiching may not be acrylic (the stuff sunbrella is made of) and will go first. If the stiching does go don't dispair it is pretty easy to "follow the stiches" and repair it. Bill
Sunbrella care
Bill Roosa: maybe the reason you found two halves in your dryer is that you are never supposed to use a dryer with Sunbrella according to their web site
Bill Roosa: maybe the reason you found two halves in your dryer is that you are never supposed to use a dryer with Sunbrella according to their web site
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