Boat Canvas Care and Maintenance
Boat canvas is
subjected to more severe punishment than practically any other type of
canvas or fabric item. Although canvas products adhere to rigid
specifications, they should not be neglected for long periods of time,
especially during inclement weather. Maintain marine canvas to ensure
longevity. The real key to canvas longevity is like all things in life,
maintenance. Keep your canvas clean of dust, dirt and environmental
residue on a regular basis. Top fabrics should be cleaned of any dirt
buildup at regular intervals. The following tips can be used on most
fabrics made for outdoors use.
The fabric itself will
not support the growth of mildew, but if dirt or moisture is allowed to
remain on the fabric for any length of time, it will support mildew
growth. Dirt can create a starting point for mildew when moisture is
present. Cleaning periodically with a recommended mild cleaner and water
will extend the life of the canvas and provide a better appearance.
Using too a strong cleaner will damage delicate surfaces like fabric and
plastics. As you know it is expensive to have them replaced. You should
only use a cleaner that is designed specifically for marine fabrics to
ensure you do not wash away your water repellant coating.
Start with a bucket of warm water
(if possible) and the recommended amount of cleaner. Apply the cleaner
with a dense, soft brush. Don't let the soap dry! Rinse well, repeat
steps again if you don't get the results you wanted the first time.
Stitching around windows seems to be a place where dark stains and
mildew take hold. It is especially important to let the cleaner have a
chance to loosen the dirt; don't be in a hurry to rinse the area. After
the cleaner has had a chance to lift the dirt it is time to scrub around
all the stitching. Rinse well!
Never use a power washer on
fabric! You might not see the damage but it is there. Power washing will
stretch and weaken the fabric; you will also remove the waterproof
treatment. Dirt and grime will fill in where threads use to be. If you
use a Power Washer on fabric you have shortened the life of your boat
top!
If your boat top is
acrylic it will be necessary to treat your top for water repellency.
Be careful which solutions you use, as not all are recommended by the
fabric manufacturer.
Lubricate zippers
periodically using a marine zipper lubricant. Apply on to the zipper and
work the zipper back and forth a few times. Lubricate fasteners
periodically to keep corrosion to a minimum. Replace any missing
fasteners or fasteners that show signs of corrosion. Zippers and
fasteners that are difficult to open will put a strain on your fabric
causing premature wear.
Boat Top Clear Plastic Windows Care and Maintenance
Nothing makes a boat
look more unkempt than cloudy, yellowish brown plastic windows.
If proper care isn't taken, the vinyl will become brittle due to loss of
chemicals called "plasticizor". The plasticizors work their way to the
surface over time, evaporating and leaving the vinyl brittle, cracked
and cloudy.
Start the cleaning
process by first rinsing glass with clear water to remove any dust or
dirt particles. This should be done on a frequent basis to keep salt
water and environmental agents off of your glass product. Using a soft
non-abrasive cloth, wash curtains inside and out with a mild soap and
water mixture. Rinse completely with cool water. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS!
Polish glass inside and out with a manufacturer recommended product. DO
NOT use chemicals on the vinyl glass. This will break down the
protectors in the vinyl. You can remove some scratches from your glass
by using a manufacturers recommended product. Do not fold clear vinyl
glass, store flat or roll up.
Boat Upholstery Care and Maintenance
Marine upholstery
should be cleaned and given a protective coating as well. First step is
to clean using Mold & Mildew Stain Remover paste. Then apply a Vinyl
Cleaning and Conditioner product that will clean and restore original
bright colors to upholstery. This is a protective product that polishes
to a high gloss and provides long-lasting protection and shine, as well
as protection from drying and cracking
and retards UV light damage.
No one experiences a
nastier, smellier carpet than a boat owner. Marine interior detailing
involves a wide variety of problems. Mud, oil, gasoline, food spills and
fish odors are common place. Food and fish residue will cause bacteria
driven odors. Mud and water will cause mildew. Oil and gasoline can
damage or permanently stain carpet, vinyl, wood and fiberglass.
As soon as you can, vacuum and shampoo the carpet. The cleaner these
surfaces are, the better they will look. First, vacuum and shampoo your
carpet using a Marine Cleaner, and let it dry well before sealing up the
boat. This will reduce the likelihood of any bacteria growing there.
These marine rug cleaners are designed specifically for the removal of
stains and spots on marine carpeting. It cuts through oil, grease, food
and dirt and gently lifts it away. Unlike most other heavy-duty rug
cleaners, the product will not remove color or change the nap. Once you
have your carpet clean use a fabric guard spray. This spray will not
only make any future spills easier to clean up it will also protect your
carpet from UV damage and fading.
A simple rule of
boating is a clean boat is a happy boat. If you can keep the inside of
the boat clean and clear of clutter it will make for a much better
boating experience.
Boat Cleaning Products we recommend
